The Graphic Design Student Show, an event which showcases the work of students in the graphic design program, is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 25 through Wednesday, March 6.
"Students who are in the professional graphic design program may submit their work produced in any graphic design studios in the previous year," said Wei Wang, chair of the graphic design department. "Faculty will jury the show first and select pieces based on several criteria."
The categories for submission for this year are Type/Processes, Intro to Graphic Design, Typography, Identity, Book, Poster, Magazine, Interactive, Package, Photography, Illustration and Website.
Because of the wide range of topics, anyone with an interest in graphic design is encouraged to attend the show and get a taste of what the program has to offer.
"You'll get a great overview of the entire graphic design curriculum from the first pieces students produce to upper-level design work," said Heidi Hunter, senior in graphic design.
Once the students are chosen, the show will be judged by faculty of the graphic design program, as well as a guest juror.
"We select pieces based on several criteria, and an invited juror will then select book awards and merit awards for each category, as well as best in show," Wang said.
This year's guest juror is internationally recognized designer Rick Valicenti, AIGA medalist and founder and principal of the design firm 3st in Chicago.
Hunter said graphic design is not just about making things pretty.
"It should always communicate an idea," Hunter said. "When I start a project, my thought process is more about how I can best communicate the project's concept rather than how can I make it look trendy and cool."
Robert Finkel, assistant professor of graphic design, agreed with an emphasis on a well-constructed concept rather than visual appeal.
"We generally look for a strong concept and idea and a successful implementation of that concept," Finkel said. "We also look for good craft: demonstration of mastery of skills, whether it be effectively using the software, working with materials and simply creating flawless comps of each piece. "
Hunter said she is planning on submitting work for this year's show and felt honored to have a few pieces put in last year's show.
"It's a really neat opportunity for students to have their work juried because it gives them a professional designer's perspective on their work," Hunter said.
Hunter said the graphic design program thrives on open discussion and classroom critiques, while other schools are usually more reserved about their work.
"There is a very strong sense of community rather than competition here," Hunter said. "I think that being able to collaborate with the other people in design has been one of the ways I've grown the most."
While in certain classes all graphic design students are given the same assignment, the variety of the work produced indicates a breadth and diversity that may be surprising to viewers.
"The graphic design program here at Auburn is excellent, and this is a great opportunity to show off all the hard work that the students put into their projects and their education," Finkel said.
The reception and awards ceremony will occur at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on Monday, Feb. 25.
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