This year we ran a competition inviting staff, students and members of the community to design our Christmas cups to be used across our University cafes. We had an abundance of entries that showcased incredible creative talent, and we'd like to thank everyone who took the time to create and submit a design.
We sat down with all of our lucky winners to talk about their design and get to know the creatives behind our cups.
Sophie Clarke, Student
We loved Sophie's design, which incorporates some of the University's most iconic buildings in a snowy landscape and looks fantastic on our 8oz cups.
Sophie is a Medicine student in her 5th and final year at the University and enjoying her placement at Barnsley Hospital.
What inspired your design?
The University! I had done a similar thing for the Ultimate Frisbee Club, incorporating some of the buildings into the design. That’s what the University of 91Ö±²¥ is to me - the architecture is so distinctive and varied so stands out to me. I also love 91Ö±²¥ in the snow, even though it makes going into Uni trickier, I have really fond memories of it.
How was the design process for you?
I find it therapeutic drawing all the lines - it was a nice way to relax! I made the design on my iPad on Procreate. I found the time in between placements. I also enjoy doing crochet, playing with polymer clay and any other craft that takes my fancy. Sophie91Ö±²¥Crafts is my Instagram where I document my work.
Do you have a favourite University cafe/outlet?
Probably The Wave Kitchen - I love how open the space is! But I have to give an honourable mention to Cafe 1828 in the Medical School because it has kept me going through all my lecture blocks.
What’s your favourite hot drink?
An Oat Milk Cappuccino - I’ve only recently gotten into coffee!
You can see more of Sophie's creative work over on her
Alice Caven, Staff
Alice did an incredible design for our 12oz cups, placing Firth Court in the centre of a snowy landscape. We were blown away by the detail of this drawing and loved the incorporation of a hedgehog - a lovely nod to the University's conservation efforts.
What is your role within the University?
I’m currently covering a role for alternative routes and programmes in admissions until January, but I’ve been at the University for six years now in various roles - but mostly admissions. I moved here about 12 years ago because my sister moved here, came to the Uni and never left. I like it, it’s a good city.
What inspired your design?
I chose a hedgehog because we’re a hedgehog friendly campus, and Firth Court because it's an iconic 91Ö±²¥ building and a great part of the history of the University. The snowman is a classic image of Christmas and winter. I drew the scarf in our varsity colours, and his buttons are purple like the University logo!
How was the process?
I’ve always loved art and creative things, I thought it would be a good chance to give digital art a go - it was only my second time attempting it. It’s reignited my passion for drawing. I used a tablet and an online drawing app, I have a special pen used for tablets as you would use a normal pen or paintbrush and worked in layers, doing Firth Court and then overlaying the hedgehog and snowman on top of that.
Do you have a favourite University cafe/outlet?
Arts Tower Cafe because I work on Level 2 so it’s my go-to! The staff are always really lovely and welcoming.
What’s your favourite hot drink?
It has to be a latte, it’s comforting and you can’t easily make it at home.
Alisa Vlasova, MA Graduate
Our large 16oz cups were designed by recent graduate Alisa. We were instantly charmed by the quirky colourful sketches depicting all the classic Christmas traditions and rituals, and loved the joyful festive nature of the scene.
What did you study and how was your experience studying in 91Ö±²¥?
I have recently finished my MA in Landscape Architecture. I came here to study 3 years ago as an international student, attracted by the charm of the Peak District and one of the best landscape departments.
I definitely miss 91Ö±²¥â€™s parks and the Botanical Garden – I used to live nearby and went there almost every weekend. And generally, the freedom of being a student and trying new things was liberating – something to set you up for the rest of your life!
Why did you decide to enter? What inspired your design?
Well, I love everything about Christmas and coffee so the competition seemed like a perfect match! For me, Christmas is about family, hence my design is capturing one of these family gathering together moments: putting up the Christmas tree, baking cookies and wrapping presents… It’s always a bit messy and hectic – but it’s perfect in its imperfection!
How was the process?
I was drawing the design when I had just moved away from 91Ö±²¥ to start a new job and was missing the University a lot. I was also in the middle of writing my dissertation so it was a tough time. One weekend I just took my iPad to one of the small coffee shops in town and started sketching something festive without a clear idea until the forms took shape. I love these kind of drawings, they always turn out a bit more alive and quirky and I enjoyed those few hours away from desk!
I’m trying do more artistic things like this now, like postcards and illustrations. My drawing style was originally inspired by the way children draw – without clear lines or perfect proportions – call it an escape from architectural precision!
I try to post some of them on my Instagram although I’m not very good at regular posts.
Did you have a favourite University cafe/outlet? Why?
I think Jessop Cafe. Something about the atmosphere and the light there makes it easier to concentrate and study. And I loved people-watching through the big windows and comfy chairs with the plants on the windowsill.
What’s your favourite hot drink? Why?
It’s got to be Oat Milk Cappuccino. I don’t know why but oat milk makes it taste 10 times better!
You can check out more of Alisa's artistry on her dedicated Instagram accounts, and .
