In a remarkable display of creativity and skill, a student from Budapest Metropolitan University (METU) has captured a Gold Award at the GRAPHIS New Talent competition held in New York. This achievement not only underscores the high caliber of talent emerging from Hungary’s design education but also highlights the rigorous training and supportive environment that METU provides its graphic design students.
What Makes the GRAPHIS New Talent Award Stand Out?
The GRAPHIS New Talent award is one of the most respected accolades in the field of visual communication. Each year, designers from leading art schools worldwide submit projects that push boundaries in typography, illustration, packaging, and digital media. Judges—consisting of internationally recognized creatives—assess entries on concept, execution, and overall visual impact. Winning a Gold Award places a student among an elite group of peers who have made a global impression.
Anna Csilla Kiss: From Dorm Room to International Stage
Anna Csilla Kiss, currently a first‑year master’s student in graphic design at METU, entered the competition with a packaging design for Maran Coffee that challenged conventional shapes and materials. The project’s distinctive dieline—a hand‑drawn, three‑dimensional structure—required meticulous calculation of angles and dimensions, a process Anna carried out manually before refining it in digital software.
Design Journey and Mentorship
Supervisor Judit Tóth, a lecturer at METU, guided Anna throughout the project. According to Tóth, Anna’s “conceptual depth and artistic execution” set her work apart from other submissions. The mentor’s early recognition that the packaging was competition‑worthy proved pivotal, giving Anna the confidence to submit her first ever packaging design to an international platform.
Why the Maran Coffee Packaging Matters
The design won a Gold Award for its originality and functional aesthetic. It was featured in the 2025 GRAPHIS New Talent book—a publication that showcases the best emerging work from students around the world. For a single entry from Hungary, the recognition showcases the country’s growing influence in the global design community.
What This Means for METU’s Graphic Design Program
METU’s curriculum is built around a blend of studio practice, industry collaboration, and academic research. Anna’s success demonstrates how the university’s pedagogical approach equips students with both technical proficiency and conceptual insight. The award also serves as a beacon for prospective students, signaling that METU graduates are competitive on an international stage.
Student Support Structures
- Close faculty mentorship: Professors like Judit Tóth provide hands‑on guidance.
- Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities: The campus houses advanced printing labs and design studios.
- Industry partnerships: Collaboration projects expose students to real‑world challenges.
How Aspiring Designers Can Apply the Winning Strategy
1. Start with experimentation. Anna began the project as a personal experiment, which encouraged risk‑taking and innovation.
2. Invest in meticulous research. Understanding packaging geometry and material behavior can elevate a concept from nice to award‑worthy.
3. Seek early feedback. Sharing rough drafts with mentors or peers can identify potential issues before finalization.
4. Prepare a compelling narrative. The GRAPHIS publication paired the design with a detailed explanation of the creative process, adding depth to the visual work.
Next Steps for Design Students and Professionals
If you are interested in pursuing a career that blends creativity with strategic impact, consider enrolling in METU’s Bachelor or Master programs in Graphic Design. The programs provide a structured pathway to develop a portfolio that can compete in global competitions such as GRAPHIS.
Submit your application today and join a community that has proven its worth on the world stage.
For additional guidance on preparing entries for international contests, schedule a free consultation with industry experts.
Get Involved and Stay Updated
METU hosts workshops, guest lectures, and portfolio reviews throughout the academic year. These events are designed to refine the skills of both students and alumni.
If you have questions about our design curriculum or would like more information on how to showcase your work, write to us today.
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