A-State Graphic Design Students Attend National Student Show And Conference
JONESBORO — Fourteen graphic design students from the Department of Art at Arkansas State University recently attended the annual National Student Show and Conference in Dallas, Texas.
The students are Nicki Beckwith, Amanda Conaughty, Jennifer Smith, Riley Hancock, Jordan Lewis, Shelby Gage, Trystan Dorton, Elizabeth Hubbard, Blake Organ, Quincy Hildreth, Caleb Hollis and Kenan Shell, Miguel Emanuel Castillo and Kaylynn Dewane.
(Front row from left) Graphic Design Associate Professor Kim Vickrey, Nicki Beckwith, Amanda Conaughty, Jennifer Smith, Riley Hancock, Jordan Lewis, Shelby Gage. (Back row) Graphic Design Assistant Professor Bonnie Tanaka, Trystan Dorton, Elizabeth Hubbard, Blake Organ, Quincy Hildreth, Caleb Hollis and Kenan Shell. (Not pictured) Miguel Emanuel Castillo and Kaylynn Dewane.
“We spent three days soaking up inspiration from across the nation,” said Kimberly Vickrey, associate professor of graphic design, who accompanied the students along with Bonnie Tanaka, assistant professor of graphic design. “Each day was packed full of renowned keynote speakers, studio tours, panel discussions, breakout sessions and workshops.”
The National Student Show and Conference was organized by The Marketing Arm, marketing and promotions firm with offices in Dallas, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Greenwich, Conn., and London. The conference is for creative students who are interested in energizing their creative spirit through time spent with similar students throughout the country as well as leading professionals.
Vickrey noted that the group received invaluable feedback on their work from leading industry professionals during portfolio reviews, networking with designers, art directors, copywriters and photographers. The individuals also obtained valuable leads and tips for landing employment at the conference job fair.
In addition, the student group participated in 15 breakout sessions including, “Creating A More Collaborate Community To Enhance The College Experience,” “How To Break Into The Creative World Outside Of College,” “Thinking Under Fire: Creative Logo Competition” and “Lessons Learned In Design Entrepreneurship.”
Among the keynote speakers were writer, designer and thinker Zech Bard from Portland, Ore.; illustrator, designer, copywriter, art director and creative director for the movies “Thor” and “Amazing Spider-Man 2,” Justin Harder; senior vice president and executive creative director for Sanders/Wingo Advertising, Shanteka Sigers, who was named to the list of “Most Creative Women In Advertising by “Business Insider;” and designer and creative director Felix Sockwell of “The Brand Integration Group in New York.”
# # #
