What started as a university illustration project inspired by the myths and mysteries of sleep paralysis has earned Ashley du Rand, graphic design graduate of North-West University (NWU), international recognition.
She has been named New Talent Winner in the publishing division of the prestigious World Illustration Awards, one of the world’s leading illustration competitions.
Ashley, who completed her Graphic Design studies last year and is currently busy with her honours degree in Art History, says the award is both exciting and affirming.
“It means so much,” she says. “An achievement like this reminds you that you can do it and that your work has value. It really boosts your confidence.”
The New Talent award, which recognises student illustrators, is especially significant because this was the first year that the NWU entered the World Illustration Awards competition.
Ashley found her inspiration in the shadows
Her winning project was developed as part of an authorial illustration module, where students are encouraged to create self-directed work built around a theme of their choice.
She says after spending most of her studies creating colourful and whimsical projects, it was time to challenge herself with something entirely different.
“I wanted to do something that was not pretty or cute,” she explains. “I wanted something that would push me creatively.”
Ashley explains that her research eventually led her to the phenomenon of sleep paralysis and the folklore that surrounds it. Sleep paralysis is a temporary condition where a person is conscious but unable to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up.
Fascinated by the six eerie creatures and legends associated with sleep paralysis across different cultures, Ashley created a series of original character designs inspired by these myths.
“I love character design, and most of my projects include characters,” she says. “What made this project so much fun was that dreams are different for everyone. That gave me the freedom to reimagine these creatures and explore what they could look like.”
The final work, a set of two graphic novels, features frightening dreamlike characters and visual storytelling elements that explore ways of overcoming sleep paralysis.
Lecturers inspire and guide towards excellence
Ashley credits much of her growth as an illustrator to the guidance she receives during her studies at the NWU.
“The Graphic Design subject group’s lecturers are incredibly involved,” she says. “They sit with you one-on-one, help you improve your work and guide you through multiple rounds of refinement. Every critique helps you make your work stronger, more polished and more professional.”
Danelle Heenop, lecturer in Illustration Art, who inspired Ashley to enter her work in the World Illustration Awards, says the members of the Graphic Design subject group are very proud of Ashley and her significant achievement. It is also a testament to the quality of their teaching approach.
“We place strong emphasis on preparing students for the realities of professional creative practice. Here at Graphic Design, we equip students through a combination of design, illustration and industry-related skills to develop their talents and build sustainable careers in the creative industries.”
Danelle says competitions are part of this preparation, providing valuable exposure and helping students build confidence while showcasing their work to industry professionals.
Drawing the next chapter
This is not Ashley's first competition success. During her second year of study, she was selected as a finalist in the Gold Pack competition for packaging design, an achievement that hinted at the potential she would later realise on the international stage.
Looking ahead, Ashley hopes to pursue a career in character design and concept art, particularly within the gaming industry.
“I would love to work for a game design company and do character design or concept art,” she says. “I love storytelling and creating characters.”
For now, her award-winning illustrations are already telling a powerful story. It is a tale of talent, perseverance and a young creative finding her place on the global stage.
To see a video of Ashley and her work, visit: https://youtu.be/hhew_R-xykw
Ashley du Rand is this year’s New Talent Winner in the publishing category of the prestigious World Illustration Awards.
Ashley says creating the nightmarish characters in her graphic novels helped her to expand her horizons and discover new approaches as an illustrator.
