New Blood is D&AD’s annual showcase of the best creative graduates from its University Network. It highlights the top graduates in graphic design, visual communication, advertising, digital media, illustration, photography and other commercial creative arts.
For over a decade, New Blood has bridged the gap between higher education and the creative industry by offering graduates unparalleled access to D&AD’s professional network.
The event enables graduating students to meet and show their work to creative industry heads, top designers, producers, studios and agencies. It is recognised by industry as the best place to scout new talent, and by graduates as the best place to get spotted.
Graduates are encouraged to visit agencies and interact with the industry and their peers in a bid to build commercial awareness and develop networking skills – helping graduates gain the upper hand before entering the workforce. The very best graduates are selected by industry judges to receive the coveted ‘Best New Blood Award’. Up for grabs for the first time in 2011 is a ‘Best Copy Award’. Winners will be announced on Thursday 30 June.
As the UK strives to bounce back from recession and stay competitive in a digitised global economy, the emphasis of New Blood 2011 is on developing digital skills. In response to demand from D&AD’s professional members in the creative industries and the focus placed by government on digital skills as the heart of the creative economy, this year’s New Blood Festival will aim to equip new graduates with the digital armoury they need to fight their way into the workplace.
Building on the success of its inaugural season in 2010, the New Blood Festival features 41 partners hosting 50 events. Some of the UK’s best known agencies and creative directors will open their doors to deliver workshops and training sessions, offering a unique opportunity for new graduates to network and learn from their industry heroes. The festival is free to attend for all graduating students, whether or not they are exhibiting at New Blood. Limited places are available by registering at www.dandad.org/talent/new-blood/new-blood-festival-2011.
Sanky, D&AD President and founder of leading interactive agency All of Us, said: "This year we've put a bit more focus on digital skills as the world is crying out for them...calling all thinkers, do-ers, noodl-ers, technologists, tinkerers, adventurerers, storytellers, people problem solvers, observationalists, hello worlders, dreamers etc, the world really is poised at a time where digital (for want of a better word) is woven into the fabric of our society."
All university courses exhibiting at are committed to D&AD’s core values of creative excellence and industry-led education, and everyone involved in D&AD’s education programmes will be present to share their advice and skills with new graduates.
New Blood’s 2011 creative is by Big Active, the agency that represents some of the UK’s most prestigious designers and illustrators. Big Active will be present at the event, giving tips and advice on breaking into industry.
The New Blood showcase and festival return to east London’s Truman Brewery from Thursday 30 June to Monday 4 July as part of Free Range, the UK’s largest showcase of graduate talent. New Blood is open to the public from Friday 1 July and tickets are free. Register at www.dandad.org/newblood.
