This fall, graphic design students at Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) are celebrating the major imprint they are making on Florida’s print and graphics industry.
The students recently had the opportunity to commemorate their achievements during a photoshoot, where they displayed the numerous award certificates they received at this year’s Florida Print Awards, presented by the Florida Graphics Alliance (FGA).
FAMU SJGC students were awarded a combined total of 10 Best of Category awards, 13 Awards of Excellence, and 43 honorable mentions, taking home the most recognitions among participating schools.
The annual Florida Print Awards ceremony was held in Orlando in August, just before fall classes kicked off. The statewide premier event recognizes outstanding achievements and innovations in print design, production, and creativity among Florida’s top professionals and emerging talent.
SJGC’s Graphic Communication Division Director Anosh Gill said that the awards are significant for student designers because they provide an opportunity to “validate their creativity, skills and hard work, while giving them a competitive edge in their careers.”
“Recognition from respected competitions not only boosts confidence but also enhances portfolios and résumés, helping students stand out to employers and clients,” said Gill, whose design work for his company, Anosh Gill Design, was also recognized at the ceremony. “Awards provide exposure through publications and exhibitions, opening networking opportunities with industry professionals and potential job offers. Most importantly, they establish credibility early on, allowing students to enter the design community with recognition and momentum.”
A few standout Print Awards moments included student Layla Richardson receiving Best of Category honors in the professional category for design posters alongside her graphic communication professors, Gill and Stanley Johnson, for the “Beautiful I Am Poster Campaign.” The campaign promoted Johnson’s recent book, which is a visual chronicle honoring the timeless strength and beauty of Black women across generations.
Student Tatiana Pedroso, who took home an Award of Excellence in the packaging design category for her project “CityFlare Bistro Merch,” represented FAMU SJGC at the ceremony and accepted the student awards on her peers’ behalf, with her family cheering her on. She had the opportunity to pose for photos with John Beadel, FGA’s board chair, whose congratulations message to this year’s winners noted that “judges were thoroughly impressed with the high caliber of submissions…. As the quality of work presented was outstanding across the board.”
Learn more about the awards students garnered below and view some of their work.
Award of Excellence Winners
- Iman Jabbaar – Stationery (1)
- Joaquin Barnette – Photography (Portraits) (1)
- Jordan Richardson – Illustration/Animation (1)
- Layla Richardson – Illustration/Animation (1)
- Tatiana Pedroso – Packaging (1)
- Zaevan Martin – Advertising (Social Media), Brochures/Catalogs/Flyers, Editorial Magazines, Posters (Event), Posters (Other), Wearables, Wide Format (8)
Best of Category Winners
- Iman Jabbaar – Posters (Other) (1)
- Joaquin Barnette – Photography (Portraits), Photography (Landscapes) (2)
- Jordan Richardson – Illustration/Animation, Posters (Movie) (2)
- Layla Richardson – Typographics Design (1)
- Zaevan Martin – Advertising (Social Media), Stationery, Wearables, Wide Format (4)
Honorable Mention Recipients
- Abeon Anderson – Posters (Movie) (1)
- Natalie Carbello – Brand Development, Advertising (Print) (2)
- Jade Smoot – Posters (Movie), Advertising (Print), Illustration/Animation (3)
- Jordan Barber – Brand Development (1)
- The following students winning Awards of Excellence and Best of Category Awards also received honorable mentions for various projects: Iman Jabbaar (4), Joaquin Barnette (5), Jordan Richardson (13), Layla Richardson (5), Tatiana Pedroso (4), and Zaevan Martin (5).
STUDENT GALLERIES
Pictured from left to right: (Top row) Jordan Richardson, Iman Jabbaar and Abeon Anderson. (Bottom row) Natalie Carbello, Joaquin Barnette and Jade Smoot. Not pictured: Jordan Barber and Zaevan Martin. Photos: Justyn Thomas.
Above: Three samples of artwork submitted by FAMU SJGC students for various Florida Print Awards categories. First entry: A piece from Iman Jabbaar’s award-winning suite of personal stationery. Center entry: Natalie Carballo’s brand development and advertising work, which received honorable mentions. Last entry: Jordan Richardson’s Best of Category and Award of Excellence winner, a mock-up poster of a fictional Disney-style animation film. (The Disney logo was used for academic purposes only.)
