New illustrations commissioned from a Norfolk artist are helping to communicate essential information within Big C’s four Support and Information Centres in a move to convey the services are there for everyone, from all walks of life.

The colourful “library” of illustrations includes objects and characters that are static as well as involve actions. It features eight Norfolk towns, the countryside and wildlife as well as people from diverse demographics, young and old, ethnic groups, pets and children that can be used individually or together, depending on the application.

Composite illustration styles have been designed to communicate specific services, for example Emotional Support has an illustration of people talking and each individual service has a strong visual identity for users to relate to.

The illustrations have been launched initially in a new booklet entitled “Here to Support You” outlining the services and addressing some of the most frequently asked questions in the centres. Part of the booklet involves a question and answer section, a page for notes and address details of the Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and King’s Lynn centres. They will be rolled out across all written literature and digital marketing for Support and Information Centres.

Research undertaken by Big C with expert patient representatives was positive towards the new designs which were described as “modern, not datable, conveying a calm feeling, representational of different sections of the community and colourful.”

The Norfolk-based charity decided to develop an alternative to photographs after it found people could often be turned off or alienated by a particular image. The illustrations are designed to stimulate inclusion and interest.

“We wanted an eye-catching brand that is appealing to everyone. It is important that we communicate that our services are open to everyone with cancer,” said Nikki Morris, Director of Support and Information. “These new illustrations are very visual and by taking this different approach we hope they will help us to engage with even more of our local community.”

Former BA Illustration graduate at Camberwell College of Arts Esme McKay graduated in 2015. “My working process combines hand drawn and computer generated illustration. I like to create work that is based around communities and the people within them. I’ve really enjoyed working on this project with Big C and the challenge of achieving the right tone for the illustrations. Once this had been established, I really enjoyed the process and everything seemed to come together.” she said.

Copies of the leaflet are available at all four centres or can be downloaded as a Pdf at www.big-c.co.uk.