Student's picture-'purrfect' artwork to appear in children's book

Shafi Rahman, aged 18, who is studying for a University of the Arts London Level 3 diploma in art and design, won a competition organised by Moseley Writers' Group to produce illustrations for its latest book about two cats called George and Cassandra. 

Students volunteered to take part in the challenge and worked on their projects in addition to their college work and liaised with the authors to discuss their requirements and submit their initial ideas. 

Entries were judged by the book's authors Reverend Andrew Brazier and Gillian Pearce who stated that Shafi's work was a perfect illustration of the humorous story and the cats' adventures when they leave home after their owner adopts a dog. 

Shafi, whose illustrations took around 30 hours to complete, said: "It was a great experience working with the authors and using my creative skills to interpret the story in a visual way that will appeal to readers, and I'm really looking forward to seeing my work in print when the book is published later this year." 

In recognition of his outstanding work, Shafi was awarded a £50 gift voucher by the judges and will receive a further £50 voucher on completion of all his illustrations in the summer.

Fellow students Sharanjit Srai and Dunsin Ajamole were both awarded runner-up prizes and each received a £30 gift voucher.

For details of art and design courses offered by the college go to wolvcoll.ac.uk/demographic/school-leavers/category/art-and-design/