We are very proud of Varnika B in Year 8 who has been selected as one of the winners to be displayed at Japan House as part of the Japan House Pictogram Competition. Here, she talks about her experience.

I am proud to share that my pictogram has been selected as one of the winners to be displayed at Japan House as part of the Japan House Pictogram Competition. It has been an amazing experience to see my work included in this exhibition, and it has given me a chance to reflect on what pictograms mean and why they are important.

A pictogram is a very simple picture or symbol that is used to show an idea, object, or action. Pictograms are made to be understood quickly, without the need for words. They are often used in everyday life — for example, the symbols on bathroom doors, road signs, or even app icons on our phones. They may look small and simple, but they carry a lot of meaning and help people from different countries and cultures understand the same message.

When I was creating my pictogram, I wanted to design something clear and meaningful that could share an idea without using any text. I focused on the cultural food of London, Fish n’ Chips. The hardest part was removing extra details while still keeping the design strong. This process taught me that sometimes, the simplest designs can be the most powerful.

Seeing my pictogram displayed on the wall of the gallery was a moment I will never forget. It was inspiring to see how many different ideas and styles were represented, yet all of them worked as part of the same visual language. It made me realise how design can connect people without needing words, and how creativity can cross borders and cultures.

This opportunity has motivated me to keep growing as an artist and to think about how design can make an impact in the real world. I am grateful to have been part of this exhibition, and I look forward to using what I have learned in my future projects. I would love for you all to visit! The gallery is open till the 9th of November.