A tutor from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) at Epsom has been nominated for a prestigious Grammy Award thanks to some help from his students.

Graphic designer Vaughan Oliver will jet off to Los Angeles for the music awards ceremony on February 13, 2011, after the art-work he produced for the Pixies’ Minotaur Deluxe Edition boxed set was shortlisted in the Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package award.

Vaughan, who owns design company v23, said: “I wanted some visceral, raw typography - using a variety of techniques - to express the track titles in an organic three-dimensional way, so I thought the students would be ideal for the job.

“I liked the idea of creating a ‘design lab’ within the faculty to enable the students to gain experience working with an art director on a live project.

“The students truly rose to the occasion. I think it’s the most successful project I’ve worked on in 30 years and has been, all-round, a very rewarding experience.”

Second year BA (Hons) Graphic Design student, Ben Ewing, 21, of Tavistock, Devon, said: “Not in a million years would I have expected to have an opportunity to work on a project like this.

“Creating work for Minotaur was great fun. Vaughan's style of direction meant we had plenty of freedom to experiment with the imagery, so for us, it was perfect.

Minotaur will go up against The White Stripes’ Under Great White Northern Lights limited-edition boxed set and several other artists' packages.

Fellow student, Michael Speed, added: "Working with someone like Vaughan is an eye opener, especially if you are new to the industry and still a student.

"Whether the project wins or not, the key aspect is exposure for everyone involved. As the design industry is becoming increasingly difficult to break into, this kind of project is a great starting block for all involved."

The 53rd Grammy Awards will take place at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, and will be shown live on American television.