Two graduates from the University of Suffolk are in the running for a prestigious award for their work reimagining Ipswich and designing a BBC book cover.

Sammi Wong and Maria-Teodora Dragomir both graduated from the University's BA Graphic Design degree in 2023 and have both received the news they have been longlisted for distinguished international prizes at the World Illustrations Awards 2024.

Known as one of the most prestigious competitions in the industry, the awards are a showcase for the best work being created globally by both professionals and emerging talent.

Sammi WongSammi Wong (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown)

Sammi, who hails from Ipswich, has been longlisted for the New Talent Site Specific Category for her work titled 'Re-imagine Ipswich = Discover. Connect. Belong".

A project close to her heart, the aim was to use images to reinvigorate the town centre by improving the area's identity, with large-scale imagery being shown on buildings in the town.

She said: "I had not expected for my design to make the longlist as I have seen from previous years how strong the submissions have been for the World Illustration Awards.

Visual of Sammi’s large-scale imagery in IpswichVisual of Sammi’s large-scale imagery in Ipswich (Image: University of Suffolk)

Visual of Sammi’s large-scale imagery in IpswichVisual of Sammi’s large-scale imagery in Ipswich (Image: University of Suffolk)

"I still can’t believe that out of 5,300 entries that I made the top 500! It has generated such a positive buzz and elevated my confidence as a designer and illustrator."

Maria, who is based in Bucharest, has been selected for the longlist for the New Talent Book Covers category for her work created in the BBC Studio book cover industry brief.

She said: "I am absolutely thrilled to have been longlisted for the World Illustration Awards. It's an incredible validation of the hard work and dedication I've put into honing my craft over the years.

Maria-Teodora DragomirMaria-Teodora Dragomir (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown)

"My time at the University of Suffolk was nothing short of transformative. The support and guidance from my lecturers were instrumental in shaping me into the designer and illustrator I am today."

They will hear in July if they have successfully progressed to the shortlist with the overall winners being announced in September which would see their work distributed to commissioners worldwide.

Maria's book cover created for the BBC Studio book cover professional competitionMaria's book cover created for the BBC Studio book cover professional competition (Image: University of Suffolk)