Graphic Design Program Scores Three Wins at National Contest

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Since 2016, the Graphic Design program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has continued to dominate local competitions and put up strong performances at regional and national design competitions. Earlier this month, entries by three Islander students won their respective categories and were accepted into the show as part of the virtual National Student Show and Conference.

Junior Drew Scott ’22 won in the category of General Design: Stationery Package; Neiman Ward ’21, won in the category of Publication: Annual Reports, Brochures, and Catalogs; and sophomore Victoria Contreras ’23 took home a big win in the Illustration category. All three students are graphic design majors.

Andrea Hempstead, assistant professor of graphic design, said this is the second year Islanders have competed in the NSSC, which is sponsored by the Dallas Society of Visual Communications. Hempstead said she is very proud of these students, who competed against peers in top-ranked programs, including University of Kansas, Oklahoma State University, and Virginia Tech University.

“It is one thing to be recognized by faculty as an achiever among your peer group, but exposure and validation on a national level allows these students to understand their true potential in this career field,” Hempstead said.

The NSSC was Scott’s first national design competition and award. Her winning entry featured designs for an art supply subscription box, including the brand logo, color palette, and typography.

“I wanted to create a series that was engaging to consumers and would allow for creatives to sample high quality art supplies at an affordable cost,” Scott, a native of Rockport, said. “I have learned so much from the professors as they have continued to support and equip me with new skills and abilities.”

Ward won top prize for his entry, “Adidas Shoe Catalog.” While Ward has won a number of awards at the international level, this is his first national award.

“Even though we are a smaller program, I think of us as the top dogs like those other schools,” Ward said.

Contreras’ entry, “Bazaar Historical Cover,” won best in Illustration. Like Scott, this was Contreras’ first design award both at a national level and in general.  She said the project is a result of an assignment for her Historical Perspectives of Graphic Design class.

“The training in the TAMU-CC Graphic Design program has enhanced what I already knew and the skills I already had in order for me to be successful,” Contreras said. “It has also taught me new information to apply to the skills I had to help me grow as a designer.”

Hempstead said the NSSC wins validate the strength of the Graphic Design program.

“Our Graphic Design program prepares students for immediate entry into this highly competitive field,” Hempstead said. “Our students are successful and can compete with their peers at all levels.”