Senior Profile Archives - �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design

9,000 miles from home, Game Art grad has followed her own path

awalters — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Shreya Kadukar ’25, Game Art, took a “leap of faith” attending �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design. Growing up in Kolhapur in western India, she always gravitated toward creative expression, no matter the media. She danced, sculpted, stitched clothes for her dolls, and made stop-motion videos with her Barbies. Her drawings were so promising that her mother enrolled her in private art classes, but she didn’t always see the same promise in herself.

Shreya Kadukar was the 2024-2025 Trustee Scholar for Game Art.

Kadukar assumed her future was in business until an aptitude test in 10^th grade suggested an inclination toward fine arts. “That didn’t dictate my path, but it gave me confidence,” she said, “especially at a time when I felt others were more skilled than me.”

Her path became clearer when she met a family friend who had studied Game Art at �Ļ�Ӱ��. “I looked it up, and instantly, something clicked,” Kadukar said. “I decided then and there that I wanted to go to Ringling.”

Even then, Game Art wasn’t the obvious choice. Kadukar wasn’t the most passionate gamer in her friend group, and so much of her artistic development up to that point had been focused on drawing. But the College exposed her to a wide range of ideas and creative expressions. She was fascinated by the idea of storytelling through digital environments.

But her real evolution occurred in the way she thinks about art itself. And she now believes that that new mindset has set her up for future success.

“Before college, I was mostly focused on sharpening my skills, like I was drawing just to get better at drawing,” she said. “But at Ringling, I was challenged to think beyond technique and reflect on the ‘why’ behind my work. I began caring more about what my art makes people feel rather than just how it looks. It was a shift from simply making to truly creating, and that change in mindset made me more confident and intentional as an artist. I now spend more time introspecting and crafting work with a clear purpose—something that feels personal, meaningful, and distinct in a world full of incredibly skilled creators.”

For her senior thesis, Kadukar created a Rajasthan-inspired courtyard that conveyed a story of love and memory. She was inspired by the history and architecture she grew up with in India, and she wanted to pay homage to that world. The project became deeply nostalgic, both in gathering physical references and in drawing inspiration from her favorite director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whom she called a “master world-builder.”

As a result, her thesis is “the most emotionally driven piece I’ve created,” Kadukar said. “It felt like telling a story that was very close to my heart, in a language I truly connect with—art.”

Currently, Kadukar works for a virtual production studio, where she’s “diving into the world of real-time filmmaking,” she said. She even created her own short film, with support from Sarasota’s Storyvox.

“It honestly felt like the beginning of a new creative journey, and it’s inspired me to keep exploring the possibilities of film and games even further,” she said. “Looking back, the path I took wasn’t one I ever imagined, but I’m really glad I followed it.”

Contact:
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Recent Business of Art and Design grad champions nonprofit voices��

awalters — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

For recent grad Hayley Kirk, ’25, Business of Art and Design, great storytelling starts behind the scenes. Long before the cameras roll or the edits begin, she’s building a set on a foundation of trust, empathy, and clear communication. Working with nonprofit organizations is the core of her creative practice, and her senior thesis is a perfect example. For the final project of her time at �Ļ�Ӱ��, she created a video spotlighting Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, a nonprofit that empowers girls through mentorship, education, and support.

“I already volunteer with a few nonprofits, and I knew I wanted to continue that work through my thesis,” Kirk said. “Girls Inc. was my top choice. I really believe in their mission of supporting and building a strong foundation for all females.”

Kirk on the set of The Bruhven at Jesus High. Photo: Cecilia Marty ’26, Photography and Imaging

Though based in New Jersey, where Kirk is from, she had never heard of the national nonprofit before researching organizations for her project. “That really hit me,” she said. “If I hadn’t heard of them—even though I’m already deep into the nonprofit world—then others were probably missing out too. I wanted to help change that.”

So she got to work.

She storyboarded the piece, wrote and revised the script, and lined up the shoot during spring break. Drawing on skills honed during her time at �Ļ�Ӱ��—and new ones she picked up through an independent study with the Film Department—she handled everything from pre-production to voiceover to post.

“I was on every film set I could be this year,” she said. “I learned a lot and created friendships that also aided me along the way.”

That people-first mindset extended to how the project was run, too. Kirk used her research into unethical workplace practices in the media and entertainment industry to guide her production approach. “My thesis was actually two parts,” she explained. “First, I looked into harmful industry norms and identified ten key solutions for a healthier, more sustainable work culture. Then, I used those principles to guide the Girls Inc. project from start to finish.”

The result is a video that’s as ethically produced as it is emotionally compelling and infused with care.

Kirk’s broader creative interests span music video analysis, branding, and campaign development. She loves studying how successful companies identify gaps in the market and progress over their competitors. Right now, she is applying to jobs, volunteering, and helping plan conferences, working with the FUTURE NOW Media Foundation, and likely doing freelance work for Girls Inc.

Behind the scenes at The Bruhven at Jesus High. Photo: Cecilia Marty ’26, Photography and Imaging

Long term, she plans to stay in media and entertainment as a producer—whether that’s in live-action, animation, or music. For now, she’s casting a wide net, learning as much as possible from every opportunity.

“I am staying open-minded and want to learn as much as I can earlier in my career,” she said. But wherever her career takes her, she says nonprofit work will always be part of the picture. “I know wherever I go, I’ll continue volunteering and working with nonprofits because I love giving back and exposing myself to diverse groups.”

Learn more about Kirk and her work on her .

Contact:
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@ringling.edu
941-309-4008

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Motion Design grad headed to NYC with momentum and ambitions

awalters — Tue, 20 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Diane Lee ’25, Motion Design, defies categorization. She dreams big—and small—and everything in between. Her decision to study art came after a series of wildly different childhood career goals.

“I was always an active kid, at one point dreaming of becoming a forensic scientist, military surgeon, or even a firefighter,” she said. “I never imagined a future in art; I craved adrenaline and loved sports.”

But as she grew, she said, the realities of the world began to sink in. “Suddenly, the arts felt like a luxury.”

Even her chosen course of study represents an expansion of her goals, rather than a limited focus. “My goals kept shifting as I discovered new corners of motion design,” she said. “That adaptability helped me build a diverse portfolio and opened doors to incredible opportunities.”

For her senior thesis, Lee modelled a 3D fantasy world of idyllic landscapes, which were thrown into chaos by a foreign invader before then rising anew from the rubble. “As scary as it is, I hoped to convey the beauty that is found in destruction,” she said. “Although it may seem awful, nature has a way of finding balance.”

While the piece is meant to evoke respect for nature, Lee added, “It’s also incredibly over-dramatic—because I love blasting Hans Zimmer soundtracks while I work and needed something worthy of that energy.”

Now that she’s graduated, Lee is heading back to New York to be a Junior Motion Designer at Hornet. (She previously worked in an internship at the creative firm Adolescent.) With her first post-graduation job locked down, Lee still maintains a far-reaching collection of (mainly) energetic ambitions. Her website’s “Career Wishlist” includes “epic video game trailer,” “vfx for an action movie,” “K-drama title sequence,” and “learn how to crochet.”

Contact:
Office of Marketing and Communications
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941-309-4008

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Graduating senior fixes lens on environmental loss

awalters — Tue, 13 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

As part of our series profiling graduating seniors, we are highlighting Edward Murphy ’25, Photography and Imaging, whose work, Burn Piles, won Gold at for Photography. The photograph is from the series Manifest Expansion, which documents the landscape of new development in the region.

Edward Murphy, Foundation

The photographs depict scarred landscapes, cleared for building and sometimes mid-construction, that look more like war zones than signs of growth or prosperity.

Murphy explains, “The work is meant to get our community thinking about how our area, and Florida in general, are rapidly expanding and destroying our environment and hurricane defenses.”

Edward Murphy, Smoke Screen

Growing up in the neighboring town of Venice, Florida, Murphy has a strong relationship to the land here. He recalls adventures with his dad, walking on trails, learning about snakes, and hearing his father’s stories of being chased by wild boars. He watched that land transform into strip malls and housing developments.

“With these images, I didn’t want to glorify the destruction, but instead show what other artists don’t always show: not the distant, federally protected lands, but what we’re doing now, right next door,” he shared.

After graduation, Murphy plans to continue working on this series and further his research into the impact of expansion happening here in Florida and throughout the United States. He also plans to join the Navy as a photographer next year.

Edward Murphy, Coming Soon

Contact:
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@ringling.edu
941-309-4008

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Virtual Reality senior to explore immersive medical solutions and high-energy gaming experiences

awalters — Fri, 09 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

As part of our series profiling graduating seniors, we’re highlighting Jenna Watts ’25, Virtual Reality Development, whose post-college plans will take her to Los Angeles to help bring virtual reality solutions to the medical and defense industries.

Watts on a test drive.

Growing up just outside of Los Angeles, Watts began studying fine arts as a child. But in high school, digital art gave her a new drive to connect with people.

“As I developed, I found myself wanting to create deeper connections with viewers—not just having them see my work, but truly experience it,” she said. Immersive experiences were the logical next step. “I realized art could transcend mere aesthetics and become a powerful tool to help people and industries through both technology and the arts.”

Scenes from Watts and Jason Zarrilli’s thesis project, Vice Smugglers, where players crash, boost, and slam their way through Miavada City, all while evading the police.

Her �Ļ�Ӱ�� journey through Virtual Reality Development has expanded her artistic horizons even further. In addition to gaming applications, Watts has had opportunities to work in a variety of industries, including the medical sector and the Department of Defense. After graduation, she plans to continue to build on the connections she’s made as a student, moving back to southern California to further the relationships between technology/simulation and the wider world.

“I constantly push my work to evolve and create varied emotional and intellectual responses from viewers,” she said.

Watts’ senior thesis project, which is on view until May 9 in the Verman Kimbrough Building, room 210, involves an immersive driving game created in collaboration with fellow graduating VRD senior Jason Zarrilli for the Talon Simulations LLC motion platform simulator. Players take on the role of a rookie smuggler navigating a neon city, picking up and delivering goods while racing against time and avoiding damage to maintain their cover. The goal is to complete all deliveries to earn “top dog” status. The two won bronze at Best of Ringling for their collaboration.

Added Watts, “If you enjoy rollercoasters and go-karts, you’d be the perfect player for our high-energy experience!”

Watts was also a member of the first-ever XR Women student chapter here at �Ļ�Ӱ��. She was present for the chapter’s official announcement during the Augmented World Expo (AWE) in Long Beach, California, last year.

Contact:
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@ringling.edu
941-309-4008

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Animated thesis takes on beauty constructs with a dark twist

awalters — Mon, 05 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

As part of our series profiling graduating seniors, we are highlighting Liza Makarenko ’25, Computer Animation, whose thesis film, Beautify, won Gold at for Computer Animation.��

The film follows a young woman named Vera as she battles a hyper-idealized version of herself that steps out of a beauty filter app. Beautify explores themes of self-worth and identity through a surreal lens, blending emotional storytelling with thriller and horror elements.

Makarenko is passionate about storytelling in all forms, especially visual storytelling. “I love illustration and concept design, and I’m especially drawn to emotionally rich, slightly eerie narratives,” she said.

As with many of the majors at the College, studying the human form plays a huge role in the growth of Computer Animation Students. In Makarenko’s commitment to figure drawing, she supplemented her studies outside of credited coursework. “I’m a big fan of figure drawing and was a regular at FEWS [Figure Enhancement Work Shop], and have gone regularly throughout my time at Ringling. It’s something that’s really helped me grow artistically and stay connected to the fundamentals.”

Not surprisingly, her successes follow her off-campus. Marenko was offered a coveted internship for the summer.

“I’m super excited to share that I’ve been offered a position as a Set Dressing TD Intern at Pixar this summer! It’s a huge opportunity, and I can’t wait to learn from and contribute to such an inspiring team,” she shared. “After graduation, I hope to keep working in visual development or layout, telling meaningful stories and helping create emotionally impactful animated films.”

Pixar, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is known for producing some of the most successful animated films of all time, including the Toy Story series, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out. As an intern, Marenko will work alongside Pixar employees and contribute as a member of the team. Interns also take part in lectures and screenings held on the Pixar campus, gaining insight into the studio’s creative process and production workflows.

�Ļ�Ӱ��’s Computer Animation program is ranked third in the world for 3D Animation by The Rookies. Alumni win Oscars and Annies and work at leading animation studios worldwide, including Pixar.

Contact:
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@ringling.edu
941-309-4008

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Illustration senior believes in the importance of magic

awalters — Fri, 02 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

As part of our series profiling graduating seniors, we’re highlighting Sky Chandler ’25, Illustration, who has shaped her work around the importance of children’s books, especially when it comes to “the preservation of magic.”

Chandler grew up in Manchester, Michigan, searching the countryside for fairies and dragons. “An avid reader as a child, I’ve always been fascinated by storytelling, and I quickly learned that I could take ideas in my head and turn them into words on paper,” she said. “As I grew older and began to outgrow princess dresses and wizard robes, I searched for more ways to preserve these memories.”

Beyond words, Chandler began transforming her stories into colors, shapes, and textures, “to create something that didn’t even need words,” she said. “I had discovered illustration, and my life was changed.”

Her earliest drawings attempted a hyper-realistic style. But at �Ļ�Ӱ��, with the help of professors who encouraged introspection and awareness of her own motivations, Chandler’s illustrations became more and more whimsical and “kidlit,” she said.

“I am always asked why I am so drawn to children’s book illustration. You may think it’s because of the cute characters, or the fun and silly lessons, but it’s truly because I think that there is something so important about the preservation of magic,” she said.

For her senior thesis, Chandler was motivated to create a personal, sensitive story, though she admitted that confronting herself honestly and sharing her feelings was scary. She ultimately created a children’s book about a girl on a quest, a story that combines autobiographical elements with magic to connect with some bittersweet feelings about life. The book, With Me, can be seen at the Illustration Senior Thesis Exhibition May 2-9 in the Richard and Barbara Basch Visual Arts Center.��

Chandler has secured a post-graduation position as a print designer at Carter’s in Atlanta, where she previously served as an intern. She also hopes to illustrate children’s books outside of her full-time work.

Senior Thesis Exhibitions

�Ļ�Ӱ��’s Senior Thesis Exhibitions open tonight, from 5-8 pm at all Campus Galleries. Join us in celebrating the creativity, dedication, and achievements of �Ļ�Ӱ��’s graduating seniors from all majors, featuring diverse mediums and subjects. Chandler’s work will be on view in the Willis Smith Construction Inc. Student Gallery. For more information, visit the website.

Contact:
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@ringling.edu
941-309-4008

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Senior’s short film brings home big win at Palm Beach Film Awards

Office of Marketing and Communications — Tue, 02 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories on 2023 graduating seniors, also featuring Susan Saulnier and Ale Ortega-Romero.

The 28th annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF) announced their winners on Tuesday, April 25. Taking home third place in the College Feature/Short category was �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design Film senior Calvin “CJ” Callins for his short branded entertainment film, Contagious Swagger. His award came with a cash prize of $1,250 and recognition during the awards ceremony, which took place at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre on Florida’s east coast.

Film still from Callins’ award-winning film, Contagious Swagger. The branded entertainment romantic comedy film is about a Black young man visiting his Asian girlfriend’s parents’ house for dinner for the first time.

The star-studded event was ’90s-themed and guests arrived in style as they walked down the red carpet into the theatre. Among the celebrity presenters were local television personalities, and Kitty Lundan, star of the new series What’s Poppin, PBC?, presented this year’s Vanilla Ice Music Video award. Vanilla Ice, who is a longtime supporter of SSOF, is currently in Australia filming his new movie, Zombies on a Plane. Frank Licari, an Emmy-nominated host, a Telly and Addy award-winning writer, producer, actor, and star of South Florida PBS’s On the Town in The Palm Beaches with Frank Licari hosted the live show.

“Through the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, moments like this are worth it,” said Callins reflecting on the awards evening. “Moments where we see our hard work pay off and audiences appreciating our work is what we as artists live for. The best part is that we’re only just getting started.”

Callins has enjoyed a decorated Ringling career, including being named as a 2022-23 Trustee Scholar for Student Life, the College’s highest honor. He was also named a 2022 Avant-Garde scholarship finalist, and has worked as a Student Ambassador, Orientation leader and coordinator, and a member of Ringling’s social media street team.

“This year, the Student Showcase of Films received a record-breaking 528 eligible submissions from 75 schools across the state,” said Michelle Hillery, Palm Beach County’s Film and Television commissioner and executive producer of the Student Showcase of Films. “Our judging panel of 42 entertainment industry experts had a tough assignment choosing the finalists, and today’s audience will experience firsthand the outstanding level of talent found in our Florida schools.” More than $20,000 in scholarship money, along with customized signature trophies, were awarded on the night.

Watch the trailer for Contagious Swagger.

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Illustration senior’s successful collaborations with in-house Design Center

Office of Marketing and Communications — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 19:32:53 +0000

Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories on 2023 graduating seniors, with Calvin “CJ”�� Callins��Ի���Susan Saulnier.

Graduating Illustration major Ale Ortega-Romero made a big splash during her last year at �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design. At the beginning of her senior year she was contacted by Design Center Director Jennifer Mumford to work on a project for National Portfolio Day, a nationwide event where prospective students can get portfolio reviews from art school experts. The project outcome was a colorful poster that was distributed to high schools across the state, and even won her a couple of ADDY awards. She was also chosen as Trustee Scholar for her major, the College’s most prestigious appointment. This semester, the College’s in-house Design Center tapped into her creativity again to create an Admissions poster for national distribution.��

Illustration senior Ale Ortega-Romero was selected as a 2022-23 Trustee Scholar, which she considers one of her highest achievements at �Ļ�Ӱ��.

Ortega-Romero could not have had a better experience working with the Design Center. She confessed that at the end of her first semester she left all of her belongings at a desk there with the hope of returning for another semester. And luckily she did.

“I loved working at the Design Center so much because I was given so much artistic freedom to represent my vision on paper,” she shared. “Jennifer Mumford welcomed me to the Design Center to work alongside a team of artists and designers, where we collaborated and shared ideas to inspire and help one another throughout the semester. I illustrated and designed a colorful painting that showcased an artist making their dreams a reality through art. I thought this illustration perfectly captured the same experience every eager artist can relate to as creative people — our art manifests in all aspects of our day to day — and I wanted to portray the mind of an imaginative and expressive individual whose room is littered with written concepts and drawings.”

With such a large circulation, the Admissions poster project was a great learning experience in inter-department collaboration. “This job proved to be larger than I had anticipated, and it’s been a blessing to go back and forth with the creative team to bring this piece to completion. With this particular illustration, I approached the subject of creativity bringing ideas to life through a cinematic painting underwater, representing the notion of an artist’s touch being magical and creating art by merely coming in contact with it. This project has been nearing its completion and I can’t wait to share the end result!”

In addition to all of the great opportunities she has been afforded at the College, some of Ortega-Romero’s best experiences happened while mentoring and tutoring. Prior to being a Figure Drawing tutor for a freshman class in her junior year, she had never considered teaching as a profession. After a semester of planning lessons and aiding the class, she found that she really loves the act of teaching and education as a whole. “Through these experiences I learned a lot about myself and my affection for teaching and instructing others,” she said. The process left her with an even deeper appreciation of the faculty that she worked with at �Ļ�Ӱ��. “Professor Matteo, Professor Spirduso, and Professor Gardner taught me everything I know about art and design. They really shaped me into the artist I am today.”

Concept art from The Art of Nico del Mar, Ale Ortega-Romero’s thesis project centering the mundane aspects of the life of a young boy, Nico, the son of a fisherman, who lives on the fictional island of Vista Sol in the Caribbean.

Being named Trustee Scholar for the Illustration Department was probably the most meaningful accolade to bestow her. “As an international student, it validated the time and efforts I have spent at �Ļ�Ӱ��.” Ortega-Romero comes from the country of Panamá in Central America where, she says, studying art isn’t really encouraged. Being chosen meant that all the sacrifices she has made, coming here and working so hard, were worth it.

She credits her family for much of her success. “I am the daughter of two extremely hard working, diligent, and dedicated parents who have unconditional love and support for me, which in turn made it possible for me to study what I love. For that reason I owe every achievement I’ve made so far to my loving family and have made it my mission to try my hardest during my time in �Ļ�Ӱ��. Likewise, this institution has gifted me with priceless knowledge and resources that have helped me all along.”

After graduation, Ortega-Romero plans to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a concept artist. In her parting words of appreciation to the College and her cohort she expressed, “After four years of studying illustration at Ringling and a year of studying animation at a different university, I hope that I can carry that same intensity and drive into my career as an artist. Coming from Panamá all the way to LA is not something I ever imagined doing without the support of my peers, faculty, and friends in �Ļ�Ӱ��.”

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Entertainment Design senior shares insights and experiences ahead of graduation

Office of Marketing and Communications — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:05:03 +0000

Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories on 2023 graduating seniors, with Calvin “CJ”�� Callins��and Ale Ortega-Romero.��

Graduating Entertainment Design senior Susan Saulnier has had a busy decade. In 2015, she graduated from �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design’s Illustration program and went straight into a job as the College’s coordinator of student volunteerism and service-learning. Four years ago, she embarked on a new adventure — a second bachelor’s degree from �Ļ�Ӱ��, and just in time to enroll in the Entertainment Design major’s inaugural class. She is the leader of this year’s Student Commencement Committee, responsible for the redesign of �Ļ�Ӱ��’s 2023 commencement. She was also one of a select group of students to work with Wrenhouse Design on Ringling’s 2022 fundraising gala, Avant-Garde: Café des Artistes.

We caught up with Saulnier in the midst of her teeming schedule of full-time job, commencement committee, and full-time graduating student at the end of her last semester, to share some reflections about her exceptional education and career paths here at �Ļ�Ӱ��.

Susan Saulnier, far right, with the Avant-Garde 2022 design committee at the big event.

Can you talk about your experience being a full time Entertainment Design student and working as Ringling’s coordinator of student volunteerism and service-learning?

Saulnier: It has been a whirlwind. The pandemic limited event design practice with my volunteerism coordinator events, but this year, I was asked to lead the redesign of what �Ļ�Ӱ��’s commencement looks like. That has been the most enlightening, inspiring, and exciting project that I have been a part of so far, but I feel like I have said that a lot since being an Entertainment Design student.

How has your experience as a current Entertainment Design student been different to your experience as an Illustration student?

Saulnier: Right off the bat, life experience is such an amazing, wonderful thing. The first time around, I was always worried about getting in trouble, so I was that student; classic: “You said we had homework?” student. I attended �Ļ�Ӱ�� in 2011 as a traditional straight-from-high-school to college student. Come graduation in 2015, I had nothing lined up and I was burned out. I have always felt strongly about service work and giving back to my community, so when the coordinator of volunteerism and student-service learning position opened up, I knew I had to apply. After two years of an art break, I slowly started creating again. It was during this time that I started therapy and was diagnosed with anxiety and a sprinkling of depression. After taking care of myself, I started to grow and flourish, and most importantly, I started to put myself first. I began seriously reworking my portfolio and applying to design jobs. I remember being at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal Studios, chaperoning a school trip with a friend, and we were talking about the new Entertainment Design major that had just been announced at the time, and what the program would be like.

I was excited to take what I learned from Illustration to Entertainment Design, especially with the expectation that I would be able to move through work faster, already having an understanding of computer design programs. What I was most excited about in Entertainment Design were the fabrication possibilities. I love working physically and traditionally. The first year of Entertainment Design, my class went to the woodshop to get certified and I got to use drills and saws for the first time.

Entertainment Design has felt more self-guided regarding areas of focus. For example, a favorite project of mine during sophomore year was a prop fabrication project. Everyone was required to design and create a prop for an experience that we created and pitched earlier in the semester. I designed and created a flower light, one classmate made a costume, and another classmate 3D-printed a doorknob. This project eventually became a class assignment for Entertainment Design majors.

Tell us about your leadership role on the Student Commencement Committee.

Saulnier: I was approached by Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Dr. Tammy Walsh and Entertainment Design faculty Jamie DeRuyter in September of 2022, explaining that, this year being Entertainment Design’s first graduating class, I was the perfect fit to lead a redesign of the college commencement event. At first, I was terrified. I sat down and thought about commencement, what happened during mine in 2015, and every commencement I have helped work since. Maybe five students and I started in September, meeting bi-weekly, to brainstorm possibilities. We continued to reach out to the school, and soon we had at least one student representing each major. By December we had a pitch meeting, where we presented our goals and changes. Starting in January, we met weekly to start finalizing everything. We broke out into teams including Senior Week (many of the wishes and suggestions included celebrations with the entire campus), President’s Reception (a gathering for families to meet faculty, staff, and the campus community the night before the ceremony), Gifts and Giveaways (student-suggested senior gifts), Graduation (day-of ceremony planning), and most importantly, Accessibility. If I am honest, this is where the imposter syndrome hit me hardest because I was actively designing, but rather directing which was new for me.

I planned and led all meetings with the help of my phenomenal right-hand student, Sara Giovanello ’23, Game Art. I am the communicator between the students planning commencement and Student Life, who organizes (and controls funds) for commencement.

I really view myself as the conductor of the orchestra that is the commencement redesign, and the students have been the ones ideating, fabricating, calling vendors, and finding solutions to problems.

What are your top three highlights of your Ringling career – these could be projects, experiences, favorite faculty, etc.?

Saulnier: OOF THAT’S TOUGH.

1. Seongwoo Nam is my favorite faculty member and everyone in the department knows this. Why? The first day of his class, he sits us all down and explains that education is for us, and we will only get out what we put in. He explained that it’s his job as an instructor to help us along this journey, telling us to be patient with each other and be patient with ourselves; we are all on our own journey and must take the time we need to get to our best. As someone who has always had an issue with, and fear of authority, this was revolutionary for me. Since then, Seongwoo has been my go-to instructor for questions and advice.

2. Rocky Horror Picture Show Parade Float Assignment was my favorite project. Second semester sophomore year, the class was given a group assignment. We were imagining we were working on the NYC LGBTQ+ Pride parade and our class was a group working on four floats, dedicated to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The group as a whole had to come up with the overall look and feel of the floats, but we would then separate into our designated teams to work on our individual floats. We delegated poster design and the design intent packet, and at the end, we had four different but cohesive floats. This project helped prepare me for the commencement redesign and I loved seeing everyone ebb and flow through the process and then come together at the end with awesome scaled models.

3. Our Makerspace and maker classes (mold making and digital fabrication) were another favorite of mine. I have always loved traditional art because I get to use more than just my hands and I can get messy. Making a mess is the easiest way to get into trouble — and with a fear of getting into trouble, I loved the “approved messy time” (queue Isabella Madrigal’s song, What Else Can I Do?). These classes are led by Morgan Jassen and Noah Coleman, and were the classes I had always dreamed of taking. I got to learn how to design for and run a CNC machine, 3D printers, vinyl cutter, how to make a two-part mold, resins, silicone molds, and everything a fabricator could need to get started. For my final project in mold making, I made a life cast of my face to then sculpt and create a Who-nose from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. They were the most fun and educational projects for the field I know I want to get into.

What are your plans after graduation?

Saulnier: Ah yes, everyone’s favorite question for seniors. Currently, my post-graduation plans include celebrating the fact that I made it another four years at one of the most rigorous art schools while working full-time. One day after graduation, my husband and I are finally going on our honeymoon. We were engaged in the summer of 2019 after he proposed at Disneyland in California, in front of the Snow White wishing well, and we eloped in a secret on-campus ceremony on Feb. 29, 2020. The pandemic made us push our scheduled ceremony date of Dec. 6, 2020, to 2021, and with my classes, we decided to save up and take our honeymoon as soon as I graduate. We will be going to Iceland for a week and I will do nothing but relax and celebrate!

Concept development for Avant-Garde 2022 featuring inspiration and designs for a Parisian foot bridge on the Ringling campus.

In her role for the commencement redesign, Saulnier led her team to make conceptual decisions on the design elements for the event: the program, invitations, and the tickets. The team followed the College tradition of using Pantone’s color of the year as their commencement color. The 2023 color is “Viva Magenta” and is described by Pantone as “assertive, but not aggressive. A carmine red that does not boldly dominate, but instead takes a ‘fist in glove’ approach.”

Commencement will take place Thursday, May 4, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

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