3 GDES Students Recognized with National Awards

Their work was featured by PRINT Magazine as part of the National Student Show and Conference, which highlights top student work from across the country.

Claire Miller received the Best Use of Paper Award for her book jacket design of “Einstein’s Dreams.” The project explored two contrasting concepts of time through layered materials and typography. A vellum overlay represented the linear, formula-driven way humans attempt to measure time, while the cover beneath revealed a collage of moments and memories unconstrained by equations.

“I am so excited and grateful to have received an award for this book cover,” Miller said. “This project will always be incredibly special to me because it pushed me to a higher level of conceptual design thinking and challenged me to focus on materiality to convey these ideas.”

Assistant Professor Riva Nayaju praised Miller’s dedication and creativity, describing her as “a hardworking and dedicated student whose creativity turns effort into meaningful results.”

Ally Mathis earned Best of Retail—Packaging for “Scraplings,” a toy brand centered around “ugly” stuffed monsters that live in the trash. Designed in Assistant Professor Mario F. Bocanegra Martinez’s class, the project featured hand-drawn graphics, hand-sewn plush toys and packaging designed to function as part of the storytelling experience.

“This was one of the most fun, hands-on and unique projects I have worked on,” Mathis said. “Having that work recognized is incredibly encouraging and motivates me to continue pushing myself creatively.”

Customers literally pull the toys out of miniature trash bags during the unboxing process, and the suite includes original versions, blind boxes, baby editions and radioactive editions.

“What makes Ally’s project compelling is how completely the idea carries through,” Bocanegra Martinez said. “The packaging becomes part of the story.”

Recent graduate Ryan Lee ‘26 received both Best of Motion Design and a Judge’s Choice Award for “LEGOLIVE,” a motion graphics concept inspired by video game showcases that could be used as an intro for livestreamed LEGO news event.

“I always shoot to make work that makes me laugh and love the technical challenges behind trying to imbue personality into a little red rectangle,” Lee said. “I am humbled that others would find it enjoyable as well.”

Using bold vector animation and playful storytelling, the project transformed the familiar toy brand into a dynamic broadcast experience.

“Ryan found a smart way to turn a familiar brand into something narrative-driven and dynamic,” Martinez said. Lee also previously earned an “A” Commended recognition for exceptional senior project work in Graphic Design.