MTSU’s department of art is showcasing the variety of creative ideas and different pieces of graphic design students in a show entitled “Hype.”
This was the first exhibition of juried work of MTSU’s graphic design students this year. The show was judged by Red Pepper Design Studio, which is an Atlanta/Nashville based advertising and strategic marketing agency that specializes in creative ideas and marketing strategies to develop solutions to business problems.
The judges from Red Pepper said they thrive on the motto, “In an industry where imagination is the ultimate resource, Red Pepper works hard to create an environment where creativity thrives and produces results.”
The event was designed to display the talents of the art students as well as illustrate the importance of graphic design to the community and to other students. There were various categories of design in the show, but all entries were limited to specifically graphic design concepts.
The categories for the designs were publication, interactive/motion, packaging, posters, photography, illustration and miscellaneous.
The show was organized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts Student Group at MTSU (AIGA) and was open for all art majors, but only a limited number of entries were accepted.
Out of the numerous entries there were five awards dispersed among three students. The awards given were “Best use of Typography,” “Best in Concept,” “Best in Interactive,” “Best in Print Design” and “Best of Show.”
The winners were Danny McClain for “Best in Interactive” and “Best in Concept,” Josh Shearon for “Best Use of Typography” and “Best of Show,” and Kara Leiby for “Best in Print Design.”
Shearon is a senior graphic design major who had several entries in the show. Shearon’s projects were a combination of interactive computer graphics and printed works. Shearon created “Truck Stop Trophy” which was also in the category of Interactive/Motion. He used his design skills to create computer graphics portraying an interactive “truck stop” love.
Leiby is also a senior art major and won “Best in Print Design,” with a poster advertisement. Leiby used brilliant colors and showed off her print and typography abilities with the design.
McClain is a senior working on his degree in graphic design, and is also the president of MTSU’s chapter of AIGA .
His projects were computer graphic interactive pieces that were edgy and horror based. The pieces he created showed brilliant expertise and were cleverly executed. McClain designed paper doll -type cutouts of his villain for one of his projects that, when folded, create a doll-sized monster.
“My project that won ‘Best in Concept’ was inspired by my love for horror movies and old horror movie posters,” McClain says. “I was motivated by a desire to create a rich, interactive experience in both print and web design. I loved the show. It was one of the best that I’ve seen.”
Sophomore graphic design major Lance Garrison stopped by the show to check it out.
“I loved the show and thought there were many brilliant entries.” Garrison says. “I actually hope to be in one of the shows next year.”
Students and teachers from all over campus stopped by the gallery to check out the show this week.
Several students commented on the talent showcased at the art show, including Ashley Krulikowski, an alumna graphic design major who stopped by the gallery to examine the show.
“I loved the use of colors in Kara’s advertisement.” Krulikowsi says. “It was very appealing and definitely eye-catching. I can see why they picked her poster as a winner.”
Overall the show was a major hit, and all the entries were praised. The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 7.
‘Hype’ shows best student designers
Showcase by department of art exhibits talent, gives awards for graphic designs
Published: Thursday, November 5, 2009
Updated: Thursday, November 5, 2009
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