Student-designed festive card for 2023

Isabelle, who is currently studying for an MPhil in History of Art, said she was ‘delighted’ that her illustration – which features a humorous illustration of seasonal student life set in a snow-covered Chapel Court - had been chosen.

For her winning design, Isabelle drew on her knowledge of 20th century illustration: ‘I was inspired by illustrators like Quentin Blake and Miroslav Šašek - I love their sense of humour and the way they manage to capture a sense of childlike wonder for the world.

‘I am a specialist in Medieval Art History. This style of illustration is quite different to pieces from that period, but I love to use art to express the unique experience of being a student at Cambridge - the architecture of the city and College is a lot of fun to draw, and I like to add a bit of playfulness to what can sometimes be a very 'serious' environment, making my own kind of satire.’

Isabelle has previously worked as an illustrator for the Cambridge student newspaper Varsity. She designed the Sidney Sussex College Music Society logo and has also made posters for Cambridge University Christian Union events.

In October, Sidney students were invited to send in their ideas for the College’s festive card, with the College offering a £50 Heffers gift card for the winning entry.