Auburn students named to Graphic Design USA’s list of Students to Watch in 2019

Two Auburn University students were recently named to Graphic Design USA’s list of Students to Watch in 2019. Jackson Glass and Morgan Searcy are both seniors studying graphic design in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction’s School of Industrial + Graphic Design. The graphic design magazine annually compiles a list of “top students ready to burst on the design scene.”

Glass and Searcy both said they are honored to be chosen for the list and to be representing Auburn.

“As a student in a field that can be subjective at times, it’s easy to feel unsure of yourself,” Glass said. “It is things like this that plant your feet on firmer ground.”

Glass, who is a lover of typography, has focused on branding and web development during his time as a student.

“All of my progress can be attributed to the graphic design faculty at Auburn, and to my classmates in the program,” he said. “Being in an environment of shared ideas and experience has been the most beneficial part of my Auburn experience.”

Searcy echoed those comments and said that her growth has also been in large part due to the support she receives from Auburn’s faculty.

“I have been able to take a course from all of the graphic design professors at Auburn and each one of them has pushed my understanding of design and professional etiquette,” she said. “The professors are always present to provide guidance but are also willing to take a step back and watch you grow. The program truly invests and trusts in the process of design – and I do, too.”

Searcy said she enjoys the traditional nature of Auburn’s design program, which helped to inform her career goals after graduation.

“We begin with a full year off the computer, building models, looking at form and understanding foundational relationships,” she explained. “Because of this hands-on foundation, I want to join a team of designers that views design as a process, letting the environment around the product inform design.”

Glass and Searcy were nominated by the faculty members of the School of Industrial and Graphic Design.

“Morgan’s enthusiasm for design is contagious,” said Professor Kelly Bryant. “She approaches every design problem with a vibrancy and an attitude of curiosity that informs all stages of her work. Jackson sees design innately and comprehensively. His thoughtfulness as a designer is evident as he seeks the overall message while seeking to develop a concept that is rich and multifaceted on each project he works on.”

Associate Professor Courtney Windham commended the students for their contributions to Auburn’s graphic design program.

“Morgan’s interest in experimenting with concepts in design makes for wonderful dialogue and interesting results,” Windham said. “As a student at Auburn, she continuously seeks ways to challenge herself and serves as an example for her peers. Jackson consistently demonstrates curiosity and creative thinking when approaching a design problem. He brings thoughtful solutions to the table with a humility and maturity that is much needed in a collaborative environment.”

Glass’s feature from Graphic Design USA is available at http://gdusa.com/studentstowatch2019/jackson-glass and Searcy’s feature is available at http://gdusa.com/studentstowatch2019/morgan-searcy.