It’s not every day a Curator for one of the world’s most famous galleries gives you a brief…….
A few months ago, Tobias Ostrander, Curator at Tate Modern, joined our Graphic Design Students on the Creator Pathway, to set a challenge that was as high-stakes as it gets. Create a marketing poster for the upcoming Frida: The Making of an Icon exhibition at Tate Modern.
Tobias explained that in the professional world, a poster has to do two things at once. It has to be a piece of art that honors the subject, but it also has to work as a functional piece of marketing that stops people in their tracks.
For the next six weeks, the students went deep into the transcript of Frida’s life, researching her legacy whilst navigating the “Tate style,” using typography, whitespace, and branding in a way that felt sophisticated enough for a global institution.
After a final round of presentations, there were three pieces that really stood out:
3RD PLACE
2ND PLACE
1ST PLACE
The feedback:
Clean, elegant, readable, and attractive. This design feels polished and professional.
Conveys information clearly and simply, while also attracting the viewer’s attention. The balance between visual impact and clarity is spot on.
Beautiful abstract image of Frida, incorporating her portrait within the floral pattern. This creative approach enhances the concept without overwhelming it.
Huge thanks to our long term partners @bankOfAmericaBusiness for making this exciting project happen as Global Lead Supporter of the exhibition and their ongoing commitment to education and digital skills.
If you want to attend a college where you create briefs for world-class partners like the Tate, then explore the Creator Pathway here and visit for an open event!