Creativity, Community, and Colour: An Evening with GF Smith’s Ben Watkinson at Plymouth Design Forum

The night also saw the celebration of the PDF Student of the Year Award 2025 finalists and the ultimate winner, a true highlight of PDF’s year and a testament to the incredible design talent emerging from Plymouth’s universities. Finalists included Amber Timms, Daniela Dardano, Tanya Harris, and Matthew Essery (creator of the wonderfully named Wiggle typeface). They each brought something unique, from cinematic storytelling to theatre rebrands and typographic experimentation.

The overall winner, Nakia Lucas-Culverwell, wowed the judges with an outstanding final major project that blended depth, craft, and motion to professional standards. Her presentation was described as “unbelievably polished” and “full of thought and purpose.” Nakia got up on stage to receive her award and shared her reflections on the selection and interview process, whilst encouraging aspiring students for the 2026 award to “remember you’re in control, that’s what makes it fun.” Alongside a £1,000 cash prize, Nakia has been involved in a series of internships with local studios, a key part of PDF’s ongoing commitment to connecting education and industry, as well as helping the next generation of talent get a foot ‘on the ladder’.

Then came the headline talk from Ben Watkinson, Global Brand Director at GF Smith, a name synonymous with beautiful paper and thoughtful design. Ben’s presentation offered a rare, inside look at how a 140-year-old business redefined itself for a new generation of creatives. With trademark Northern humour and honesty, Ben unpacked the strategy, the challenges and the soul-searching behind the GF Smith rebrand, from the decision to retire their iconic yellow sample book, to collaborating with London agency Templo on a new, more human identity. He spoke candidly about what it means to make design feel true, compelling and distinctive in a changing world, one that’s digital-first yet still deeply tactile. “We’re not just about paper,” he explained, “but we are about paper, about the creativity and connection it makes possible.” The talk reminded everyone why GF Smith continues to inspire, not just through the materials they make, but through the values they live by: independence, craftsmanship and a genuine commitment to the creative community. And, as PDF’s longest-standing sponsor, their support has been instrumental in helping us grow from five people in a pub to 120-strong gatherings that fill theatres, and we are truly grateful for that.

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