A design student at Cardonald College has scooped £250 in a contest to design a new logo for Pollok-based South West Arts and Music (SWAMP).

Gary McNair, an HND Graphics student, saw off more than 50 competitors to win the contest, open to all levels of design students from NQ to Advanced Diploma level. SWAMP is a creative media centre who work training disadvantaged young people in video, music and computer technology.

Gary said, ‘I designed the logo in my spare time and in just less than a month I had come up with my final idea. I took my inspiration from a range of medium, but mainly focused on working around the brief provided by SWAMP. Although surprised, I am delighted with my success in the competition and the success will be great for my CV.’

SWAMP’s Commercial Development Manager, Beverly Zigone, said that she and SWAMP founder Andy Peline were ‘astounded’ at the diversity and quality of the submissions.

Beverly added, ‘As we work mainly with teenagers and young adults, we wanted to have a logo that young people could identify with, and what better way to achieve this than by having it designed by students? We decided to ask Cardonald College students to redesign our logo as it fitted with the ethos of our organisation. All of the entries were fresh and forward thinking, however Gary’s stood out because of the bold, yet simple, use of colour. I would like to thank all of the students at Cardonald College who took part.’

Southsider James Jamieson, from Kings Park, came second in the contest and was rewarded with £50 for his efforts. Eight submissions were shortlisted before the winner was selected.

Sally Jamieson, Graphic Design Programme coordinator at Cardonald College, added, ‘All staff and students were delighted that SWAMP gave us this brilliant opportunity, and it gave the students a taste of a live brief.’