GVSU Graphic Design

Congratulations to Irlanda Beltran (BFA, Studio Art/ Graphic Design and Visual Studies) on receiving this year’s Alexander Calder Honors Scholarship.

The award was established in the 1970s by a group called Friends of the Arts and funded through proceeds of the sale of prints by artist Alexander Calder, which he donated to Friends of the Arts to support the arts at GVSU. Scholarships benefit students in any discipline of the fine arts. A committee representing the fine and performing arts chooses recipients for the awards.

About her practice, Irlanda says:

“I am a Mexican-American interdisciplinary designer pursuing a Studio Arts major with an emphasis in Graphic Design and Visual Studies. My artwork explores cultural and contemporary issues, addressing topics such as gender-based violence, mental health, gun control, and homophobia. By utilizing my versatile design skills, I strive to communicate powerful messages on behalf of those who cannot. I am deeply grateful for this award, as it will help amplify my art to a broader audience, fostering societal change and challenging established norms.”

Congratulations! 🎉

Alumni news!

Simon Scheer ( ) has a new comic out titled The Buzzer! About the comic, Simon says:

“In 1985, the Alexander family moves into a quirky Florida town near Cape Canaveral. Andrew Alexander and his three new, strange friends stumble upon a mysterious radio station broadcasting an unsettling Russian message. In this historical fiction graphic novel, Andrew and his friends unravel the mystery of the radio and discover a horrifying truth behind the upcoming launch of the Challenger.”

Simon received his Studio Art/Graphic Design degree in 2023 and has since working on a variety of design and illustration projects. You can get a copy of the Buzzer on Simon’s website at the link in his bio.

Some of our students spent last winter semester working alongside .gr to develop materials and a website to bring awareness about affordable housing.

Many thanks to:
- Travus Burton, ‘s Director for Civic Learning and Community Engagement
- Jenn Schaub, Director of Community Building and Engagement at Dwelling Place
- Latrisha Sosebee, Manager of Community Building and Engagement at Dwelling Place

Read about the work that Professor Lindsey Peterson and students in ART 318 - Graphic Design Forum at the link in our bio.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Backcountry Vagabonds
By Conrad Wilmers ( )

As a kid, do you remember your parents telling you to get off your screens, go outside, play, go explore? As much as we didn’t like it, it was for the best. The adventurous spirit is dying out. Screens are given to kids to distract them and keep them out of trouble. Folks often stay inside where they can feel safer and more comfortable while growing unaware of the beautiful world around them and the adventures that await them.

Backcountry Vagabonds aims to inspire a global community of outdoor adventurers who share a deep reverence for nature, foster meaningful connections with one another, and collectively work towards a sustainable future for our planet. We believe that being a part of our community means more than just wearing our brand, it means embracing a way of life rooted in exploration, respect for the environment, and a passion for adventure. We are proud to be Backcountry Vagabonds, and we invite others to put down their screens and join us on this journey of adventure, discovery, and stewardship.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Toneacity: An Educational Exhibit on Color Vision Deficiency (CVD)
By Agata Szcewczuk ( )

Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) is a condition where a person struggles to see color. They often have issues with completing tasks correctly due to poorly designed
directions. Now with technology in the mix, there is a new challenge that they face with seeing color. Toneacity is an exhibit made to educate the audience about CVD and how to use graphic design methods to improve their experience when interacting with
technology. With set guidelines that need to be abided by designers, sites can be created to accommodate individuals with CVD. However, many times they only meet the bare minimum with the qualifying guides. The book highlights the good and bad use of design elements on the web. Instead of solely relying on the designer, there should also be an option giving those with CVD the ability to adjust to their needs,
furthering accessibility. There is a proposed solution shown as an animation for how this can be achieved.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Zoomies Coffee Co.
By Aliyah Stanton (.stanton )

In a world where countless animals await a place to call home, the reality is stark. Approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized annually due to overcrowded shelters and adoption rates have declined, leaving many homeless pets unnoticed and unadopted, particularly those in foster care and shelters. This is where Zoomies Coffee Co. comes in, a local coffee shop with a heartfelt mission to address these distressing statistics and facilitate animal adoptions within the community. Zoomies advocates for shelter animals by featuring real pets on their packaging, giving them the visibility they need to find loving homes. With each purchase, customers contribute to the ongoing efforts in local shelters. Zoomies Coffee Co. is rooted in compassion and responsibility, as they strive to be coffee for the good of pets.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Endoease
By Mackenzie Scovel

Endometriosis is a reproductive disease with large implications on the way a person can live. Researchers have found that 1 in 10 women were diagnosed with Endometriosis worldwide, with many women not being properly diagnosed. It could take up to 8-10 years for proper diagnosis. This is often frustrating for someone with this kind of pain to do the waiting game. The cumulative effect on these chronic pain symptoms is a substantial burden on individuals and 70% of patients with unresolved pain. This results in many people who suffer to miss work and school on a routine basis. What could be done to help the pain become more tolerable and less noticeable? How about a one time box subscription with all the basic items that can help your mind and body feel at ease?
EndoEase is a branding service and exhibit. Each box will contain 5-7 items, which has specific benefits to help mitigate the pain and anxiety associated with this body breaking illness. Along with the box, EndoEase has its own packaging made in house, a brochure with information on the disease, and a website that will direct you to purchase the box. Our convenient all-natural pain relief products safely and effectively mitigates the uncomfortable side effects. Our products will ensure that pain relief starts immediately and continues to work throughout the day.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Bondfire
By Kaitlyn Perry ( )

from home has caused overbooking in commonly-known camping sites. With 15% of interviewed participants saying they now spend more time outdoors compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic, it appears that a solution to overrun camping grounds is now more necessary than ever. Compounded with more experienced campers feeling inclined to gatekeep their favorite hidden-gem sites, the camping sphere has become an unwelcoming environment for new campers to engage with. This is where the idea for BondFire was born, an app that helps guide users to o-the beaten-path adventures with built in incentives such as exclusive annual campouts for top creators.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Pigeon
By Sara Peltier ( )

Introducing Pigeon, a stationary company revolutionizing the way we send and receive greeting cards. In a time when communication is growing increasingly convenient and instantaneous, many find the effort put into sending a greeting card more and more meaningful. Selecting the perfect card and writing a heartfelt, handwritten note shows a level of thoughtfulness that cannot be replicated via online messaging. The rise of technology has made receiving a greeting card in the mail more meaningful than ever before. In fact, 88% of survey respondents prefer to receive a physical greeting card over a digital alternative. Despite the sentimental value of greeting cards being widely recognized, many people find that they don’t have the time or ability to complete the many steps that are involved in sending them. Pigeon’s unique service allows consumers to send personalized greeting cards in their own handwriting while on-the-go or from the comfort of their own homes. Through the use of one-of-a-kind machinery specially designed to replicate handwriting, Pigeon offers a direct to consumer alternative for those who are sentimental, have busy schedules or are unable to send greeting cards the traditional way.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Front Line Gear
By

As a designer passionate about sports I present Front Line Gear. Front Line Gear was created for the intention of creating safety, spreading awareness, and bringing a new look to the game of hockey. Front Line Gear is a brand specializing in neck guards, a protective gear for hockey players to prevent neck lacerations. Adam Johnson, a former NHL player, passed away from a neck laceration, sparking an uprise in the awareness of neck guards. Hockey players have stepped forward, starting to wear neck guards for their own safety. However, some players may still opt not to wear neck guards due to the uncomfortableness and appearance from the guard. Front Line Gear’s guards are created to bring a new aspect to the game and the players. Oering a durable and comfortable guard with premade designs or customizable options for players or teams boxed in a new look of packaging. Front Line Gear, the gear in front of the game is building high quality guards for the game and bringing hot designs for the players.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Earth Friendly
By Carson Murphy (.y )

The fashion industry is a rapidly evolving one, producing millions of products each day only to have a large percentage of them end up in landfills. The ways fast fashion companies are hurting our planet are endless, and will only continue to worsen. A possible solution? (or at least a step towards change) shopping secondhand. There are many stores that sell pre-loved clothes in excellent condition at a very affordable price. Purchasing items from these stores can replace the need to buy new every time. There’s something there for everyone and sometimes even something you didn’t know you wanted.

After learning about the horrible effects fast fashion has on our planet, I became very interested in doing my part to reduce them and get people involved in a more appealing way. I decided to combine art with sustainability and create unique pieces using only clothing bought or donated secondhand. Using embroidery, sewing, painting and design, my “mini business” will draw in young activists and artists who love to express themselves through fashion. The apparel and accessories will truly be one of a kind as no two pieces will be alike.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Impact Zone
by Cameron Migliaccio ( )

Impact zone is all about sports injuries and how athletes deal with and live with these injuries later in their careers. Many athletes suffer from repetitive head
traumas, leaving them with anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and CTE later in life.
These athletes feel stigmatized to “toughen up” and play through these injuries or must compete to provide for their families. Impact zone explores the visceral physicality of the sports many of our athlete’s experience. As the rules of these sports begin to change to keep our players safer, people begin to realize there is going to have to be some sort of change in the sports world for the better of humanity.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Made in GR
by Gwyneth Love ( )

During a time in which loneliness rates are rising in several different places around the globe, people need a place to connect with those around them. Especially artists. Due to how they dedicate themselves to their work and the lack of physical social presence within individual areas. This problem has only gotten greater since the COVID-19 pandemic — where everyone was inside for months. Current research shows that 25% of adults experience loneliness. Communities are struggling to reconnect and get people out of the rut that they find themselves in. How could we help heal the relationships of artists within the Grand Rapids area?

Made in GR is a physical art magazine that will allow people to reconnect with their community and artists. Within the pages, readers would find pages dedicated to showcasing particular local artists, discussing art businesses in GR, and recommending places to check out for curious art enthusiasts. This would be a great addition to the art world, as it would introduce new artists to the community easily, entertain the more experienced artists, and keep them up to date on what is happening monthly. Creating all of this while also maintaining a social media presence gives the reader a place to go when they find themselves raptured by a particular piece from a local artist. In addition to featuring artists, this product also repairs the solitude that some artists find themselves in when starting or creating artwork and helps them find the spark they are missing.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

CiCi
By Kayla Kidston ( )

Generalized anxiety disorder has major physical and mental eects on the body and can interfere with everyday life. If a child is not treated for their disorder, it can cause other issues later in life such as depression, self-harm, drug abuse, and isolation. However, children with this disorder improve the most when their parents are heavily involved in their treatment plan. CiCi’s mission is to provide easily accessible mindfulness tools to parents who have children (age 4-8) diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Guardians and children can follow CiCi through several activities and exercises provided to improve their child’s quality of life.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Orbit
Ellie Huegli ( )

Freelance Graphic Designers often find themselves looking for a community of designers to find support and resources in order to grow their businesses. However, Freelance Graphic Designers often struggle to find a supportive community and adequate resources, and they find themselves facing challenges in finding clients, staying motivated, and disciplined in a solitary work environment, managing multiple projects, and staying up to date with industry trends.

I am thrilled to present “Orbit,” a project that embodies the essence of creativity, collaboration, and community between Freelance Graphic Designers. I was inspired to conceptualize a co-working studio space where Freelance Graphic Designers can expand their resources to build their businesses. At the heart of the Orbit project is the Orbit website that is designed to reflect Orbit’s commitment to providing a seamless and inspiring space for graphic designers to thrive. Accompanying the website are business cards, stickers, notebooks, and more. Each design is crafted to embody the bold, creative, and ambitious spirit of Orbit and to create a cohesive brand experience. Through the conceptualization of Orbit, my goal is to highlight the importance of community and creativity in fostering a vibrant and inclusive graphic design community.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Aracura
Abbigail Harding ( )

Around 6% of the world’s population has arachnophobia, the extreme fear of spiders. This phobia can get in the way of life, giving those who suffer anxiety avoidant behavior. The most common treatment is in the form of exposure therapy. However, this may not be accessible for everybody. Many arachnophobes fear going to a therapist because they would likely have to confront their fear directly, as well as the issues of cost and time. Because of this, many people whose lives are affected by their fear do not seek help. Even outside of arachnophobes, spiders have gained an unpleasant reputation among the population. Many harmless species are feared to be dangerous because of ignorance, leading to them being exterminated.

Aracura provides a safe online environment to explore their fear and gain knowledge about spiders, so that arachnophobes can be empowered to treat their phobia. Based on my own experience overcoming arachnophobia, I want to inspire others to take control of their lives, and help the environment along the way. Find relief on the web with Aracura!

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Reverie
Amelia Cunningham ( )

In recent years the cosplay community
has begun to drift apart from one another. Sides being taken for buying and making cosplays, community drama, and overall missed signals continue to happen on a daily basis. I wanted to create a space where this kind of thing would not happen, a place where the community could reconnect, and grow stronger and closer together.

Welcome to Reverie, a place for cosplayers to connect around the world. At the center of the Reverie project is our cosplayer connecting website, a digital platform for all to use for connecting with one another, learning new things, and sharing tips and tricks on their craft. This website is designed with cosplayers in mind, not just veteran cosplayers but also the baby cosplayers who are new to the community. We strive to help everyone feel welcomed into this vast community by creating a space for cosplayers to get to know and learn from one another. The overall goal of this project is to give all cosplayers a place to just be. Allowing them to enjoy their time in the community, a safe place to learn and grow, a place to make mistakes and learn from them. At Reverie we want to help everyone feel welcomed and safe within the cosplay community, and encourage all those who are interested in cosplaying a chance to try it out!

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Milly
Rev Bronowski ( )

The world is becoming increasingly commodified, including art forms and related industries. To succeed as a creative you often must sell control or ownership of your vision. This includes movies, where marketing efforts are frequently handled without the director’s input. As a result, posters or other promotions are left to a team with a separate vision and intention than that of the director. Certain inclusions are prioritized over relation to the movie’s message, hoping to draw attention and increase sales.

Working with the student film Milly, directed by Hannah Scout Dunaway and Future Co**se Productions, I created a series of posters tackling some of what may influence a design. There’s many perspectives in art and poster designs specifically. Though I can not remedy the connection between designer and artist, I can show some perspectives that may ultimately impact a final product. I hope to question what is important to feature, and to what extent marketability or designer preference should take priority over director’s intent.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Irlanda Beltran ( )
Petalos de Cambio

In Mexico, deep-rooted social issues such as homophobia, gender-based violence, and mental health stigma continue to afflict our communities, perpetuating cycles of discrimination and exclusion. These systemic challenges are often exacerbated by entrenched beliefs and societal norms, creating barriers to equality and well-being for marginalized individuals. The prevalence of these issues underscores the urgent need for intervention and transformative change.

Our mural collective seeks to address these pressing issues by harnessing the power of art and reevaluated Catholic teachings to foster a more inclusive society in Mexico. Through vibrant murals, we aim to raise awareness about homophobia, gender-based violence, and mental health stigma, sparking conversations and inspiring collective action. Our goals include challenging stereotypes, promoting empathy and understanding, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. By depicting scenes of love, acceptance, and resilience, we strive to create public spaces that celebrate diversity and affirm the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or mental health status. Ultimately, we envision a future where our murals serve as symbols of hope and solidarity, guiding us towards a more just and compassionate society for generations to come.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE!

Phose
Kiana Baker ( )

People can sometimes feel uncomfortable with taking photos, which one can attribute to social comparison, fear of judgment, photographic history, feelings of being unwanted, and performance anxiety. Even
back in time before photography, portraiture was often made so that people seemed higher class or younger.

For the past three years, I have been observing people in their environments. Two things I noticed,
people wanted to know how I pose and feel natural doing so. And two they were asking strangers to take their photos but, end up with unpleasant outcomes.
What if there was a way to help our confidence and grow our peer support? I conducted research using a diverse group of college students, out of 100 students, 80% said they would want an app that would help with their confidence and self-esteem. Phose is an app that
would overall improve your photo-taking experience. Phose has many poses with different categories at the touch of your hand. Never running out of ideas or spending too much time searching. Not only do
you have the poses but, PHOSE has videos set up to show you how to do the pose and angle your camera. Furthermore, with our advanced technology, the app will scan your body to make sure you are in the
right position. With voice activation, you will never need to move out of your pose. Once you’re in the correct position, the app will take the photo for you. Not only will you have the perfect photo each time but,
the app also has a social community. A community that has the same purpose, to build self-esteem & encourage others.

SENIOR PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Origins
Beth Baird (.designs )

Since time immemorial people have had a desire to share and spread knowledge with others. Be it the ancient cave paintings in France or the millions of books found around the world, people want to remember, to share, and to connect. One of the first documents ever created to share knowledge was that of the bestiaries, a book that would contain a collection of artists renditions of creatures from around the globe accompanied with text that described the creature or included it in a story that was often shared in relation to the beast. Entries included Albrecht Durer Rhinoceros and fantastical creatures such as that of the rare unicorn. In a day and age when information is so easily accessible and shareable, it’s hard to imagine there was a time when sharing knowledge took a substantial amount of time and energy. That is how Origins came into being. Origins is a small collection of culturally significant creatures that have found their way into popular culture, but have lost some of the meaning behind them. Origins intends to bring back into the light their true meaning in the same way that they were originally shared to begin with.

SENIOR PROJECT FEATURE

Dimensions of Aging
Chyna Bach (.creations )

Step into “Dimensions of Aging,” a reflective journey delving into the intricacies of the human aging process. Aging is a multifaceted journey marked by changes across four key dimensions: psychological, physical, spiritual, and social. Yet, amidst these transformations, people often struggle with the ideas around aging, sometimes avoiding discussions on the topic altogether. This reluctance stems from societal attitudes that often lack empathy towards aging, perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions about older adults. Surprisingly, 87% of the population harbors fears or biases towards growing older, despite being a phase that almost everyone will experience in at least one way in their lives.

By acknowledging and exploring how aging is a multidimensional phenomenon, we can foster greater understanding and empathy for the challenges faced by older individuals. Through open dialogue and compassionate engagement, we can challenge ageist beliefs and cultivate a more inclusive society. By presenting such vulnerable moments of aging, this work can bring awareness and increase empathy on the topic, providing comfort to those experiencing this. This exhibition will also give viewers some insight into the research behind the project. Through a fusion of experimental typographic elements and abstract expressionism, we invite you to navigate the subtleties of aging, embracing its intricacies with empathy and curiosity.

Thank you all for attending ‘s reception tonight! Senior reviews tomorrow!

Mark your calendars (AGAIN)! 📅
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Resolution, the second Graphic Design senior exhibition of this semester, opens on Wednesday, 4/17, at the Haas Gallery.
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And come celebrate the students at the opening reception on Thursday, 4/18, 5-7 PM. The show will be on view until Monday, 4/22.

We look forward to seeing you at the Hass Gallery tomorrow, 4/11, 5-7 PM, for the closing reception of Illuminate, the first Graphic Design Senior Exhibition. Stop by to celebrate their accomplishments and wish them well!

Mark your calendars! 📅
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Illuminate, the first Graphic Design senior exhibition of this semester, opens on Monday, 4/8, at the Haas Gallery.
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And come celebrate the students at the closing reception on Thursday, 4/11, 5-7 PM.

It’s that time of the year!
Registration starts this week, and you know that meeting your advisor makes everything so much easier.

Come talk about your coursework this Wednesday or Thursday during the VMA advising day

The 2019 AIGA Design Census shows that 61% of designers working today are women. Today, we celebrate our faculty by thanking them for all of their significant contributions to our students and the university. Our program thrives because of you.

Phew! It’s still .

Look at the students in ART 217 - Graphic Design Internship Seminar at this winter’s ‘s Career Fair! Thanks to the Career Center for hosting.

Due to weather conditions, the university has implemented REMOTE STATUS on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Classes will shift to remote delivery wherever feasible. Classes that cannot be delivered remotely will not be held.

Please expect further communication from your instructors, and stay safe and warm!