Capital College student Craig Carson wins prestigious D&AD Black Pencil Award
Edinburgh College HND Visual Communication student Craig Carson has achieved an extraordinary career milestone in the world of design by winning a prestigious D&AD New Blood Black Pencil. These awards are reserved for ground-breaking work, with only a handful of these being awarded each year, if any.
33-year-old Craig’s winning submission, which comprises a symbol designed to represent the global movement to transition away from fossil fuels, stood out in a highly competitive field.
Inspired by an ancient Native American symbol meaning "Time to Change," Craig’s design is a striking emblem that anchors a campaign aimed at galvanising support for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The symbol has been crafted to be universally accessible, with a design that can be easily replicated as a hand gesture. This feature ensures it can bridge cultural and language divides, becoming a global icon for change.
Craig said: "It was incredible to be shortlisted for any pencil level, so winning the D&AD New Blood Black Pencil was completely unexpected and is something I am extremely proud of. I am very thankful to the lecturers at the College; I grew so much during my course, and they were extremely helpful in pushing my idea further. This recognition is real validation of the hard work I put in, and I am eager to see where this journey takes me next."
The D&AD New Blood Black Pencil is one of the most coveted global awards in the Creative Industries, reserved for work that is truly ground-breaking. Craig’s symbol, designed for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, has been lauded for its ability to evoke hope and unity, key elements in the fight against climate change.
"For my D&AD submission, I chose the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, which sought a symbol representing hope and unity in phasing out fossil fuels," Craig explained. "My goal was to use art and culture to inspire change and grow the movement. I created a symbol inspired by indigenous art and culture, as these communities are disproportionately affected by new fossil fuel projects. Designed to be easily replicated as a hand gesture, the symbol aims to evoke hope and foster unity in the transition away from fossil fuels."
Craig, who studied at the College’s Granton Campus returned to education in August 2021 and hasn’t looked back. He said: "Going back to study was a big decision for me, and even without this award, it was the best decision I ever made. I have found a real passion and a career path I am extremely excited about."
Neil Manning, Head of School for Art and Design, said: “We are immensely proud of Craig and this significant achievement and international recognition. Craig’s work is a powerful example of how design can transcend traditional boundaries to inspire real-world change. From start to finish, Craig approached this project with an extraordinary level of thoughtfulness and creativity. His commitment to using design as a force for good has been evident throughout his time at the College, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of his talent, hard work and the international standing of our HND Visual Communication courses."
As Craig’s work gains recognition, it is clear that his symbol has the potential to become a powerful tool in the global effort to combat climate change, uniting people across the world in a common cause. His success is not only a testament to his talent and dedication but also a shining example of the impact that thoughtful design can have on pressing global issues.