Westminster celebrates festive season with student-created card design

The artwork, titled Skipping Like a Flame, combines abstract brushstrokes and bold creativity to evoke energy, vitality and the holiday spirit. The design’s origins trace back to a first-year project where students were tasked with creating album covers inspired by music. Jinnan chose Skipping Like a Stone by The Chemical Brothers after she was inspired on a journey to Brighton. With headphones on and music flowing, inspiration struck within just 15 minutes, driven by the song's rebellious energy and its music video, which depicts a skipping stone causing chaos in its wake.

Rather than illustrating a literal stone, Jinnan opted for abstract red brushstrokes, which symbolise motion and transformation. While inspired by the song, her creative process was supported and influenced by her tutor’s advice to embrace this abstract style and through observing the minimalist techniques of her classmates.

About the power of art she said: “I feel that art is transforming me into a more creative and daring person. When working on an illustration, I spend a lot of time thinking. It's truly magical when those seemingly unrealistic fantasies turn into a beautiful piece of artwork. Although these ideas don't always succeed, so what? I’ve become a bolder creator.”

Currently in her second year, Jinnan credits the University of Westminster for fostering a culture of experimentation, encouraging her to explore different styles and forms of art. While her future career path remains undecided, she is certain that art and drawing will be her “lifelong companions”.

Jinnan expressed her joy and surprise at being selected for this year’s Christmas card. She said: “I was surprised my work was chosen for the Christmas card—such a happy accident! I hope those who see my illustration can live their lives with the same vitality and energy as this skipping flame.”

Through sharing Jinnan’s artwork, the University of Westminster has directly contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as it has given her a platform to share her work, inspire others and gain interest in her artwork. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Find out more about studying Illustration BA Honours at the University of Westminster.

Find out more about Jinnan’s work by exploring her Instagram account.