Graphic Design Student Juried Exhibition 2015

May 11 - June 4, 2015

  • Reception: May 13, 6-8 p.m., gallery lounge
  • Live music by Ms. M and the Jokers
  • Awards ceremony at 7 p.m.
  • Gallery Talk: "Becoming a Successful Graphic Designer" by Dan Wild, Thursday, May 14, 11am.

Liza WynetteThe juried exhibit highlights work completed by students in the current academic year, beginning with summer 2014. Jury members include Graphic Design faculty and local industry professionals who generously volunteer their time. This year’s judges are Kurt Bielema, Creative Director, Single Stereo, and Matt Cho, Owner and Founder of [co][lab], an experimental collaboration and coworking space in Urbana.

Works in the exhibit showcase creative solutions to design problems students encounter throughout the year, challenges requiring traditional print media, website design, animation and motion graphics. These portfolio samples of projects completed in Graphic Design studio classes may include logos, branding, packaging, menus, books, publications, posters, brochures, websites, video, animation, and film title sequences, among other designed materials.

“As print continues its decline, graphic designers are embracing digital media now more so than ever,” said Graphic Design Program Director Paul Young. “In this exhibit, expect to see more websites, more web animation, more motion graphics. However, traditional print can not be ignored either. This year, we have more publication design than before and you'll see some great examples of creative typography.”

“Despite the constant change of technology, the principles of good design do not change. Today's designers still embrace simplicity, clarity, unity and a good creative concept at the core. The result is creative visual communication that seeks to inform, entertain and persuade. The energy, passion and creativity of our student are reflected in this juried show.”

During the May 13 reception, an awards ceremony honoring 2015 Graphic Design student achievements will take place at 7 p.m. A number of monetary awards will be given at that time, presented by Young. Because local clients often contribute funds for these awards and the students often design for real-world clients, this exhibit highlights service learning, an important element of Parkland's Graphic Design curriculum.

  • Graphic Design Best of Show: Kelli Mikhail
  • President’s Award of Excellence: Gloria Roubal
  • Fine & Applied Arts Department Chair Award: Catherine Yao
  • Graphic Design Program Director’s Award: Madelyn Witruk
  • David M. and Shirley A. Jones Student Art Award: Liza Wynette
  • Surface 51 Award of Excellence: Catherine Yao
  • Studio 2D Design Strategy Award: Jordan Bidner
  • Six Demon Studio Award for Excellence in Digital Media: Kelli Mikhail, $100
  • CUDO Award of Excellence: Kelli Mikhail
  • Award of Excellence: Dustin Kinkelaar
  • Brian Sullivan Award of Excellence: Josiah Peoples
  • Golfview Village Award of Excellence: Liza Wynette
  • Heartland Science and Technology Group Award of Excellence: Liza Wynette
  • Electric Pictures Award of Excellence: Jordan Bidner

Gallery Talk:
To coincide with the exhibition, a gallery talk titled “Becoming a Successful Graphic Designer” has been scheduled for Thursday, May 14 at 11 a.m. Dan Wild, Parkland illustration instructor and freelance designer. In his gallery talk, Dan Wild will discuss his experience as a creative professional drawn from his personal experiences. “In today's competitive environment, persistence, diversification and specialization all come into play whether you are a recent grad or a seasoned professional.” Wild explains. Wild is a published illustrator, award winning designer, and caricaturist with over 15 years of experience in the fields of advertising, marketing and commercial art.


Image by Liza Wynette