YOUNG designers have gone to extreme measures in their latest project for one of Europe’s newest lifestyle clothing brands.
Art and design students from Darlington College were challenged with coming up with the artwork for the Adrenalin Factory which is a new company providing merchandise for extreme sports.
All the Level 1, 3 and 4 UAL diploma students won high praise from company manager Jason Logan but three of the students are now taking up a 45 day industrial placement with the firm, which is based on Albert Hill Industrial Estate, Darlington.
The Adrenalin Factory is developing a host of accessories, such as tee-shirts, hoodies, technical clothing and hydro flasks for extreme sports including paintballing, Airsoft, skateboarding, off-road cycling and motocross.
Gill Chapple, of Just Paintball, the parent company of new brand Adrenalin Factory, said: “We are looking for a brand which spans the extreme sports and asked the college for help. We are looking forward to working with them in our office developing the brand.”
Forty one students submitted designs from which four finalists were selected – Alicia Keeling, 18, of Northallerton, Megan Earl, 17, of Whorlton, near Barnard Castle, Abi Clark, 18, of Catterick Garrison and Josh Cave, 17, of Darlington. Alicia, Megan and Josh will take up weekly work experience places with the Adrenalin Factory.
Megan said: “I have always enjoyed art as my mum and grandma both paint. Darlington College has been really good at developing my skills to a more professional level and I feel my work has improved greatly. I was delighted to be selected and am looking forward to working with the Adrenalin Factory.”
Designs ranged from the clever use of stickmen and graffiti, to tribal art and Marvel Avengers. Jason said: “I was impressed with every single one of the designs. The amount of work that has gone into their portfolios was amazing. We can see how it will work on clothing – it is right on the mark.”
Darlington College lecturer Pippa Eeles added: “Our students benefit so much from taking on a live brief, with genuine clients, working to tight deadlines. They have really risen to the challenge by producing some excellent work and in the process have made some invaluable industry contacts.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.