Degree Show 2026
James Rafferty
BA Graphic and Communication Design
My time at Leeds has allowed me to explore a variety of design avenues, and I have really enjoyed having the freedom to explore projects in many different ways. Throughout my degree, I have found myself being drawn to branding and marketing design, with my final year independent project being the creation of a visual identity.
For my independent project, I created the branding for a bouldering gym called HangOut. My branding uses friendly and inviting visuals by highlighting connections between people to form a community atmosphere, helping climbers to see the gym as more than just a place for exercise and more of a ‘third place’ where they can interact with friends and relax.
During an internship with the University, I was a part of a team of students tasked with creating marketing materials for the Leeds Curriculum. A large part of my work focused on finding alumni stories that highlighted where specific degrees could lead. I then turned these stories into designs that could be displayed on digital screens around campus.