A notable collaboration has emerged from the alumni network of Arts University Bournemouth, with four graduates – Stephen Flagg, Mia Cann, Alice Marchant, and Evie Binns – working together at GAIN Creative Studios for the past three years. Their collective efforts have led to a comprehensive rebranding of the British Heart Foundation's health information booklets, a critical resource that has seen over a million copies distributed to date, with more than 5,000 printed weekly.
Stephen Flagg, a Visual Communication graduate from 2014, now holds a Lead Designer and Creative role. He highlighted the importance of industry experience gained through opportunities like D&AD New Blood. Evie Binns, who completed Visual Communication in 2023, found her way back to design after travelling, with the BHF project being a key opportunity for skill development. Mia Cann, a Graphic Design graduate from 2021, described the project as one of the most meaningful she has undertaken, securing her role at GAIN shortly after graduation. Alice Marchant, also a Graphic Design graduate from 2023, gained valuable local work experience before joining GAIN as a Junior Creative, and has since moved to a paid media agency in London.
The team detailed the challenges of maintaining a consistent design style across numerous booklets, especially while adhering to strict page counts and ensuring scientific accuracy over pure aesthetics. Alice Marchant noted that creating icons and illustrations was outside her comfort zone but ultimately rewarding. Evie Binns emphasised the value of direct testing with heart patients and medical professionals, which underscored the importance of audience-centred design and feedback integration. Mia Cann explained the extensive pre-design process, involving over ten versions and cross-referencing with data, alongside regular review calls with nurses and doctors to ensure accurate communication across all 17 booklets.
Stephen Flagg elaborated on the project's scale, encompassing approximately 2,100 pages, with versions available in braille and for visually impaired individuals. The project has seen over 1 to 1.5 million copies printed, with some booklets ordered in excess of 5,000 per week. The response to the refreshed booklets has been overwhelmingly positive, with the team hearing inspiring stories about the project's widespread impact across the UK and its adherence to high accessibility standards.
Reflecting on the experience, the graduates shared advice for aspiring creatives. Evie Binns encouraged pursuing passions, embracing opportunities, and learning from others. Alice Marchant stressed proactivity, networking, asking questions, and carving one's own career path. Stephen Flagg advised continuous learning, mastering software, staying current with trends, and focusing on creating impact regardless of scale. Mia Cann highlighted the importance of asking for opportunities, even when feeling unqualified, stating, 'If you don’t ask, you don’t get.'
