If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proven by many scientists.
Mary Schmich • Chicago Tribune
Wow, what a whirlwind weekend my students and I had at the National Student Show and Conference! It was like stepping into a world of infinite creativity and endless inspiration. The vibes were so contagious, and we couldn’t help but get swept up in the excitement!
It all began a few weeks back with the nail-biting moment when NSSC announced the finalists. This was a significant milestone for Baylor University, as it was the first time submitting work to this competition.
The result? Six design pieces were finalists. One infographic poster, a chocolate packaging, and a fine arts photograph. In addition to my course outcomes, hair care packaging, yarn labels, and a campaign for the Summer Olympics. I couldn’t be prouder of my students’ achievements. They have made my first year of teaching at Baylor exhilarating beyond measure.
My Baylor students got to peek behind the curtain at some of the industry’s heavy hitters, such as Caliber, Matchbox, Belmont Icehouse, Recreation, TRG, and SF (Sean Fitzgerald), from household names like Cinemark, Fossil, TGI Fridays, American Heart Association, The Dallas Opera, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, 7-Eleven, The Home Depot, and Outdoor Photographer, to beloved brands like Chick-fil-A, New York Times, and Pizza Hut. It was like getting a backstage pass to the inner workings of the best design world!
The speakers—where do I even begin? From Juan Carlos Pagan’s fascinating journey to creating the Pinterest logo to Cimone Key’s awe-inspiring story of launching a studio amid a pandemic. Alex Anderson’s portfolio tips and reference to the famous Wear Sunscreen Commencement Address from the late 90s were pure gold! My students also gained insight into the unique design process of Jonathan Schubert, the creative mind behind emblems for Fossil and Field & Stream, not to mention that creative inspiration is not found on Pinterest but in the process and methodology explained by Brandi Sea.
Lastly, Baylor students learned what it takes to have the perfect food shot and all the work and talent behind the scenes from seasoned and talented photographer Kevin Marple. And the Emerging Creatives Panel? Don’t even get me started! Mark Baker-Sanchez, Isaiah Adeoye, Hannah Adeoye, Jill Darrow, Trevor Scott, and Emil Miralda dropped some profound wisdom on all the students, leaving them feeling inspired and ready to take on the world.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible efforts of the NSSC board members, sponsors, and volunteers. Amber Anderson, Elise Garcia, Paula Dohanian—they are the real MVPs, and I am immensely grateful for all they do. Their hard work and dedication made this experience unforgettable for my Baylor students and myself. They were eagerly helping students and professionals make connections, meet new people, and reconnect with others. I am so creatively recharged that I can not wait to assist in any way I can with the extraordinary efforts of the NSSC and DSVC—although, I missed the gala dinner and award ceremony in person, I am genuinely amazed.
And as for my Baylor students, the conference was a transformative experience, leaving them feeling like they could conquer the world of design—and I have no doubt they will. As a result, Their amazing competitive nature not only grew, but the impact of the conference on their inspiration and motivation was palpable. Here’s to many more weekends filled with creativity and inspiration, and maybe just a few more breakfast tacos and donuts while touring studios in Dallas, Texas, until next year; keep crafting amazing visual and memorable stories!
Reconnecting with Jeremy Honea after going through the MFA together many years ago was awesome. Equally important, It is always a joy to see the impact other professors and friends have in different programs, for example, the leadership of Doris Palmeros at UIW in San Antonio, Texas. Thus, I can not wait to continue exploring what God has prepared for my students, colleagues, Baylor University, and me in Central Texas.
Creatives are overwhelmingly generous with their time and wisdom and are always willing to share what they’re learning and teach with enthusiasm. Additionally, getting an inside look into studios helped me see what I am looking for in a future career and what kind of agency I want to work for.
Virginia Herschend • Baylor University • Class of Spring 2024
