Working with AIT Design students on Hot Press illustration projects over many years has always been an enriching experience for me. Particularly so this year, where an excellent group of 3rd year design students grappled with the topic of breaking down the stigma associated with mental health issues, with the Now We're Talking project acting as a reference point.

The illustration competition in partnership with Lyons Tea and Pieta House posed real challenges for the students. However it became obvious from early conversations and sketches that almost everybody had real life experiences to draw from. This underlines the fact we are all impacted by issues relating to mental health, whether through personal experiences or through family and friends.

The work chosen by Hot Press reflects the broad approach taken by the students both technically and conceptually to the subject.