Student Art Portfolios 2023

April Sunshine

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

Life is full of beauty and chaos; captured best by visual art. My primary sources of inspiration as a mixed-media artist are nature, life events, and loved ones. In my work, I highlight the vast beauty of our universe, including that found within the wild turns of human life. I aim to inspire a sense of gratitude for the world we live in and the lives we lead. A variety of mediums provide me with the opportunity to create unique pieces while expressing myself. I'm often covered in paint, clay, or glue due to the constant construction of projects.

As a child, I spent most of my free time making gifts, illustrating my emotions, and building objects from my dreams. Now as a childcare provider, I find immense joy in learning new artistic skills I can use to advance my work and the work of the children I care for. Among my goals are teaching studio arts to children and constructing art installations. By empowering children with artistic skills, I hope they will be able to express themselves and explore the world around them. My creative passion revolves around transforming plain spaces into wondrous coves through installation art, using primarily recycled materials. Our chaotic lives contain a lot of beauty that can be captured through creating new wonders, especially from the old.

 

 

 

Brian Genovesi

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

To me, art and design are not after the fact aesthetic choices, but an essential function. There is great importance in the spaces we inhabit, the objects we interact with on a daily basis, and the ways in which they affect us. I strive to understand how to express ideas and illicit emotions and reactions that play to the strengths of visual mediums. Images impact us in a primal, subconscious manner and constantly affect us in subtle ways. My goal with my work is to use design to make these spaces and everyday objects that we interact with have a positive impact on and clear communication with those who interact with them.

I largely take inspiration from more abstract and experimental artists. The aspect that initially interested me in art is the idea of expressing concepts non-representational. The core of all art is the visceral reaction you have to an image before you are even able to interpret what you are seeing. Whether it is a fully rendered painting, the buildings you walk past every day, or a basic pamphlet, my goal with my art is to better understand how to visually express ideas that affect people.

 

 

 

Cassandra Agostino

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

The goal of my work is to create a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Where that balance depends on the project; my portfolio ranges from neat and proper corporate identity to vivid illustration. Imagery, color, and typography are all my tools for creating an effective design.

A key part of my process is a passion for continuous learning and researching, which allows me to stay versatile as a designer to adapt to the ever-changing needs of different clients and projects. This portfolio is just the beginning, as I hope to constantly learn and evolve as an artist and graphic designer. I hope that my works breathe life into the products I design and successfully evoke excitement to their audiences.

 

 

 

Deanna Gray

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

I'm a versatile creative professional based in Pittsburgh, juggling roles as an illustrator, graphic designer, and writer. My journey began with an education in English Technical Writing at Clarion University, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the power of words. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift towards a more artistic future, leading me to pursue a double major and gain a holistic perspective on my creative pursuits.

My artistic style reflects a passion for emotions and nostalgia, aiming to connect with viewers on a profound level. Whether through comic books, advertisements, or illustrations, I use my work as a conduit to evoke memories and stir dormant passions. Committed to pushing the boundaries of my craft, I invite you to join me on a journey of creative exploration, where the lines between words, images, and emotions blur to create a unique tapestry of storytelling. Together, we'll explore the boundless realms of human emotion and creativity, forging a connection that transcends time and space through the medium of art.

 

 

 

Jaquan Brockman

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

As a photographer and graphic designer, my artistic practice centers around capturing and celebrating the beauty, diversity, and complexity of predominantly Black subjects. Through my lens, I aim to challenge conventional narratives and explore the rich tapestry of Black experiences, showcasing the resilience, strength, and grace that often goes unnoticed.

In my photographic work, I strive to create images that are not only visually striking but also imbued with meaning and depth. Each photograph is carefully composed, utilizing light, shadow, and composition to evoke emotions and tell stories. By highlighting the nuances and individuality of my subjects, I aim to challenge stereotypes and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the Black community.

As a graphic designer, I bring my meticulous attention to detail to every project. I believe that design has the power to communicate messages and evoke emotions. With a keen eye for typography, color theory, and layout, I carefully craft visual narratives that addresses the desires and needs of every client while also creating dynamic imagery to bring awareness to the injustices happening in our world that often go unspoken.

Through my work as both a photographer and graphic designer, I strive to create a dialogue, challenge societal norms, and inspire positive change. By celebrating the diversity and beauty of predominantly Black subjects and employing meticulous attention to detail in my designs, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world where every voice is heard and valued.

 

 

 

Kacey Merchant 

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

The most important thing to me is making an impact; through life and art. I strive to create inspired designs across a wide variety of subjects. In my work, I strive to strike a balance between simplicity and complexity. I believe that powerful ideas deserve powerful designs. I understand the need for minimalistic designs to have the power to communicate ideas effectively while leaving room for interpretation. By carefully selecting colors, fonts, and layouts, I aim to create harmonious compositions that engage the viewer's senses.

As a graphic designer, my goal is to create visually captivating and emotionally resonant designs that leave a lasting impression on the viewer. I believe that design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also convey a deeper meaning or message. storytelling plays a crucial role in my design process. Each project is an opportunity to tell a unique narrative through visual elements.

Whether it's through illustrations or typography, I aim to create designs that spark curiosity and invite viewers into a world of imagination.

Ultimately, my goal as an aesthetic graphic designer is not only to create beautiful visuals but also to inspire emotions and provoke thoughts. Through careful attention to detail and thoughtful execution of concepts, I hope to make a meaningful impact on both individuals and society as a whole.

 

 

 

Kelly Kollar

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

I pride myself on making artwork and graphics that bring beautiful colors and designs to a project. Whether it's a concept design, a logo, a flyer, or whatever else, color is my favorite thing to focus on. I consider myself a great enthusiast of the rainbow and want to keep bringing color to the world with my work. I use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to bring my ideas to life, in drawings, graphics, and other documents. Having grown up going to amusement parks, my biggest dream is to design a colorful amusement park ride for guests to enjoy for years to come.

 

 

 

Maia Kamenova

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

I got my creative start in fine art, using media from graphite to watercolor to digital illustration. As someone who also has a penchant for the sciences, my interests post-high school led me to the Architecture program at Carnegie Mellon University. While on a break from CMU, I am pursuing an Associate's degree in Graphic Communications at CCAC and will be returning to CMU to finish my Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in the spring semester.

Over the years, I have freelanced as an illustrator and Photoshop editor. This has given me amazing experiences, such as illustrating and designing a children's book. Another favorite project of mine was digitally restoring vintage panoramic maps from the late nineteenth century. Probably the most fun job was creating traditional oil portraits of a family in the style of the movie What We Do in the Shadows.

These artistic jobs led me to my decision to study graphic design, and I have finally found the ideal outlet for my creative talent. The design presents more direction for unfocused imagination. Having a client and brief provides parameters that harness creativity as a problem-solving tool, and that'''s how mine flourishes. The intersection of artistic intuition and strategic thinking is the essence of my design philosophy.

 

 

 

Margaux Furter

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

I am no artist, simply a designer. I seek out problems and devise solutions with the intention to meet a set of criteria and point out where you were wrong, and where I was, after all, correct. I invite you to linger on the poor taste of this previous statement, but in this pause, I remind you how my intention to contribute to the design industry will be one of fostering growth through persistence, knowledge, and understanding. I am here to dissect your brain and predict where your aesthetic lies; it is imperative for me to know the ins and outs of your creative intentions as a means of scaffolding the best product for you to encapsulate as a reflection of your image, brand, and simply, your taste.

As mentioned before, I am no artist. I admire the qualities of an artist; the ability for one to view the world, completely disassemble it, and reinterpret it through a lens curated throughout a lifetime of trial and error is an absolute feat of human achievement and should be celebrated. If you are an artist, I applaud you. I am a designer. I communicate an idea and I achieve this through visual stimulation, sensory experience, and thought-provoking interaction. Remember, our immediate reality thrives under the effective use of communication; let me be your messenger.

 

 

 

Patrick Sharpe

Fall 2023

Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania I take pride in capturing some of the greatest moments with my camera. My art combines digital photography, graphic design, illustration, and fine art skills, creating memorable pieces of art whether online, for prints, in magazines, or to hang on a wall. With my focus on photography, I aim to make connections between the subject and viewer to articulate the feelings captured at the split moment in time. I strive to document the automotive world in a creative way, using my love and knowledge of motorsports and cars to inform my composition and post-production styles. It is my hope to travel the world bringing the most elusive and unique experiences and cultures to people across the globe.


I use photography because capturing moments and turning time into art is special to me. I find that taking a snapshot of anything creates a look into another world. All forms of photography encapsulate this adventure, from the rawness of street photography to the beauty of landscapes, and the production of product photography, it all has a goal to give the viewer a feeling. That is why I take photos, to share and express time through emotion, place, and subject.

 

 

 

Savannah Graham

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

I am a graphic designer with a lifelong passion for fine art, seamlessly integrating artistic principles into my design process. My diverse professional journey, including roles as a photographer, photo retoucher, and brand identity designer, has fostered a deep appreciation for the transformative power of visual media. Drawing inspiration from travels, nature, and the enchanting realms of fantasy, I infuse wonder and magic into my designs.

For me, good design harmoniously blends aesthetics, functionality, and purpose. Rooted in the principles of fine art, my approach considers composition, color theory, and emotional impact, emphasizing storytelling and meticulous craftsmanship. While embracing new technology, I believe in grounding innovation with the timeless foundations of fine art. In essence, I am an artist who designs, crafting the extraordinary from the ordinary in each project, driven by an unwavering commitment to artistic and design excellence.

 

 

 

Tia Napper

Fall 2023

Porfolio Website

Hello, I'm Tia a digital cartoonist/animator who specializes in character design and rough storyboard animatics. Proficient in Adobe Animate, Photoshop, and Clip Studio Paint. Many of my influences come from '90s and early 2000s cartoons, both Western and Eastern in color and design aspects.

I love the process of seeing the work I've and others created come together in the end there's something both satisfying and magical about seeing the final product. A lot of project ideas get written or drawn out on anything I can get access to before I compile everything into a document for me to look at later and refine.