“Graphic design is like painting, except the paint never dries.” – Neville Brody

The project “Design Warrior 4.0”, organized by the public relations committee of the Rotaract club of the university of Sri Jayawadenapura, was aimed at fostering creativity and skill development in the field of graphic design. The project consisted of two main phases, namely a comprehensive workshop series conducted by esteemed professionals in the industry, followed by a graphic design competition to showcase participants’ talents and achievements.

The first phase of the project, a workshop series on graphic designing held during the month of October in2023, brought together a diverse group of participants eager to enhance their graphic design skills. Led by renowned experts and seasoned professionals in the field, Mr. Supun Tharaka, the former PR director of RACUSJ, Mr. Shazeen Thalha (Animation and Visual Storytelling Lecturer at AMDT school of creativity) and Mr. Sakith Munasingha (UX designer and lecturer at AMDT school of creativity), the workshops covered a wide range of software such as Adobe photoshop, illustrator, premium pro and after effects, and design topics, including design principles, typography, color theory, and software proficiency. Moreover, the participants were provided with hands-on learning experiences, practical exercises, and valuable insights into the latest trends and techniques in graphic design. The interactive nature of the workshops facilitated networking opportunities and encouraged collaboration among attendees.

Followed by the conclusion of the workshop series, participants were invited to showcase their newfound skills and creativity in a graphic design competition. This competition provided a platform for participants to apply their knowledge and demonstrate their proficiency in creating impactful visual communication. The competition was carried out under two categories of posts and videos, under the themes of “Halloween themed rendition of old painting masterpieces” and “highlights of 2023” respectively. Entries were judged based on creativity, technical proficiency, adherence to the given themes and overall aesthetic appeal, by judges Rtr.Ravindu Ubeynarayana and Rtr.IPP Buddvi Senadheera. Thus, by the responses received for the “design Warrior 4.0” competition, showcasing a remarkable level of talent, innovation, and originality, it is clear that the graphic design workshop series and post-competition served as an invaluable opportunity for participants to develop their skills, expand their knowledge, and showcase their talent in a competitive environment. The project not only contributed to the professional development of participants but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration within the graphic design industry.

Written by: Rtr. Thakshila Ellawala

Graphic design by: Rtr. Dinuki Perera