Former York St John student designs eye-catching campaign for York charity

York St John University  graduate Beth Cameron has created an inspiring fundraising project focused on well-being, in partnership with the mental health charity York Mind. 
 
The new campaign encourages people to ‘Donate a Brick’ to York Mind’s special facility in Clifton, York. This is a home centre running face-to-face counselling, mental health training courses and includes a young persons’ drop-in facility. 
 
After months of research and idea development, Beth, who graduated in 2023 with an MA in Graphic Design, has created a design that not only complements York Mind's existing brand but has extended it across multiple media platforms, including print and animation. 
 
Beth, who is now the Marketing and Campaigns Coordinator for York Mind, started work on the campaign as part of her final project for her master's degree. She was assisted by 4 other York St John alumni - El Rogers, Louise Grimshaw, Alisha Harper and Amy Watson (Animation BA) – who all volunteered with helping to create the eye-catching animations. 
 
“ I have always supported Mind before I worked for them so this was a fantastic opportunity,” said Beth, who also completed her BA in Graphic Design at York St John. 
 
“The animations are very simple and minimal - you wouldn't be able to tell the amount of hard work that went on behind the scenes. We really needed them to be as easy to understand and as accessible as possible and the hand-drawn elements make them more personal, trustworthy, and friendly, which is exactly what we wanted. 
 
“The subject of mental health is so important and I really hope that the work I continue to do will slowly encourage more people to know that it is okay to reach out for help and that they are not alone.”   
 
Warren Fearn, Associate Professor in Design at York St John, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with Beth’s final result - even more so, knowing that her work supports such an important cause.  
 
“This is the power of design. Beth’s work exemplifies how creativity and collaboration can make a meaningful impact in the community. 
 
“Beth’s project highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration at York St John University, drawing on expertise from the University’s talented animation students to produce innovative outcomes.” 
 
Simon Taylor, Head of Income Generation and Operations at York Mind, said: “Being able to deliver engaging campaigns is extremely important for allowing us to tackle mental health stigma, and raise much needed funds to support deliver of our various mental health services.  
 
"Beth was able to work with some talented animators to create just that; an engaging and impactful campaign." 
 
You can learn more about York Mind’s Donate a Brick campaign on their website and view Beth’s animations on the York Mind YouTube page.  
 
Find out more about our Graphic Design MA and Graphic Design BA courses at York St John University.