Story by Emily Gregor
Photos courtesy of Hannah Pink
Graphic design students at Drake are all over the place. Whether they are spending hours designing in their studios, preparing for a show, or working in the field, they are exposed to a multitude of opportunities to get their creativity flowing.
Senior Hannah Pink, alongside other graphic design majors, has been putting the finishing touches on her senior bachelor of fine arts capstone for Proximity, an art show that will be at Anderson Gallery from April 12-28.
“I have been putting just about every minute of free time I have towards completion of this art show,” Pink said. “This show is a culmination of all of my four years at Drake, so I need it to be as special and impressive as possible, which takes time and effort.”
Other students who will be exhibiting their work include Meanz Chan, Aron Johnston and Cecily Pincsak.
Pink finds inspiration in wildlife and in the intricate details we often overlook.
“I have created my drawings to push the viewer to gain a heightened sense of appreciation for all kinds of creatures, no matter the size or part of the world that they are from,” Pink said. “I have a series going in the show that is specifically highlighting endangered wildlife from the three specific Midwestern counties that I have lived in.”
In addition to her series on endangered wildlife in the Midwest, she has a second one as well.
“Another series I will be showcasing is multiple smaller images of plants and animals that are zoomed in to the point that the details distort what the actual animal is, allowing the viewer to have to guess what the animal may be,” Pink said.
Younger students are finding unique ways to be inspired by the world around them for their art as well.
“I’m inspired by beautiful things,” said first-year student Korrie Merley. “I’m always taking pictures of things I see in stores or anywhere to use for inspiration.”
Merley hopes to design layouts or graphics for a magazine or design the packaging for stores, even though she’s currently working through advertising via social media.
“There are so many options, so I still have to figure things out,” Merley said.
In addition to her personal goals, Merley wants to improve the stereotype of graphic design being an “easy major.”
“I want to convey my message successfully to them, I want the colors, fonts and whatever else is included to resonate in their minds just like it does in mine,” Merley said.
Another first-year student, Grace Miller, aims to improve the reputation of being an artist as well.
“Being a graphics major, I feel very belittled at points by other majors, like being an artist isn’t hard or challenging,” Miller said. “Without art, everything would be ugly and grey. Art brings joy and life to the world.”
In addition to breaking the stigmas, Miller, through an opportunity she has through her father, hopes to turn her love of art into working for more prestigious publications.
“Future opportunities I dream of having include interning for ESPN The Magazine in their graphic department,” Miller said.
While Miller will continue to race towards her dreams, she has other goals as well.
“My personal goal for my future is to be happy with where I end up,” Miller said. “I truly believe that if I am happy with my job or place in life that it will all be worth it.”
