Animal magic! Learner design adorns local vets

A learner has brightened up the walls of a veterinary practice in Aberdare using his outstanding graphic design skills.

Victoria Veterinary Practice reached for a local learner talented enough to design and create a large sign for the recently-opened building on Aberaman Industrial Estate.

Ethan Miller, 18, a graphic design student who will be studying the Diploma in Foundation Studies Art and Design at Coleg y Cymoedd from September has produced the striking sign on the building.

“Ethan was more than keen to take on the challenge” said Marsha Kear, reception manager of Victoria Practice.

“He worked hard for many weeks before coming up with the end result. We were absolutely blown away by the finished product.”

The sign, brandishing Ethan’s signature on the corner, covers half of the whole building.

Highly involved with communities in Aberdare and Merthyr, the practice wished to leave the entire design and material choices up to the artist, providing it matched the sign colours of the original practice in Merthyr Tydfil.

“I let him run free with it,” Marsha said. “I’d definitely go back to him to be honest,” she added. “He showed so much commitment and worked so hard.”

Victoria Vets now aims to utilise Ethan’s skills when more practices open up in future.

After hearing the directions from Marsha, Ethan then went on to source images himself.

“The brief was pretty easy,” said Ethan. “I’m familiar with Photoshop so created designs on that. Then I showed the designs to Marsha and she helped me pick the best ones.”

Eager to perfect his public art, Ethan recalled trying various different designs and techniques.

“We ended up changing it around too much though and it didn’t seem professional enough.”

However, the teenager was pleased with the final result, which was eventually printed on a large aluminium sheet and varnished with gloss.

“The aluminium is durable and I decided to use the gloss so it would last longer,” he said. “And it stands out more.”

Ethan, who has applied for a Diploma in Foundation Studies Art and Design at the Nantgarw campus of Coleg y Cymoedd, said this opportunity will definitely benefit his career.

“I really want to go into sign writing and making logos for large companies. This has really given me a head start.”

Marsha also believed the commission could only benefit Ethan’s artistic career. “What an amazing thing to have in your portfolio at such a young age. I’m sure any future employers will be suitably impressed.”

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