Illustration graduates create mesmerising mural for Students' Union

University of Wolverhampton School of Art graduates were in the frame to design and create a mesmerising mural for a new juice and sandwich bar in the Students’ Union (SU) at its City Campus in Wolverhampton. 

Vicky Crowther and Charlotte Webb graduated with First Class honours in Digital & Visual Communications, specialising in Illustration. 

The creative duo were set a brief by the SU to create a vibrant mural incorporating elements of nature and reflecting the use of the space – creating a calming, welcoming and inclusive social environment for the deli which serves coffee and other hot beverages, fruit juices, as well as food.  

The Deli Moon forms part of a broader Regeneration Project to revitalise the student experience on campus, which also includes a bar and events space, Luna Lounge, and refurbished social space, The Den. The colour pallet used by the artists reflects that used across the wider renovated spaces, which were designed by another recent graduate of interior design, Ashley Smith, creating an inviting unified space.  

The lead designer, Charlotte, who has worked closely with the SU, talks of how they seized the opportunity to provide more than opinions when asked to feedback on behalf of the student body on the SU’s Regeneration project.  

Charlotte said: “As representation of the student body, the school and course reps were invited into discussions around the regeneration project when it was first initiated. The students were keen to be actively involved throughout the project, and in more than a consultation role. 

“As creative students, we offer such a broad range of talents and felt these skills would be invaluable to a student focused project like this.  We put forward the suggestion to collaborate and it was emphatically received by the Students’ Union. 

“It’s been great to be able to gain further experiences of working with an internal charity, with the familiarity of the people that I know, but in a completely different guise.” 

Nirmla Devi, Students’ Union CEO, said: “Students were at the heart of this project as they are creatively involved in every aspect of each development stage including market research and design and of course delivery. We are thrilled with the work that the students have produced. Our goal has been to create a vibrant, safe and engaging student focused space that promotes a sense of community and belonging for all. The mural and the design work have really set the tone and have accomplished what we wanted.”  

Charlotte, who made the decision to pursue a creative career path following redundancy from her previous job, said: “For me personally, this is not something that I thought I would ever see myself being able to accomplish, for a long time before coming to university. I can’t believe I’ve done it, and with a First Class as well, it’s amazing!”   

“I can’t begin to explain how much of a help our tutors have been. We know that even though we’ve graduated, we can reach out to them at any point. These are relationships that, whether it’s professional, friendship or tutor, they will last and I’m very confident in saying that.”   

Vicky said: “I’m just so happy the University doesn’t shut its doors to you once you’ve graduated.  There are loads of opportunities for you to stay in touch with everyone and I know that the SU, in particular, has plans to make it even more accessible for alumni.  I will definitely be making use of the alumni support and continued library access.”    

Since graduating, Vicky and Charlotte have continued to book a series of jobs keeping their schedule packed tight. To date, their collective portfolios include a variety of design projects across the University estate including murals for the School of Health & Society common room and School of Mathematics & Computer Science corridors, with further jobs lined up within the university including 3 floors depicting subjects within the School of Life Sciences; and 3 murals at the Science Park for creative industries and technology centre.  

Their client list, and reputation already extends far beyond the grounds of the University, with partnerships including The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and local charity, the Good Shepherd, under their belts. In addition to their collaborative work each has their own independent design ventures, and are based at local art studio, the Makers Dozen, across the road from the University.  

Charlotte undertaking a Masters’ degree in Illustration whilst Vicky has recently clinched a job as a designer at a ceramics design company Heritage Collection. 

For enquiries regarding alumni events or to share news, please contact the alumni team at alumni@wlv.ac.uk.   

After graduation, graduates become members of the Alumni Association and are encouraged to keep in touch, to take advantage of a wide range of benefits and support on offer, including a discount for postgraduate study.  

To find out more about graduate success, check out the Every Story Has a Start web page which showcases our exceptional alumni across the globe doing incredible things. High achievers from the worlds of literature, business, sport, film and the arts feature, sharing how their lives and careers have developed since their days studying with us. 

The Clearing hotline number is 01902 323 232 for anyone looking for courses starting in September and to find out more about our Open Days, visit our website.