A Graphic Design student at Oldham College has seen her work rolled out across more than 20 GP surgeries in the borough, after winning two consecutive live briefs set by Oldham North Primary Care Network (ONPCN).
Second-year student Aeryn Harwood was first tasked with creating a complete brand identity for ONPCN, developing everything from digital signage and email signatures to official document templates. Her professional and people-focused designs impressed so much that they are now in use at GP practices throughout Oldham.
Following the success of that project, ONPCN returned to the College with a second live brief, this time asking for a new logo featuring a heart symbol. Once again, Aeryn’s design was chosen.
“They wanted a heart, so I made sure it wasn’t just decoration, it actually meant something in the design,” she said.
Her work on both briefs began with the challenge of creating an identity that felt welcoming and rooted in the local community.
“I wanted it to feel friendly,” she added. “Like it belonged to the people it represented.”
Aeryn’s achievements have been recognised through presentations with local health leaders and the Mayor of Oldham, along with a professional drawing tablet to support her future creative work.
Despite moments of self-doubt, she has impressed clients and staff alike with her creativity and resilience:
“It feels like progress… like I’m heading in the right direction, even if there’s still a bit of disbelief” she said.
“I’ve learned to stop telling myself something will crash and burn before I even try. That’s been the biggest lesson.”
She credits her success to the guidance and support of her tutors:
“They’ve guided me, challenged me, and honestly, put up with me. I wouldn’t have done any of this without them.”
Tutor Callum Mellor added:
“Aeryn has been a fantastic ambassador for Oldham College, strengthening community links and setting the stage for future student-led projects. She’s made a huge impact this year, winning not one, but two live client briefs set by real organisations looking to work with up-and-coming creative talent.”
Now preparing to graduate, Aeryn is set to begin freelance design work with a portfolio shaped by meaningful, real-world experience and with her work already making a difference in the community.
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