Marketing Team blog

The latest in Campaigns

Krystle Hall, Campaign Officer

After much deliberation, consultation and testing we have chosen our artwork concept for Clearing.  It is a dynamic visual that has real impact.  Our ‘Clearing a path to your future’ strapline conveys that clearing can really open doors and be that second chance to discover your potential and embark upon a transformational journey.  It suggests that our high-quality teaching and outstanding student support will bring the best out in students.  

It is important for the artwork to be pioneering, inspiring and visible whilst remaining adaptable for multiple platforms.  We have some really inspirational UoB students on board who will be appearing in the artwork and describing their experiences in online video.

Camera, lights, action

We had our photo-shoot last week in the Postgrad Centre.  We photographed 8 students from a range of disciplines.  They were enthusiastic and professional, displaying lots of patience as we strived for the right shot.

We had all manner of props and costumes loaned from our faculties; for instance, we had the latest portable eye tracking glasses for our Psychology student Sameera, a motion capture suit for Robotics student Seb and an authentic legal gown for Law student Ashlin.

The real test for our models was poise and patience.  The students had to wait patiently as the photographer took test shots and adjusted the lighting.  They had to position themselves in all kinds of stances.  With our Advertising Design student Shahnaz we really wanted to get a motion shot of her throwing coloured pencils up in the air.  We had to conduct take after take to capture the pencils mid-air.  Kate, our Performing Arts student was dizzy from walking in circles so that we could get the trail of her dress just right.  The other Performing Arts student Paige had to balance very carefully, holding some challenging dance poses whilst Bobby and Joseph our Business and HRM students were made to strut repeatedly up and down the set. 

Once they had finished their photography they were whisked away by the Digital Team for filming.  Interviews were conducted to get their views on Clearing and their advice to others on how to conduct research.  Our resident Communications Assistant was also on hand to uncover each student’s journey at the university, as well as, their career aspirations. 

The results of the shoot are now in and I am working with our design agency Z3 to finalise the artwork.  I will post the final article in my next blog.

Bright Ideas

The team has been researching and investigating innovative and alternative forms of advertising to promote the UoB brand and raise awareness of Clearing via new forums.  We have looked into the likes of sporting events, flash mobs, murder mystery night, first aid stand and creative writing event.  An interesting company that specialise in outdoor art and sculptures is Media Gang.  They offer 3D floor art, reverse graffiti, floor adverts and 3D video projections.   This element of the campaign is still at planning stage so look out for an update on activity soon. 

Krystle