GATWICK, UK – Four young creatives will see their designs reach shop shelves across the UK this September as part of the Nescafé Azera By Design competition, in partnership with The Prince’s Trust. Nescafé Azera is entering its fourth year in partnership with The Prince’s Trust to support young people, develop their skills and provide a platform to raise their profile as young aspiring artists.
This year, entrants were asked to create a design piece focused on “the beauty of connecting over coffee”. The creatives were encouraged to think about how they connect and check-in with themselves or loved ones, and explore the connections coffee can have with places, music, moments in time and special memories. Altogether, 193 people submitted their thoughtful entries inspired by their favourite coffee moments.
The four winners are: Lisa McQuarter, Lauren Peters, Lauren Mann and Bex Mitchell, each put forward their own special design and creative background story.
Lisa McQuarter, a 25-year-old portrait photographer from Glasgow, heard about the Nescafé Azera By Design Competition and decided to take part with hopes of being able to pick up creative skills to better market her business.
She said: “My design reflects bringing people together through yoga which is a form of love and a way to change yourself for the better from the inside out.”
Lauren Peters, a 27-year-old London-based graphic designer, noticed a shift in creative technology with the rise of AI and creative tools.
This pushed Lauren to learn a new skill, so she joined The Prince’s Trust. She said: “Creating my design allowed me to explore all the different experiences and emotions that arise when coming together over a cup of coffee. Coffee has been a journey into transitioning into adulthood, gaining knowledge, building human connections and finding inspiration.
Bex Mitchell, 28, is an aspiring illustrator from Edinburgh, she said: “I’ve gone from being told off in classes for doodling, to having those doodles selected and now seen by anyone venturing down the coffee aisles.”
Lauren Mann, 28 from Lincolnshire, owns a multi award-winning business, Farrow Friends, which enables the elderly to live independently within their home and local community, helping to minimise isolation. She said: “When someone picks up my Nescafé Azera tin, I want them to feel a sense of gratitude knowing they have the power and ability within them to reach out to someone feeling isolated and arrange to have a coffee date.”
Honor Hocknell, Brand Manager for Nescafé Azera, said: “Nescafé Azera have worked with The Prince’s Trust for over four years now and it is always incredible to see the work of passionate young creators. Our partnership with the charity gives young people a nationwide platform, where their designs will be seen by coffee fans all over the UK.
“We are honoured to have received such a large number of high-quality entries in the 2024 By Design competition. This year, all four winners have really brought their special coffee connections to life which can be admired and enjoyed by everyone.”
The Prince’s Trust, which formed in 1976, helps young people aged 11-30 to develop essential life skills, get ready for work and access job opportunities. Since their partnership launched, Nescafé Azera has donated £430,000 to The Prince’s Trust.
Sylvia Lowe, Director of Brand and Marketing for The Prince’s Trust, said: “We’re incredibly proud to work with Nescafé Azera on the By Design competition again this year as part of our long-standing partnership.
“The talent and creativity displayed by all of the young entrants was amazing, making it very tough for the judges to select just four designs.
“Lauren Mann, Lisa McQaurter, Bex Mitchell and Lauren Peters have all showcased the importance of community in their own original ways and are truly deserving winners of this year’s competition. We are excited to see how their careers develop from here.”
The winners will also take part in a launch event to celebrate the wonderful work they have created. The event will be a fun and relaxing day that includes a Q&A panel session featuring digital creator, Meagan Wells as well as one of last year’s winners, Esther Johnson. The panel will discuss key topics about the world of design and showcase the dynamic routes into the industry.
