This week, EKC Dover College’s Creative and Design department took a trip over to Deal to visit Solley’s Ice Cream headquarters, where the award-winning ice cream is produced.
The trip is the beginning of an incredible project which will see the Level 3 Art and Design students develop a new, unique flavour of ice cream and design promotional artwork.
During the project, the students will be working closely with Solley’s Ice Cream to ensure that the flavour they create aligns with the company’s brand and vision.
Once they have a flavour locked in, the aspiring artists will produce a body of artwork that could be used as promotional materials for this new flavour.
As well as working with Solley’s Ice Cream as a client, the students will also be working with Cacus Graphics, a local print and production company, to organise printing their designs as well as understanding the process of preparing designs for print.
The learners excitedly hopped on the minibus to start the journey to Solley’s Ice Cream, discussing possible flavours, the kinds of art mediums they could use to create their designs as well as, anticipating what the production rooms will look like.
During the trip, we spoke to some of the students about this fantastic opportunity. When asked how they feel about project, first year Art and Design student Lilly, told us: “I am really excited to work with Solley’s Ice Cream, it will give us a great opportunity to work with a client, someone who could employ us in the future.
“I am excited to try their ice cream; I’m going to try the vanilla flavour as I think this is a good base for most other flavours. My initial idea is to develop a pink lemonade flavour.”
We were expertly guided around the farm by Keith Morrison, the managing director at Solley’s Ice Cream. Keith gave the students an insight to the history of Solley’s Ice Cream, a company who have been making real dairy ice cream for 40 years.
He explained that they produced 17 core flavours throughout the year with four guest flavours, two in the summer and two in the winter. The students will be tasked with creating one of the summer guest flavours. The winning flavour will be produced and sold at the farm!
During the tour the students were able to ask Keith questions to gain a better understanding of the Solley’s Ice Cream brand. This enabled them to learn more about the flavours of ice cream they already produce and the vision of the brand.
The tour inspired students to think about how they could create a flavour that not only fits with Solley’s Ice Cream brand but also create something new and eye catching. There was also the opportunity to taste the delicious ice cream, they had to get to know the product!
Aspiring photographer and second year student, Evan, commented: “It was really interesting to hear from Keith, the managing director at Solley’s Ice Cream, about the flavours that have work well previously. He told us that they have created bacon and egg flavoured ice cream in the past!
“It is cool that they are the only manufacturer in Kent to use real dairy products in their ice cream. The trip has definitely given me some starter ideas for the project. I am looking forward to getting started now.”
Jacob, the Programme Director for Creative and Design, is a successful practicing artist who understands the important of working with clients on real-life briefs. He commented: “Working with professional clients gives our students a genuine insight into how the creative industries operate.
“It pushes them to think beyond the classroom, respond to real-world expectations, and develop the communication and professionalism that employers are looking for.
“Projects like this bridge the gap between education and industry, giving our learners the confidence and experience to thrive in their future creative careers.”
We will look forward to seeing the creative process of our talented students, from initial ideas to a printed design, we cannot wait to see (and hopefully taste!) their creations.
Are you a passionate Artist who’d love the chance to work with professionals in the industry while honing your skills? EKC Dover College is the place to be.
Join us at the next Open Day on 24 November, to explore the studios and find out more about our collaborations with clients.
More articles
Hear from our adult Automotive learners
From student to apprentice: Callum’s journey
