Well, 2024 came and went, didn’t it? As we stumble into 2025, it’s time for a little look back. Spoiler alert, last year was a wild mix of creativity, growth, and a lot of “wow, did I actually pull that off” moments. So here we are with a two-part blog series to relive some of those ups and downs (mainly ups- who wants to read the downs?).
This first post is all about the classroom. The projects that made me question the limits of design (and sometimes my students’ sanity), the moments that brought out the best in us, and the students who made me proud enough to brag about them to anyone who would listen.
If you’ve read through this blog or followed me on social media then you know one of the things that brings me the most pride in this world is the success of my students. When a student gets a job or wins an award it hits me like a shot of adrenaline. As a teacher, though I am fairly confident in my abilities, there are times where the validation and affirmation are welcomed. There’s an incredible amount of pressure that comes with teaching, knowing that every decision, lesson, and critique has the potential to impact a student’s career and life. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and it’s what drives me to always give my best, even on the most challenging days.
Reflecting on 2024, per the usual, our students have truly outdone themselves, earning accolades that underscore their talent and dedication and that of my colleagues and I. At the American Advertising Federation Mississippi Gulf Coast Awards, they secured multiple honors, including multiple golds and the prestigious Best of Show. Notably, their work spanned television advertisements, packaging design, poster campaigns, and brand identity.
On the national stage, our students clinched 2 Gold ADDYs at the Student American Advertising Federation National Awards. Our program is small, and has only won 4 total in our long history. One project that stood out was one from my ART 445 Motion Graphics 1 course and was by Josie Russell, a TV intro titled “What Big Teeth,” which showcased the creativity and strategic thinking that define our program.
Adding to these achievements, two of my students were accepted into the National Student Show and Conference, a testament to their exceptional skills and potential. Hezzie Jefferson’s food truck brand identity for a food truck called “Cluck Yeah” and Autumn Graves’ invitation set for a social club called “Dear Reader” were both standout pieces that earned them this honor.
Further, Autumn Graves and Grace May, both seniors (now alumni), were named among GDUSA’s 2024 “Students to Watch”, highlighting their promise in the design industry. Additionally, this fall two other students were honored with GDUSA American Design Awards, reflecting the high caliber of work emerging from our classrooms as recently as a month ago.
Crowning these individual successes, our program was recognized as a Top Design School by GDUSA Magazine for the third consecutive year, the only school in Mississippi to receive this honor. These accomplishments not only fill me with immense pride but also reaffirm the dedication and hard work of our students and faculty. They serve as a reminder of the impact we strive to make in the world of design.
But it wasn’t all about the awards. Some students simply excelled beyond expectations in ways that may not have earned them a trophy yet but certainly has already earned my pride. In my Illustration course, I challenge students to break free from traditional methods by encouraging them to explore unconventional materials and techniques. This approach pushes them to think beyond the standard tools of design like the adobe software or even pen and paper, fostering more innovation and personal expression. The results were phenomenal, with students producing work that not only demonstrates technical skill but also a deep understanding of concept and the value of materials. Their ability to adapt and experiment has led to projects that are both visually striking and conceptually profound, embodying the very essence of the creative exploration I hope to achieve this unconventional course.
In Motion Graphics, students tackled the complexities of combining technical precision with storytelling. They learned how to bring static designs to life, creating logo animations that didn’t just look stunning but also carried meaningful brand attributes. From vector animation to fully developed storyboards turned into motion sequences, the level of dedication and innovation was incredible. The way these students embraced the challenge of integrating design with motion left a lasting impression on me and showcased just how bright the future is for these young creatives.
In ART 441, the creativity was equally impressive. This class saw students dive into the creation of board games, an exercise that required them to balance innovative illustrative design branding with functionality. The results were as fun as they were visually engaging, with concepts ranging from quirky and humorous to complex and thought-provoking.
The Survival Guides project, as a senior-level assignment, allowed students to reflect deeply on their time in our program. These guides often become deeply personal expressions, blending practical advice with the emotions and experiences that have shaped them during their journey. Watching students channel their growth and introspection into such meaningful projects is a highlight for me every time I assign this project. It is also quite useful as an educator to see where they stumbled, what frustrated them, and where things were truly enlightening. The depth of their reflection often reveals the true impact of their time in the program, making this project a fitting capstone in their academic journey for me to see.
As I reflect on all these incredible classroom moments from 2024, I am filled with gratitude. This past year has been a testament to the talent, dedication, and creativity of my students and the supportive community that surrounds them. While the awards and accolades are certainly worth celebrating, it is the growth, passion, and resilience I see in the classroom every day that truly defines success. Here’s to another year of pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and watching students continue to amaze the world. Let’s see what 2025 has in store!
P.S. On a side note, I also taught an honors course for the first time, and it truly was an exceptional experience. The colloquium course is a two semester course and I plan to write about it towards the end of the spring semester. With that said, if you’d like to see how that course is going thus far you should read my previous post “Smoky Mountain High.”
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