ASU graphic design graduates display their work virtually through ‘Branded’

Senior graphic design students who are finishing their “Professional Practice for Design” and “Portfolio Capstone” courses at Arkansas State University are showcasing their work online for a virtual version of the annual “Branded” show, now at brandedshow.com.

The work shown is the culmination of each student’s production from these courses. Though both classes went online at midterms, students still completed every item of work usually required. The only exception was printed materials, other than business cards due to the pandemic.

The two courses, which are offered in the final year of study, represent the culmination of a design student’s work at ASU. Each student in these courses is completing either a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design with digital design emphasis.

“Branded” shows have occurred annually for the past nine years showcasing each student’s development of his or her brand and its implementation with all aspects of the job search process and professional practice. The 2019 show was the first to also contain portfolio work from the newly revised course. This event was very successful and was scheduled to return this year to the Fowler Center, but it was one of the victims of the pandemic.

“The site is even more detailed than past years, with links to the huge amount of work completed by this impressive bunch of designers who created amazing work under demanding conditions,” Nikki Arnell, associate professor of graphic design, said.

Participating students are Sabrina Sturtevant of Buffalo, Mo., Kailey McQuay of Brookland, Amanda Davis of Wynne, Richard Crossno of Kennett, Mo., Jodie Kelso of Forrest City, Lourdes Hernandez of Huntington Beach, Calif., Khansa Alodhaib of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tyler Lee of Paragould, Laney Gilliam of Little Rock, Cody Crittenden of Piggott, Katelyn Leonard of Corning, Drake French of O’Kean, Calley Dunnihoo of West Plains, Mo., Daniel Greene of Jonesboro, Joshua Kruse of Mountain Home, and Joy Pelton of Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Both the brandedshow.com and the associated “Designers” page are now live. For the support of this hard-working group, the Department of Art + Design hopes interested individuals will go online and explore these students’ work as they near completion of their degrees, Arnell added.