Ten designers shortlisted for Kelpies prize

Edinburgh-based publisher Floris Books has shortlisted 10 designers for this year’s Kelpies Design & Illustration Prize.

The prize, now in its third year, challenged designers and illustrators in Scotland to design a new cover for Mark Smith’s novel Slugboy Saves the World, which won the Kelpies Prize 2015, also run by Floris Books, for Scottish children’s writing.

Floris has shortlisted a range of possible front covers by professional and student designers, including three from Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen. The winner, who will be announced 26th February, will receive £250 and may be offered the chance to work with Floris Books to create the book’s final cover.

An exhibition of the 10 shortlisted entries will be displayed at a special exhibition in Leith until 4th March and members of the public can also vote for a second “people’s choice” award online.

Last year, the winner of the Kelpies Design & Illustration Prize 2015 was Lewis Copland, a student from Gray’s, for his cover for a new edition of Allan Campbell McLean’s cold war spy adventure The Hill of the Red Fox.

The shortlist for the 2016 prize in full:

Sam Blair, student at Edinburgh College

Darren Gate, professional designer from Glasgow

Susan Cairns, professional designer from Edinbugh

Kieran McDonald, student at Gray’s School of Art

Joanna Kropacz, student at West College Scotland

Xanthe Jane Bodington, student at Gray’s School of Art

Anna Elez Rodrigo, student at Edinburgh College

Gisel Miranda, student at Edinburgh College

Manuel Brauer, student at Grays School of Art

Laura Darling, professional designer from Dundee