British animator wins design prize

Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett has been named Britain’s designer of the year for his groundbreaking animation for the virtual band.

Hewlett, who first earned fame for co-creating the comic strip Tank Girl, won the award Monday in a ceremony at the Design Museum in London, which sponsors the prize. The annual $47,000 award honors the British or Britain-based designer who has made the biggest contribution to design in the past year.

Hewlett was honored for conceiving the graphics, animation and “live” performances for the band.