Elliott Waghorn

Biography

Hello, I’m Elliott. I was born in Hamilton and have lived in Waikato for most of my life. Outside of design, I love to travel, play sports, socialize, and enjoy beach scenery. I attended Hillcrest High School, where I first discovered design, and ever since then, I’ve pursued the profession, exceeding my expectations about getting a degree or knowing what I wanted to do right out of high school.

Since starting my degree, I’ve learned a lot in the past three years studying at the University of Waikato, where I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the most creative teachers I’ve ever met. I’ve discovered my strengths and passions while exploring different aspects of design. Highlights for me while studying at the university included interning with the University of Waikato’s design team, creating posters and print materials for the Prismatic Design Show, and developing a capstone project called Mindgame magazine, which supports mental health for young sports athletes. Studying at this university has given me the confidence and tools I need to enter the professional world with an open mind and the skill set necessary to thrive as a designer.

Project Description

My project is designed to support young athletes, particularly teenagers, who face mental health challenges at various levels of their sport. This magazine educates and inspires young athletes to prioritize their mental health while offering support for those dealing with negative emotions during sports. The content will include tools like meditation, breathing exercises, nutrition advice, and interactive elements, all tailored to resonate with young athletes. The magazine will provide information on breathing and meditation techniques, nutrition, tools, resources, and insights from professionals who have worked with athletes facing similar struggles.

The topic of supporting young athletes' mental health is important to me because maintaining mental wellness is crucial in sports. It helps athletes stay sharp and encourages a smart mindset during performance. Playing sports reveals both strengths and vulnerabilities, and setbacks are inevitable. Not only children but also adults face challenges like injuries, illness, bullying, and underperformance at high levels. These issues are often overlooked, particularly due to the high expectations placed on athletes by supporters or parents. These pressures can lead to stress and anxiety, which negatively impacts mental health.

From a design perspective, this inspired me to create an uplifting, positive campaign that showcases various strategies to improve mental well-being. The goal was to develop a resource that reassures young people, showing them, they are not alone while providing practical coping strategies. The design, with its jagged, messy aesthetic, targets an audience aged 16 to 20. I've chosen soft, uplifting colours and adjusted the typography to best suit and appeal to this age group.

Mindgame Magazine