Compost competition

Why I chose ICAW 2026 poster contest

As a student graphic designer, I wanted to give myself the challenge to combine my passion for design with a meaningful environmental cause. This contest offers a chance to use my creativity to raise awareness about composting and sustainability, while developing my skills further by experimenting with different digital tools. Additionally, participating in the contest allows me to build my portfolio with social impactful work which will hopefully get viewed by members of the public.

 

Poster concept

All my images used were from my own photography and then turned into an illustration using Adobe PhotoShop. The field in the background was pictured behind the lavender farm in Hitchin, and I used my food waste bin as the main focus (as those get sent to a compost when collected). I used the universal symbol of recycling on the bin as I am aware that not all areas use a small brown bin for their food waste. The extra details such as the worm, recycle logo, and foods were drawn digitally with a drawpad. I added an edited picture of horse manure (which is also good for compost!) into the bin to look like soil as I didn’t want to add to many illustrations of fruit and vegetables as it would look too cluttered, while still having a bit of information on what can be put into food bins for compost. I focused on using mainly greens and browns in my composition as it is associated with nature, growth, life, and the Earth. Using big and bold text for enhance readability and legitimacy. While checking my colour contrasts are still readable for the colourblind protanopia and deuteranopia types so it can be accessible for a variety of viewers.