Graphic Design Seniors ‘Step Right Up’ in December 6 Showcase
Seven Designers Present Portfolios of Multimedia Work in BFA Exhibition
at Houston Station
Watkins College of Art, Design & Film presents the Graphic Design senior exhibition Step Right Up, featuring work by Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design degree candidates Sarah Abell, Mark Fentriss, Aaron Johnson, Janey Nachampsak, Rex Runyeon, Sara Strese and Kelsey Ullrich, on Thursday, December 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Houston Station.
The one-night-only portfolio showcase, which is free and open to the public, will introduce the seven graduating seniors to the community as graphic designers and illustrators through print and multimedia projects in advertising, packaging, web design, branding, digital publishing and illustration.
“Each graduating class of designers chooses a presentation theme for their group BFA show, and this year’s ‘Step Right Up’ concept takes cues from soap box salesmen, vintage TV commercials, carnival posters, and midcentury department stores,” said Heather Dryden, adjunct instructor and senior portfolio advisor. “These seven young designers make up one the most accomplished classes ever at Watkins, with more than a dozen Student Addys among them, and internships at several of the city’s most prestigious studios. ‘Step Right Up’ will show off a full range of design talent, from hard-bound design books to iPad apps.”
For more information, visit show website www.StepRightUpLiveDesign.com or www.Watkins.edu.
Historic Houston Station (eventsnashville.net/houston) is located at 434 Houston Street, Nashville, TN 37203 (off Chestnut Street, near the Adventure Science Center).
Step Right Up is supported in part by Athens Paper, Houston Station, Joyner & Hogan, and Southern Events.
· Sarah Abell (Huntsville, AL) – BFA in Graphic Design / slabell.com
· Mark Fentriss (Nashville, TN) – BFA in Graphic Design / markfentriss.com
· Aaron Johnson (Nashville, TN) – BFA in Graphic Design with Illustration concentration / zetareactor.com
· Janey Nachampsak (Philadelphia, PA) – BFA in Graphic Design with Illustration concentration / janeynak.com
· Rex Runyeon (Nashville, TN) – BFA in Graphic Design / rexrunyeon.com
· Sara Strese (Twin Cities, MN) – BFA in Graphic Design / sarastrese.com
· Kelsey Ullrich (Memphis, TN) – BFA in Graphic Design / kelseyjaq.com
Sarah Abell Mark Fentriss Aaron Johnson Janey Nachampsak
Rex Runyeon Sara Strese Kelsey Ullrich
Watkins Graphic Design students and alumni are consistently among the most honored in the country through their submissions to regional, national and international advertising design competitions, particularly in the student and professional categories of the ADDY Awards (hosted by the American Advertising Federation). At the 2012 Nashville Student ADDYs, Watkins won more top-level awards than any other school competing, claiming nine Golds (two more than last year) and two (of the four) Judges’ Choice Awards. Seventy percent of Watkins students who entered received awards, and 17 pieces, including eight Silver award winners, advanced to the district competition.
Watkins students continue to blanket Nashville and the region with their intelligence, visual wit and creativity through unique opportunities with several beloved Nashville community events. In the past year, their talents have been chosen to promote signature happenings such as the American Artisan Festival, the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, Music City Hot Chicken Festival, Nashville Sister Cities Program, Nashville Symphony and Nashville Opera performances, and Murfreesboro’s JazzFest, among others.
About the program
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design at Watkins College begins with a strong foundation in the basic principles and elements of design and typography. The curriculum then builds in complexity until students graduate with a professional, high quality, entry-level portfolio. Coursework effectively covers art, design, typography, technology, professional practices and the history of art and design. Small class sizes allow for each student to have individual consultations with faculty at every stage of assigned projects. Graphic design electives, including internships with area advertising and design agencies, enhance each student’s education. The curriculum culminates in the capstone course, Senior Portfolio Development, where each graduating senior works with senior faculty to polish his/her portfolio. Finally, the graduating class, as a team, puts together a senior exhibition that features their portfolios.