NW Valley Times

Graphic designer Niki Wehner's advertising artwork was on display at the College of Arts and Media Senior Design Showcase held at Grand Canyon University's Quad on Tuesday. Among the attendees was senior graphic design major Agape Haile, who proudly presented his projects, emphasizing, “You get what you put in.”

Dean Dr. Craig Detweiler described the event as a "community-wide celebration" that brought together students, parents, faculty, and potential employers. He highlighted the positive impact of the showcase, stating, “There is a circle of goodness created.”

Web design major Olivia Ice stood out with her creative branding approach, incorporating an ice cream theme into her projects. She shared her motivation behind her work, explaining, “Professor (Troy) Pottgen says when you have something creative like that, you just have to run with creativity and make new ways.”

Ice's standout project was an app called Rem Logic, designed to track narcolepsy and provide educational resources on the condition. She expressed the importance of problem-solving in design, stating, “You have to find a problem and solve it.”

Similarly, social media major Adelei Nykamp used her personal values as inspiration for her designs, aiming to create a platform where everyone can freely communicate. Nykamp reflected on the challenges and growth she experienced as part of the first graduating class of social media majors, emphasizing the positive impact of overcoming obstacles on her development as a designer.

Senior motion graphic design major Brenton Jones shared his journey of persistence and growth, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the creative process. He emphasized, “You can’t see it through when you get started, but if you just keep going, then you eventually make it out and you have such a solid thing to be proud of.”

The Senior Design Showcase not only celebrated the students' achievements but also provided an opportunity for them to interact with potential employers and receive recognition for their hard work. Sheila Schumacher, chair of digital design, expressed her joy in witnessing the students' professional growth and the support from their families.

The event was a testament to the dedication and creativity of the design students, showcasing their transformation from aspiring artists to skilled professionals. The projects displayed at the showcase reflected not only their technical abilities but also their commitment to making a positive impact through their work.