Harvey Laidlaw

Graphic Design - BA (Hons)

Hello, my name is Harvey Laidlaw and I’m a recent graduate in BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Anglia Ruskin University. During my three years of studying here, I have learnt the skills and knowhow to make a successful and meaningful design that carries poise and emphasis across multiple design platforms.

I have always had a keen interest in design, which stems from my love of cars. This began from a very early age, where I aspired to be involved in the designing of cars, or anything automotive design related. It wasn’t until sixth form college, where I studied Graphic Design alongside Media Studies and Design and Technology, that I realised graphic design was the career path and skill I wanted to pursue and master. Suddenly, it dawned on me, graphic design was everywhere and has a profound influence on day-to-day life.

During my time at University, I have had a part time job at Sainsbury’s which has taught me the importance of customer service and communication in the world of work. With such experiences obtained working within retail, I feel confident to take these skills with me into the professional design world and beyond.

For my final year project, I have created a hydration drink beverage and brand that pays homage to past Formula One drivers and their car liveries, that solidified their legacy and helped develop the sport of Formula One as we see it today. This was an idea that I had whilst attending the Silverstone Classic, an annual event where motorsports historic race cars, that shaped its history, are celebrated and raced just like they were in their heyday. This is where I observed the physicality and sheer effort required to race such cars.

Noticing that almost all beverages that relate to historic motorsport being sold at the event were either alcoholic or fizzy, I saw an opportunity to create a hydration drink that differs from the norm. Inspired by Formula One’s past and subsequently, DRIVE was born. The drink celebrates an iconic driver from each decade of racing, ranging from the early 1950s to the early 1990s. Driven by my passion for historic racing, my main goal behind the project is to encourage my audience, young and old, to continue celebrating iconic racing cars and drivers for years to come.