Third year Illustration with Graphic Design student, Ayaat Mighal, won a coveted D&AD New Blood Award; considered to be the student design equivalent of an Oscar.
Created by its founders to promote excellence in the industry, the New Blood Awards are highly sought after and only bestowed on the very best in industry – recognising and celebrating truly exceptional work.
Ayaat with her Pencil Award at D&AD New Blood Awards
Ayaat’s work entitled ‘Secret 7" – 7 hidden facts about Secret 7"’ is an animation inspired by the grooves and textures of vinyl records. Secret 7” is an initiative which brings art and music together to raise awareness and funds for War Child.
The D&AD New Blood Pencil Award is given to individuals displaying exceptional talent, earning winners’ global recognition.
Ayaat explained: “The project was created in response to a brief from Secret 7”, celebrating their 10 years of bringing art, music and charity together. I created a moiré effect animation inspired by the texture and movement of vinyl, using motion to reveal seven facts about the project.
“Winning a D&AD New Blood Pencil for the project was such an exciting moment, and I’m incredibly proud to have had my work recognised in this way.”
There was also success for DMU as an institution, with the unviersity scooping the 2026 Award for Best in Show and Best in Show for Sustainability.
Will Wright, Programme Leader for Graphic Design and Illustration with Graphic Design, said: “To win multiple D&AD awards is a fantastic achievement that we are really proud of as a course. Being recognised for the awards shows our commitment to making our students industry ready conscious designers.
“Our students work incredibly hard and to gain recognition in this way, against some of the best universities in the country, is a fitting tribute to their dedication and talent.”
DMU's Best in Show and Best In Show Sustainability award banners
You can watch Ayaat’s award-winning work here: Secret 7" - 7 hidden fact about secret 7" And learn more about the Secret 7” project for War Child here: About - Secret 7" - War Child
Posted on Monday 21 September 2026