Lauran Perkins
Graphic Communication and Illustration
I love to illustrate meaningful work, with elements of fun and that build community.
Final year project
Nobody I'd Rather Bee
Project One: Nobody I'd Rather Bee
A spread from my children's book called 'Nobody I'd Rather Bee' - a book that opens conversations about disability with children in key stage one (ages 5-7). In general, disability remains under-represented in children's books, so I wanted to create a book that looked at tackling stereotypes that can be commonly seen in children's books. Such stereotypes include the removal of a character's disability in a narrative.
'Nobody I'd Rather Bee' takes a strengths-based approach and focuses on what Bertie, the main character, can do rather than what he can't. Bertie has no wings, meaning he can't fly to the top of the flowers along with his friends. However, he uses his imagination and positivity to think of ways that he can get to the top, helping and motivating a friend along the way. From flying in space to riding a rollercoaster, Bertie eventually makes it to the top of the flower, proud of his achievements and perseverance, thus showing children that he is able to do the same things as them despite obstacles in the way.
This illustration shows the moment Bertie has joined everyone and is supposed to model acceptance between all the characters.
Project Two: Fourth Wall Campaign
My second project is a campaign for parents aged between 27-42 who currently do not go to the theatre, to encourage them to attend both to benefit their mental health and to bring in funding in a post-covid environment.
Surveys revealed that people within my target audience would rather spend time on social media than attend a theatre performance. My campaign begins on social media, with multiple images and ads reaching the audience whilst they're scrolling, with a fun and relevant tone of voice.
Project Three: What My Disability Can Do!
My entry to LU Arts and the Disability Support Network's competition brief 'What my Disability Can Do!'. I was inspired to take part in this competition brief to raise awareness for my own disability, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, as that's something that is incredibly important to me both as a designer and in my life in general. My approach for this illustration was to help break down the barriers surrounding non-visible disabilities, to show the message that even though you may not 'look ill', you never truly know what somebody may be experiencing. I added the symptoms on top, accentuating those that affect me the most.
Project One: Nobody I'd Rather Bee
The first spread of the book, where all of the bees are shown playing together, before flying off to reach their flowers.
Project One: Nobody I'd Rather Bee
Another spread from the book. This gives an insight into Bertie's imagination, showing him thinking of them flying through space to reach the flower at the top. It also shows the relationship between the two and how they help each other up the leaves.
Project One: Nobody I'd Rather Bee
Another page from the book, the moment Bertie and his friend reach the top of the flower and sit together to just appreciate what they've achieved together.
Project Two: Fourth Wall Campaign
This is the carousel ad for the campaign, which shows the community element. Everyone is laughing and interacting with each other, before then highlighting the empty seats at the end for the campaign's audience to fill.
Project Two: Fourth Wall Campaign
The artwork here is the mural design that visitors would reach when they turn up at the theatre, creating excitement as well as welcoming them in with a friendly and familiar tone of voice.
Lauran Perkins
Final year project
Nobody I'd Rather Bee
Awards
My illustration for the LU Arts and DSN's competition brief 'What My Disability Can Do!' was awarded first place in May 2022. Winning this meant my work was promoted on bus shelters around campus.