Cynthia Lewarne Vortex Publishing

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From Hong Kong to award-winning designer: Cynthia Lewarne’s graphic design journey

Arts University Plymouth graduate Cynthia Lewarne wins the Plymouth Design Forum Prize and builds a successful career in branding and packaging design.
<p dir="ltr">For <strong>Cynthia Lewarne</strong>, studying <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-graphic-design">BA (Hons) Graphic Design</a></strong> at <strong>Arts University Plymouth</strong> was the first step toward an award-winning career. In her final year, Cynthia was named <strong>Plymouth Design Forum (PDF) Student of the Year</strong>, an award judged by leading industry professionals to recognise the most outstanding graduate talent in the region.</p> <p dir="ltr">As part of this accolade, Cynthia received a trophy, a cash prize of over £900, and a two-week internship where she had the opportunity to work with five different design studios—Brand Biscuit, Altitude Design, Dell’Anno Studio, Upshot, and James Edgar Studio.<br /></p>
Cynthia Lewarne Vortex Publishing mockup

'Vortex Publishing' mockup by Cynthia Lewarne

<p dir="ltr">"Winning the PDF Prize was an unforgettable experience," Cynthia reflects. "Receiving recognition from industry professionals was incredibly rewarding, and it gave me a great sense of validation. It also boosted my confidence as a designer."</p> <p dir="ltr">Judged by creative directors and design professionals from across the South West’s design industry, the award assessed originality, creative excellence, innovation, and employability.</p> <p dir="ltr">"As part of winning this award, PDF collaborates with design studios within the forum and provides opportunities to work on projects for non-profit organizations. This allowed me to engage with different design studios and receive guidance from various art directors on how to develop professional brand identities. The entire experience was incredibly valuable."</p> <p dir="ltr">This industry-backed recognition set Cynthia apart as an emerging designer to watch, opening doors to new opportunities and reinforcing her confidence in her work.<br /></p>
Reclaim the night concept mockup

'Reclaim the Night' concept mockup for Trevi by Cynthia Lewarne

<p dir="ltr">With experience spanning international brands, packaging design, and freelance projects, Cynthia Lewarne is quickly establishing herself in the design industry.</p> <p dir="ltr">Before joining <strong>Arts University Plymouth</strong>, she worked on <strong>packaging designs</strong> for some of the world’s most recognisable franchises, including <strong>Marvel’s Spider-Man, Venom, Avengers Zombies, The Dark Knight, Captain Marvel</strong>, and <strong>Star Wars</strong> with <strong>Hot Toys</strong>. She also contributed to <strong>Disney properties</strong> such as <strong>Frozen, Winnie the Pooh, and Wreck-It Ralph</strong>, and worked with corporate clients including <strong>HSBC</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since graduating, Cynthia has built a successful freelance career through <strong>Lewarne Design Studio</strong>, focusing on brand identity, packaging, and event campaign design.<br /></p>
Captain marvel cynthia lewarne 1

'Captain Marvel' packaging by Cynthia Lewarne

<p dir="ltr">"I’m fortunate to have a steady client base," she shares. "As a recent graduate, it’s easy to doubt your own work and lack confidence in your abilities. I always put in my best effort, but there’s always that lingering worry—will the client actually like what I create? That’s why every time a client returns for another project, it feels incredibly rewarding. It reassures me that my work resonates with them, and that sense of validation is truly fulfilling."</p> <p dir="ltr">With an expanding portfolio and a growing roster of repeat clients, Cynthia continues to shape a career that many aspiring designers will want to follow.<br /></p>
Wild things mock cynthia lewarne

'Wild Things' mockup by Cynthia Lewarne

<p>Cynthia’s passion for design stems from an early fascination with how everything in daily life is shaped by design.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I think the moment I became truly interested in design was when I realized that everything in the world is connected to design. Every single thing we use in our daily lives has been designed—whether it's the way a door is built, how a lock works, why certain colours are used in specific contexts, or why road signs are yellow and black."</p> <p dir="ltr">This awareness transformed how she saw the world.<br /></p> <p dir="ltr">What makes design so interesting is that if you’re not a designer, you might not even notice these things. You walk down the street, and you’re just walking. But when you work in design, you start seeing everything differently. Every outing becomes an exploration because everything around you—every product, sign, and structure—was once carefully designed by someone.</p> <p dir="ltr">Even now, she finds herself questioning and analysing everyday design choices.</p> <p dir="ltr">"There are moments when I catch myself just standing in the street, wondering, 'Why was this designed this way? Why did they make this decision?' And when you finally understand the reasoning behind it, it feels almost magical—like unlocking a hidden layer of the world."</p>
Cynthia lewarne graduation

Cynthia Lewarne at Arts University Plymouth's Graduation 2024

<p dir="ltr">Originally from Hong Kong, Cynthia sought an arts university that would provide industry connections, hands-on facilities, and strong academic support.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I chose to study at Arts University Plymouth after visiting several art universities to find the best fit for me. Coming from Hong Kong with no prior formal art education, I wanted to understand the courses, facilities, and support available—especially for my English skills."</p> <p dir="ltr">A visit to Arts University Plymouth confirmed it was the right choice.<br /></p>
When I visited Arts University Plymouth, I immediately liked it. The university had excellent resources, including a print room for textiles, a Fab Lab for laser cutting and 3D printing, and a library with dedicated staff who helped students with academic writing. As someone without a strong English background, the library’s support was invaluable, and I spent much of my first year there improving my writing skills.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate Cynthia Lewarne
<p dir="ltr">One of the most impactful experiences was the final-year mentoring programme, which pairs students with industry professionals for one-on-one guidance throughout their last year.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My mentor provided invaluable insights, helping me refine my work and grow into a more professional designer. This type of mentorship isn’t something I had seen offered elsewhere, and it made a huge impact on my journey."</p> <p dir="ltr">Cynthia credits Arts University Plymouth’s strong resources, welcoming atmosphere, and professional connections with shaping her into the designer she is today.<br /></p>
Starlit scents logo cynthia lewarne

Cynthia Lewarne's 'Starlit Scents' logo

<p dir="ltr">Cynthia’s success is just one of many from <strong>BA (Hons) Graphic Design</strong> at Arts University Plymouth—an award-winning course designed to equip students with the skills, confidence, and industry connections to launch careers in branding, digital design, packaging, and more.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Why choose BA (Hons) Graphic Design?</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Gain real-world experience working on live briefs with industry clients</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Learn from visiting designers and mentors from leading studios like <strong>Pentagram, Getty Images, </strong>and<strong> Creative Conscience</strong></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Explore branding, motion graphics, packaging, and social media campaigns</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Access state-of-the-art printmaking, digital production, and letterpress workshops</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">For those looking to deepen their expertise, the <strong>MA Communication Design</strong> programme offers an opportunity to push the boundaries of branding, storytelling, and emerging technologies within a postgraduate research-led studio environment.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Cynthia’s journey shows how Arts University Plymouth provides the foundation for real-world success in the creative industries. If you’re ready to take your first step into a career in graphic design, applications are now open for BA (Hons) Graphic Design and MA Communication Design.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Find out more and apply today:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-graphic-design" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BA (Hons) Graphic Design</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-communication-design" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MA Communication Design</a><br /></p>