A UWE (University of the West of England) group day project; focused
on creating a mega-sized graphic addressing a shared contemporary issue.
After some
quick brainstorming, we landed on student finance—the stress and limitations
students face when financial support runs dry. Wanting to tackle this with
humour rather than pity, we created ‘Super Broke’, a hero for the
financially struggling student. His cape—a ripped-up bedsheet—became the centrepiece of
the project. We painted “SUPER BROKE” in red on the back and added to the
character with a Halloween mask, taking photos in everyday situations like
staring at beer prices or sulking over a pint. The tone was light, but the
message clear. While more varied shots could’ve pushed the concept further, the
outcome captured the frustration many feel today—especially students. Feedback
was positive, and the simplicity of the visual metaphor helped communicate the
point effectively.