Children's illustrator Williams named New Designer of the Year

Jake Williams, creator of a "beautifully" designed and illustrated children's book Resilient Reptiles, has received a New Designers Award, presented by the V&A.

The New Designers Awards recognise the design world’s "rising stars". The prizes, including cash, professional advice and paid work placements of up to one year, offer graduates vital support as they embark on their professional careers.

Williams was presented with an award for his non-fiction children's book Resilient Reptiles, which takes a closer look some of the "most highly specialised, adaptable and incredible animals in the world". Williams is currently studying for a BA in Illustration at Plymouth College of Art. 

The judges praised Williams' "creative approach, his style and his ambition to tackle difficult subjects thoughtfully through the medium of illustration".

Williams said: "Winning the BDC New Designer of the Year Award will be a massive asset to me as I embark on my career as a freelance illustrator, especially because of how respected the award is and because all the support that comes with the prize that will help me kick-start my career."

Williams was awarded a £1,500 cash prize, plus additional benefits as follows: £1,000 worth of legal advice from Specialist intellectual property lawyers Briffa including a year’s free membership to their DesignProtect insurance service; £2,000 worth of invaluable accounting and taxation advice from experts HWFisher; a dedicated 12 day focus on PR by Four Colman Getty and marketing worth £500.

Corinna Gardner, acting keeper of the design, architecture and digital department at the V&A, presented the award. She said: “I am delighted to be a part of New Designers show and awards programme. Both are a fantastic opportunity to explore an amazing array of new design talent and to uncover future design superstars who will influence the way we think about design and the designed world.”

Sarah Monk, director of New Designers, said: “There’s such a wealth of brilliant ideas at this year's New Designers that our judges have been spoilt for choice. We’re hugely grateful to our sponsors for their generous support in recognising these talented individuals and providing them with such fantastic opportunities as they take the first steps into their creative careers.”