Norwich Uni Collaboration
Woodmansterne Supports the Next Generation of Festive Designers with Norwich University of the Arts
For the second year running, Woodmansterne is proud to support Norwich University of the Arts through The Big Christmas Brief, a live project that gives Year 3 students the opportunity to design a festive collection for a real commercial publisher.
Following the success of last year’s programme, which saw winning designs launched as finished products, more than 50 students have signed up to take part this year. Selected designs from the previous brief will also be released in upcoming Woodmansterne publishing ranges, giving students the rare opportunity to see their work move from concept to shelf.
Last month, our Art Director Ian Blake and Senior Designer Esme Lintin visited the university to brief the students on the Christmas project. Sharing insight into Woodmansterne’s current collection of cards and gift packaging, they spoke openly about the creative process, commercial realities, and what it means to design for a wider audience, while leaving space for originality and personal style.
A key part of the visit was the chance to sit down together, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, gain honest insight from people already working in a creative career, and better understand how ideas are developed, refined and brought to life within the industry.
“It’s great to work so closely with future industry talent so early in their creative journey,” said Ian Blake. “This programme gives students a real understanding of the design process from start to finish, and for those whose work is selected, the experience of seeing their ideas published as finished cards they can keep and add to their portfolios.”
As one of the UK’s most prestigious creative universities, Norwich University of the Arts provides an ideal environment for emerging designers to explore their authentic, raw talent. For students, The Big Christmas Brief offers not only creative freedom, but a valuable addition to their professional portfolio and a strong foundation for future career opportunities.
We’re excited to see the ideas that emerge this year and to discover the creativity and individuality each student brings to the brief.
The selected designs for Woodmansterne’s Christmas 2026 collection will be announced soon.