Graduating seniors in the graphic design department allowed the public to view their work during a reception on Friday, April 27, in Grace Hall as well as in the Joseph Gorevin Fine Arts Gallery on the 2nd floor of the Holy Spirit Library. The annual exhibition marks the culmination of a graphic design student’s career at Cabrini College.
The event showcased different designs and styles from each graduating senior to show how the students have grown as designers throughout their four years of college.
As with most senior projects the exhibition is a requirement and the end of a well-awaited journey that began as early as their sophomore year. Seniors are required to take a “capstone” type class for portfolio preparation. They are responsible for working with professors, shuffling through and finding all old projects from their four years. and picking the best pieces to re-edit to their full potential. They are being prepared in their graphic design professional portfolio, to be shown at job interviews and other professional events.
“Personally, when originally working on my two show pieces in prior years, I knew they were turning into something great,” Ryan McDonough, senior graphic design major, said. “So I really worked hard then so this time around, I had very little if any edits to complete to them.”
As incoming freshmen the future of graphic design had already begun to shift. Print projects have completely shifted into web-based designs and some skills learned freshman year have already become outdated. “The department has really done a great job through emphasizing to us the importance of web design and digital technology,” McDonough said.
This event meant a lot to all of the graduating seniors. It showcased many different styles and designs from all different types of students.
“This event means a lot to me because it feels like I am showcasing not just my physical work, but also all of the hard work and effort that I have put forth and showing that I am ready for the future,” Matt Murphy, senior graphic design major, said. “For me, this is like the finish line.”
The students were allowed to showcase two pieces in the exhibit and were required to present another eight pieces to professors. “It took me a total of four months to edit my pieces and mount them on boards,” Murphy said.
Murphy has pursued graphic design since the eighth grade. The exhibition has given him and other graduating seniors a chance to look back on their work from the beginning to the end of a long four-year process. Throughout the years students see a difference in experience and skill level. By the end of their senior year they have a better understanding of colors, hierarchy and contrast.
“College has given me a sense of accomplishment and how to face problems when they present themselves,” Murphy said. “It has shown me what kind of designer I want to be and am capable of becoming. But most of all it has taught me that if you want something bad enough and if you go after it, then nothing is impossible.”
