VPA Communications Design Seniors Win Graphis New Talent Awards

Two communications design seniors in the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ School of Design won awards in the Graphis New Talent Annual 2018.

Jacqueline Akerley’s winning designs for Alpine Ales

Jacqueline Akerley ’18 won a gold award in packaging design for “Alpine Ales,” a line of six craft beers, as part of an assignment to ideate a unique product and produce packaging for it.

“I was inspired by the beauty of Lake Tahoe and wanted to celebrate popular locations on the lake through the creation of a craft beer,” says Akerley of her entry’s approach on the Graphis website. “I created vector illustrations of each location to be featured on the labels as a way to directly show the variety of natural wonders that surround the lake.”

Erin Reeves ’18 won a silver award in editorial design for “Entity Ghostly Journal.” Her assignment was to create a double-headed journal that serves as a guide for the recently deceased. Her approach included original research, photography, photo manipulation and art direction, resulting in a 24-page (plus cover), perfect-bound book.

The students’ work will be published in the Graphis New Talent Competition book, which will be available online and in bookstores.

Erin Reeves’ silver-medal design for “Entity Ghostly Journal”

Graphis is committed to presenting and promoting the work of exceptional talent in design, advertising, photography and art/illustration.

Communications designers translate ideas and information through a variety of media. The School of Design’s communications design program leads to a bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree. Classes are modeled on professional practice, and students develop the ability to solve real-world problems along with a variety of skills in graphic media.

About Syracuse University

Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is a private international research university dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering student success through teaching excellence, rigorous scholarship and interdisciplinary research. Comprising 11 academic schools and colleges, the University has a long legacy of excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines that prepares students for the complex challenges and emerging opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Students enjoy the resources of a 270-acre main campus and extended campus venues in major national metropolitan hubs and across three continents. Syracuse’s student body is among the most diverse for an institution of its kind across multiple dimensions, and students typically represent all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Syracuse also has a long legacy of supporting veterans and is home to the nationally recognized Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the first university-based institute in the U.S. focused on addressing the unique needs of veterans and their families.