A road safety initiative has earned Great Lakes graphic designer, Shelley Kurtz a finals spot in a nation-wide design competition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Shelley, from Tallwoods, is one of five finalists in the Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club - Minimum Passing Distance Design Competition.
The four category competition - three for road safety stickers and one for poster - attracted 300 entries.
Shelley's poster entry was one of 73.
The competition was designed to raise awareness of the safe passing distance between a cyclist and motorist, Shelley said.
Shelley, who works full-time with Sunne Printing, Tuncurry, and at the same time on a freelance basis from her Creative Shell business, was thrilled and surprised with her success.
She came up with her design and words with very little planning.
Passionate about design, Shelley uses colour to evoke an emotional response from the viewer and, in this case, competition judges.
"It just happened," she said.
"I was just sitting at my desk; I like puns and plays on words"
Shelley described her first taste of competition exposure as an incredible experience.
"Most of then have easily met the tough brief, which is a credit to the graphic design skills of the entrants.
- David Maywald
"Especially if you win and create awareness in the wider community about the road rules."
Bicycle NSW director, David Maywald said poster entries were the most challenging to judge.
"Most of then have easily met the tough brief, which is a credit to the graphic design skills of the entrants," he said.
"There are some brilliant examples of photography, comic strips and a lot of fantastic digital design."
After competing her secondary school studies at Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School, 28-year-old Shelley completed a Bachelor in Visual Communication Design, graduating with distinctions from Newcastle University.
Away from the 'easel', Shelley enjoys kayaking, photography, painting, and making 'things' for the markets.
"I want to one day run my own successful business, and I am half-way there."
Shelley will learn if she is successful on June 18 when winners will be announced by Roads and Transport Minister, Andrew Constance.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Manning River Times newsletter here.