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Zhenqing Du became a master of graphic design when his final major project on chess saw him graduate with a First and win the Total Identity award for Story Telling.

31st August 2016
Art and design

Zhenqing Du, proved that he had mastered graphic design when his final major project on chess saw him graduate with a First and win the Total Identity award for Story Telling.

We caught up with the 21-year-old recent BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate from Gloucester to find out more about his winning strategy, tactical tips and future game plan!

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Tell us about your final project

It’s about chess. For the final piece I split the book into three parts - What is chess? What do other people think about the game? And my first experience of it.

I completed my primary research by interviewing players; analysing my own games against others; and researching famous chess players.

I wanted to look at people’s obsession with chess, its appeal, and what would interest others in learning to play the game.

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What inspired your project?

I have never played chess before; it’s something I have always wanted to do but was unsure of the rules and strategies behind the game. Because the brief for the final major project is so open, and the subject is up to the designer, I felt this was an appropriate time to learn something new and apply my design process to this topic.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at Solent?

Experimenting with different processes; the studio is excellently equipped with the tools and equipment that you need to try different forms and methods. I also enjoyed how the lecturers come from different design backgrounds, providing me with different information and perspectives on how I could take my project forward.

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What’s next for you?

I intend to pursue a short internship in China. As it was my first country, I’m interested in learning the way they approach graphic design and their different styles. Maybe I could start to merge the two designs styles together and continue to build my own unique design identity. I’m also going on to study an MA.

What advice do you have for current and potential students?

Be confident in your own work and work hard throughout your time at university. If you are studying a design course it’s important to create your own style, one which represents you.  And always back up your work!

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