CSU Art Gallery Hosts Graphic Design Senior Show and Portfolio Review

For graphic design majors and hopefuls, the Senior Show and Portfolio Review is the perfect opportunity to display their skills. This is the first joint show simultaneously featuring senior projects and portfolios for those seeking admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design.

Located in the CSU Gallery, the showcase displays work in different media, including posters, card games and fashion. The posters range in purpose from decor to advertisements to social commentary.

Graphic Design student Jessy Kowal’s poster is a “juxtaposition of two words as well as [a depiction of] a larger social/political message” about the “treatment of women in school/the workplace as well as larger society — as women are often infantilized and forced into positions of submission and then receive backlash for speaking out for themselves. Therefore, a poster that appealed to many generations, yet had a clear and aggressive message, was needed,” according to the label below the poster. 

The poster, strikingly constructed with only two colors, pink and black, draws inspiration from “punk posters in the 80s, which would be created in this way to share social/political messages with some edge.” The usage of pink is intentional; it is meant as “a celebration of femininity.” 

One can sense the cumulative frustration of generations of women behind the words on the poster itself. Though few, each packs a punch of meaning. Old, tired, sexist phrases like “smile for me,” “you’re just being hysterical,” and “you’re wasting your prime” float around the base of the poster. An oversized boot stomps down on these remarks, but at the cost of being labeled a massive “BITCH,” intentionally capitalized and bolded. Kowal finished the work with a final shout in a spiky bubble: “God forbid a woman have an opinion!”

Other than symbolic depictions of socio-political issues, there are also posters with the purpose of advertisement.

Mara Dealing, another Graphic Design student whose work is featured, chose to design “the brand identity [and] packaging design for a natural skincare company” called “Zesty.” Her poster is simple, sleek and modern, with the aim of creating a “long lasting brand identity that can appeal and resonate with generations of people.”

Finally, lighthearted card games display the versatility of graphic design across media. The games “Would You Rather” and “Totally Icked” use simple, pretty graphics and muted colors that would make any game night a blast. These games are self-explanatory and reflect current Gen-Z trends. “Would You Rather” is the work of Izzy Linden and Kaitlyn Patrin, while “Totally Icked” is the work of Janessa Roufs and Mara Dealing.

Other than students, professors were vital in making this show a reality. Professor Matthew Willemsen, who oversaw the show’s preparation, shared, “One of the most rewarding parts of the show is working alongside students to plan and install the exhibition.”

Those interested in viewing the Graphic Design show can stop by the CSU Gallery anytime until Dec. 5.

Photo Caption: Upper level graphic design students are currently showcasing their work in the CSU Gallery. The show will be up until December 5th. (Matt Miller/The Reporter) 

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