A creative university project inspired by sleep paralysis has earned North-West University (NWU) graphic design graduate Ashley du Rand international recognition and demonstrated the impact of purposeful creative education.
Ashley was named the New Talent Winner in the publishing category of the World Illustration Awards, a leading international illustration competition. Her achievement is especially significant because 2026 was the first year that NWU entered the competition.
After completing her graphic design studies in 2025, Ashley continued her academic journey with an honours degree in art history. She describes the award as an affirmation of the value of her work and an important boost to her confidence.
Finding inspiration in the shadows
Ashley developed her winning project during an authorial illustration module, which gives students the freedom to create self-directed work around a subject of their choice.
Known for producing colourful and whimsical work, she deliberately chose a darker theme that would challenge her creativity. Her research led her to sleep paralysis, a temporary condition in which someone is conscious but unable to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up.
Ashley became interested in six unsettling creatures and legends associated with the condition across different cultures. Drawing on her love of character design, she reimagined these figures in her own visual style.
The result was a set of two graphic novels featuring frightening, dreamlike characters. Through visual storytelling, the works also explore ways of overcoming sleep paralysis.
Guidance that develops professional talent
Ashley credits her growth to the close guidance she received from lecturers in NWU’s Graphic Design subject group. One-on-one consultations, detailed critiques and repeated refinement helped her develop work that was stronger, more polished and ready for a professional audience.
Illustration art lecturer Danelle Heenop encouraged Ashley to enter the World Illustration Awards. She says the achievement reflects the subject group’s emphasis on combining design, illustration and industry-related skills to prepare students for sustainable careers in the creative industries.
Competitions form part of that preparation by exposing students’ work to industry professionals and helping young creatives build confidence. Ashley had already shown promise during her second year, when she was selected as a finalist in the Gold Pack packaging design competition.
She now hopes to pursue a career in character design and concept art, particularly in the gaming industry.
Ashley’s success shows what can happen when creative curiosity is supported by purposeful teaching and professional preparation. A challenging university assignment became an internationally recognised body of work, strengthening both her career prospects and NWU’s reputation for developing creative talent.
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