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Competitions and live briefs

A display of colourful gifts and cards arranged on a beige table against a mustard-yellow background. The items include a wrapped gift in pastel geometric fabric, a tall green-and-pink vase with a bouquet of fresh flowers, handmade greeting cards featuring floral designs, a pair of orange and blue flower earrings, a gold charm bracelet, a red and green ruffled scrunchie, and another wrapped package in marbled yellow and blue fabric. A peach satin ribbon is loosely coiled on the right side of the table.
A display of colourful gifts and cards arranged on a beige table against a mustard-yellow background. The items include a wrapped gift in pastel geometric fabric, a tall green-and-pink vase with a bouquet of fresh flowers, handmade greeting cards featuring floral designs, a pair of orange and blue flower earrings, a gold charm bracelet, a red and green ruffled scrunchie, and another wrapped package in marbled yellow and blue fabric. A peach satin ribbon is loosely coiled on the right side of the table.
Image by Yeshen Venema, Emma Shipley, Spring collection from not just a shop.

We run competitions throughout the year to provide students with opportunities to sell and showcase their work in not just a shop.

We have an annual Christmas card competition with Tate, as well as competitions to get your designs transferred onto products to be sold in-store.

These provide current students who may not have market-ready products with a chance to get their work retailed. We manage the manufacturing, packaging and marketing and you do not have to be registered as a business to apply.

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Design our winter window display

We are inviting recent UAL graduates (of up to 3 years) to submit examples of their work or portfolio, with the chance of being commissioned to design and install a window display for not just a shop (NJAS).

Based on their portfolio and supporting application, up to 3 graduates will be selected and paid £75 to create 3 display ideas and pitch these to the not just a shop team.

One idea will be chosen and the selected graduate will be commissioned to realise their design and to install an interesting and engaging window display in the central section of the street facing window of not just a shop in High Holborn. The commission fee is £600, the equivalent to 3 days of work at a day rate of £200. There will be a separate materials budget.

The display will be on during the festive period between November – December 2025, so will have a related theme creating impact and generating interest in passing traffic and encouraging customers into the store. The concept will be considerate of a number of factors including scale, materials, environmental impact, budget, timescale and installation of final design.

Applicant will research and source materials needed for install and carry out physical installation of window, which will take place on allocated day, with support from NJAS team.

Theme

‘Festive’ is the theme for this window display. Designs should avoid directly referencing the Christian festival of Christmas, and instead explore general themes of this time of year with a unique and fresh take. Think outside of reoccurring seasonal motifs or colour schemes if possible.

Eligibility

To apply you should be a recent graduate (up to 3 years, 2022 - 2025) from one of UAL’s six colleges on a  BA, MA, PHD or FdA level course.

We're looking for graduates from disciplines including but not limited to: Graphic design, communication design, photography, painting, drawing, illustration, sculpture, animation.

Please present examples of your work/your portfolio must be well presented in one collated file (Word, PDF or JPEG that includes multiple images).

How to apply 

To apply for the opportunity, graduates must submit their portfolio or examples of their work by 10am Monday 1 September 2025. Fill in our online application form.

  • Examples of work or a portfolio must be collated into one document, either a Word, PDF or JPEG. The maximum file size to upload is 3MB.
  • 3 applicants will be paid £75 to generate 3 window design ideas and pitch these to not just a shop.
  • Applicants selected for stage 2 will be informed by Friday 5 September and will have 2 weeks to prepare for the pitching stage.

Application stages and timeline

Stage 1: Application

Deadline: Monday 1 September 2025

Submit an application form with examples of relevant work and previous projects.

Criteria for selection at application (stage 1)

Selected applications will demonstrate:

  • high quality design and production skills,
  • creative, unique and consistency in style,
  • commercially viable style, for example have wide public appeal, avoiding niche themes,
  • demonstrate suitable experience in similar or relevant projects (could include 3D modelling, large scale painting....),
  • experience in project management (such as organising an exhibition, photoshoot, project with different elements).

Stage 2: Idea pitching 

Pitch date: Friday 19 September 2025

Up to 3 applicants will be shortlisted to pitch 3 ideas for a window design
Each applicant will be given 20 minutes to pitch 3 ideas to the panel (this could either be online or a pre-prepared video).

Criteria for selection at pitching (stage 2)

Selected designs will demonstrate:

  • creativity and uniqueness, in style and within the festive theme,
  • impactful, engaging design with wide public appeal,
  • the diversity and creativity of UAL and stand out against other high street displays.

Realistic design in terms of:

  • Scale (fill the full window).
  • Materials and environmental factor.
  • Budget (affordable materials and design elements).
  • Timescale to research and complete installation within set timeframe.

Stage 3: Installation

Install date: Thursday 23 October 2025 (from 3pm), Friday 24 October 2025 (between 9-5pm).

Selected applicant will be given time to refine chosen idea, create a scaled drawing, research materials and create an installation plan.
Installation to take place with support of NJAS team.

Fees and deliverables

Stage 2: Pitching 

Up to 3 applicants will be paid to generate 3 ideas and pitch them to not just a shop (pitch will be approx 20 minutes).

Fee: £75.

Stage 3: Installation

Once selected you will have 2 weeks to refine your ideas (based on feedback) and submit the following:

  • Final design.
  • Scaled drawing.
  • Installation plan.
  • Details of materials being used (researched, sourced and quotes obtained).

Fee includes the above and installation: £600. Equates to £200 day rate, x 3 days (£25 an hour, 8 hours per day).

Separate materials budget: £300.

The window space

Front view of the 'not just a shop' storefront at the UAL building, 272 High Holborn. The shopfront is divided into several labelled sections. A red box highlights the central window display area, positioned between the left-hand shop window and the shop entrance on the right. To the far right is the UAL main entrance. The window display area is where featured items or exhibitions are prominently showcased to passersby.
Damian Griffiths, A mark up of the front of not just a shop at UAL which shows the area where our rotating window display features.

Spec of window​

External window is 284.5cm wide x 277cm high (red area highlighted above) ​

Inside view

Depth inside shop from window to blind/end of pillar (area that can be used for install) is 95cm.

Blind comes down at night to indicate shop closure, so any display must sit in front of it.

Interior view of the 'not just a shop' retail space at UAL. The photo shows a bright, modern shop with white walls, large windows, and product displays. In the left foreground is a large vertical banner featuring a grid of colourful printed patterns, placed in front of the shop’s window display area facing the street. Hanging paper sculptures resembling origami are suspended in the window above. Display tables and shelving units hold a range of colourful products, including mugs, books, prints, and stationery. A pink arch-shaped mirror is positioned on one of the central units, and the back wall features the 'not just a shop' logo.
Damian Griffiths, A view of the interior space in not just a shop at High Holborn.

Gallery

  • A window display inside 'not just a shop' featuring an installation by studiobysanna. Various abstract textile artworks in different colours are suspended at different heights in front of the shop window, each mounted on square or rectangular canvas. On the window, vinyl text reads “REIMAGINING WASTE NETTING,” alongside several red-circled environmental facts about plastic pollution and recycling. Below the hanging artworks, a white plinth displays tall tubes filled with colourful fabric scraps, a framed information board, and smaller display items. The view outside shows a city street with a passing pedestrian and a parked white van.
    Natalie Stevens, A visual of the inside of not just a shop during Sanna's window display.
  • Street-facing view of a window display at ‘not just a shop’, part of the University of the Arts London building. The display is titled “REIMAGINING WASTE NETTING”, with subtext reading “Exploring the possibilities of what we can make using discarded plastic netting.” Three red-circled facts about plastic waste and recycling are applied to the glass. Inside the window, colourful textile artworks made from recycled netting are suspended and mounted, featuring intricate abstract patterns in red, green, black, and more. A plinth displays a sign inviting the public to “Recycle your nets here” alongside clear tubes filled with repurposed plastic netting in bright colours.
    Natalie Stevens, A front facing view of Sanna's window display for not just a shop.
  • Shop window display at ‘not just a shop’ featuring a bold and colourful illustration applied to the glass. The artwork shows fantastical creatures including a large orange cat seated on a classical column, surrounded by abstract figures and animals in purple, blue, pink, and red. The background includes stylised clouds and pillars. Text on the window reads “MADE BY THINKERS” on the left and “MADE BY DREAMERS” on the right. The illustration is playful and imaginative, drawing attention to creativity and artistic identity. Reflections of the street and buildings outside are faintly visible in the glass.
    Niki Usagi, A front on view of Niki Usagi's window display for not just a shop.
  • Interior view of a playful and immersive window display at ‘not just a shop’. The scene features layered cut-outs of stylised clouds, a spotted creature resembling a giraffe, and a large black panther figure climbing across a sheer purple curtain. The curtain hangs beside the shop’s glass entrance, allowing daylight to filter through the display. A printed statement about the installation is mounted on a blue and white patterned backdrop on the wall. To the right, part of the shop interior with shelves and colourful products is visible in the background.
    Niki Usagi, An interior view of Niki Usagi's window display for not just a shop.

Window design by Niki Usagi, April 2025. Display includes title written directly on to the inside of window, cardboard pieces suspended from ceiling, free standing cardboard plinths, a curtain pole suspended from ceiling, and plinths painted directly on to the window.

The design also works well from the inside of the shop, where the back of the cats have also been painted, rather than left blank or plain.

The theme was to highlight not just a shop’s ethos and the importance of buying from independent artists and designers. Niki’s concept ‘Made by Thinkers, Made by Dreamers’, celebrates the curiosity, instinct and independent thinking of artists and creatives in a world of fast developing AI. She kept it playful and uplifting using cats to convey her message. We interviewed Niki about her experience for the not just a shop blog.

Window design by Sanna Rokka, April 2024. Display includes information written directly on to the inside of window, canvases suspended from ceiling and interactive element. Customers were asked to consider their waste and recycle it, by bringing it into the shop and adding to the jar. Sanna planned to use the plastic waste to create more artworks on canvas.

The display also worked from the inside, where customers could see alternative artworks (rather than the back of canvases).

The theme was ‘Sustainability’. The display showcased Sanna’s own work beautifully, was visually engaging and appealing for customers, and had a clear and simple message. We interviewed Sanna for the not just a shop blog about her experience.

Examples of previous window displays

  • Exterior view of the 'not just a shop' storefront decorated for a celebration. The window features a cheerful jungle-themed display with large, colourful cut-outs of tropical leaves, birds, and a smiling orangutan hanging from vines. A cartoon figure sits among the foliage, reading a book. Blue balloons are attached to the window and an A-board sign on the pavement reads:
    Natalie Stevens, An exterior view of Abigail Burch's window display for not just a shop.

    Abigail Burch  

    Window design (above) by Abigail Burch, September 2019. Design includes vinyl and cardboard cut outs. Image shows blinds down (when shop is closed) and blinds up (when shop is open).

  • A photo of a window display where a person in a red jumper reaches up to catch falling snow
    Image: Giada Maestra, Photo: Alice Walker-Mitchell

    Giada Maestra  

    Window design (above) by Giada Maestra, December 2021. Design includes hand painting direct on to window glass, hand painted cardboard hanging from ceiling, fake snow and present props.

  • Street-facing view of a window display at 'not just a shop' featuring a vibrant illustration applied to the glass. The artwork shows two colourful, cartoon-style figures: one on the left wearing a backpack and hiking gear, and another on the right holding binoculars and kneeling to observe. Large abstract flowers and fruit-laden branches extend around them, framing the scene. The figures appear to be exploring or birdwatching, evoking a sense of adventure and nature. Inside the shop, shelves and displays are visible, along with a reflection of the opposite street buildings in the glass.
    Alice Walker-Mitchell, A front on view of Lily Kong's window display for not just a shop.

    Lily Kong  

    Window design (above) by Lily Kong, September 2021. Display includes large scale cardboard cut outs, and hand painted elements direct onto inside of the window.

  • A playful window display at 'not just a shop' featuring a colourful claw machine installation. The machine is decorated in turquoise, pink, and patterned textures, filled with pastel plastic balls and a hanging claw. Hand-painted signs on the glass in comic-style bursts read: “SHOP SMALL” and “WIN PRIZES” in bold pink, green, and blue lettering. Additional circular and starburst shapes are scattered across the glass for a dynamic effect. The display promotes an interactive and fun shopping experience, visible from the street through the large front window.
    Natalie Stevens, A front on view of Kamila Jaworska's window display for not just a shop.

    Kamila Jaworska  

    Window design (above) by Kamila Jaworska, February 2023. Display includes ‘arcade machine’ handmade props, hand painted cardboard signs from ceiling and direct painting inside of the window.

Supporting information

How to submit a good portfolio

We are looking for examples of your existing design work collated into a single jpeg image or PDF presentation. This should be a carefully curated selection of your work that demonstrates your creativity, skills and your uniqueness.

Top tips:

  • Be selective: It is important to demonstrate a consistency in style where possible. Please consider and select the best examples of your work to reflect this. This will help us to feel confident in selecting your work, as we will know what to expect when we commission you.
  • How many examples should I include? In this instance, a good number would be between 5 and 10 examples.
  • Include relevant work: Please do not produce any designs specifically for your portfolio. We are not expecting to see completed designs at this stage. However, if you have done any similar work before, please do include this. For example, this could be similar work such physical 3D modelling, construction or prop making; large scale painting or installations; designs or proposals for similar spaces. This is not essential, but it can help to increase confidence in your abilities to successfully complete the commission. ​
  • Images that would appeal to a wide audience: Be mindful of the type of imagery you include in your selection of images or portfolio.  Avoid challenging concepts, offensive, indecent, obscene, pornographic, menacing, abusive or defamatory imagery.

Further resources

For a more in depth look at how to build a portfolio with guides and links, please visit the 'how to build a portfolio' section on the Careers and Employability webpage.

Accessibility

If there are any barriers to your participation in this opportunity or you have any access requirements (not limited to disability), please get in touch in advance. Contact notjustashop@arts.ac.uk to start the discussion and see how you can be supported.

Terms and conditions

Application stage

  • This commission is open to recent graduates up to 3 years (between 2022-2025) from all UAL colleges and courses.
  • Examples/portfolio should clearly show the illustration / design style and be representative of work.
  • Examples can be produced in any medium but must be submitted as a high-resolution digital image, collated into one PDF, a word document or JPEG (max 3MB)
  • Examples of work/portfolio entered must be your own original artwork, of which you hold and will maintain the copyright to.

Pitching stage

  • The intellectual property of all ideas pitched to not just a shop will remain with the applicant and will not be used at a later date without consent and discussion with the applicant.
  • If not just a shop wishes to commission an unsuccessful pitch idea, they will be in touch to discuss with the applicant and fee's will remain the same as selected pitch.
  • Applicants pitching their ideas will receive £75 for their time to create 3 ideas and present to not just a shop. They will be paid via invoice and set up on the UAL finance system as a new supplier, invoices are paid within 30 days.
  • Pitching will take place digitally via Zoom and will include no more than 3 panellists.
  • There will be an option to present your work via video in advance if preferred.

Commission stage

  • The intellectual property of selected design will remain with applicant.
  • Applicants selected for commission will be paid via invoice upon completion of installation and will be set up on the UAL finance system as a new supplier. Invoices are paid within 30 days.
  • Final design will be in consultation with not just a shop team and signed off providing the design is realistic in terms of time frame of installation, sustainability of materials used and health and safety.
  • Applicant must adhere to the timeline provided and submit required final plans and designs as requested
  • not just a shop team have the right to terminate the commission should the applicant not adhere to provided timeline or complete the installation in its entirety by Tuesday 28 October (end of day).
  • Should the commission be terminated, the applicant will be paid a maximum of £100 to cover incurred costs and time, and will not be paid the full fee.
  • Photographs of the final installation will be used across UAL marketing and advertising materials to promote not just a shop and future competitions/ commissions. You will be credited whenever images of your window display will be used.
  • not just a shop will cover all installation materials and related costs up to £300 (separate to the fee) . Not just a shop can pay for these costs directly or can reimburse applicant on final invoice.
  • not just a shop will print an A2 information board that includes a paragraph of information about the design (supplied), the applicants website/social handle/logo, and will be approved before print.

About Careers and Employability

Brought to you by the Careers and Employability department, not just a shop sells a diverse range of home, fashion and giftware – all created by those who studied at the University’s six leading arts colleges.

Proceeds from the retail business are reinvested into UAL’s growing enterprise programme, which provides free talks, workshops, funding and one-to-one business advice for the University’s students and alumni.

Useful resources

  • Retail interior with a minimalist aesthetic. The counter reads
    not just a shop. Photo by Damian Griffiths.

    Apply to sell your work in not just a shop

    If you're a student or graduate from UAL you can apply to sell your work in not just a shop through our open calls.

  • Illustration of a person multitasking
    Starting A Business by Gracie Dahl

    Freelance and business support

    Our enterprise team can support you with many aspects of setting up and running a successful business or freelance practice.

  • Illustration of people doing different types of work
    Catarina Morais, Image courtesy of UAL

    How to cost and price your work  

    This self-guided resource aims to help you understand what might determine your price for products or services.

  • Photo of not just a shop
    Image by Damian Griffiths

    Browse our online shop  

    See the kind of products we currently stock in our shop to check if your item would suit not just a shop.

Previous competitions and live briefs

Contact us

Contact

Email

notjustashop@arts.ac.uk

Address

not just a shop,

272 High Holborn,

London,

WC1V 7EY