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Students from the Graphic Design area in The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Art and Design program, housed in the School of Performing and Visual Arts, were honored at the Student American Advertising Federation (AAF) National Awards —the highest national honor celebrating excellence in advertising campaigns — with Gold ADDYs.
Josie Russell, won for her motion graphics TV intro titled, “What Big Teeth,” and Karson Gunn, won for advertising campaign titled “Rumble Campaign.” Both are recent graduates of the Graphic Design program.
“Every year, our students’ work is well represented at the National ADDYs competition,” said Jacob Cotton, associate professor of design. “However, it is the first time that we’ve had two students achieve Gold Awards in the same year. It is accolades like these that not only showcase the high caliber of work our students produce but also serve as a testament to their potential for prospective employers and to future students to what can be achieved with a graphic design degree from Southern Miss. I couldn’t be prouder of Josie and Karson for their effort and achievement.”
Josie Russell, a native of Mount Olive, Miss., earned this distinction for a motion graphic created for Professor Jacob Cotton’s ART 445 Motion Graphics course, where students were tasked with taking a book that has not yet been made into a movie or TV series and creating an intro graphic for it. (View Russell’s portfolio)
Russell selected “What Big Teeth” by Rose Szabo, a young adult novel with a lot of dark themes. Inspired by the spooky tone of “American Horror Stories,” she captured those themes in the intro and teased some of the pivotal events in the book through a unique blend of special effects and animations.
Often struggling with imposter syndrome, Russell expressed how being recognized at the national level changed her perspective.
“During my studies, I often struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning whether I was cut out for the program,” said Russell. “This award has helped change my perspective, as it served as a reminder to me that I do have what it takes to succeed in the industry. It was also a validation of all my hard work and the proof that this is where I am meant to be.”
Reflecting on her experience when she started the program, Russell noted that, with the help of her professors, she was able to develop her critical thinking skills and become a better designer.
“The Graphic Design program has shaped my way of thinking. Initially, I did not think the way designers do. I did not look at my work with a critical eye,” said Russell. “By fostering an environment of perpetual learning and growth, the program helped me become a better designer, as I developed the skills necessary to critique and improve my own designs.”
Karson Gunn, a native of Raymond, Miss., earned this distinction for a campaign created for Professor John Mark Lawler’s ART 441 Graphic Communications course, where students were tasked with branding an organization on the topic of their choice and creating an awareness campaign to go along with it. (View Gunn’s portfolio)
Gunn created an awareness campaign with a comical, light-hearted feel to help combat the stigma surrounding Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She expressed her amazement at how well the campaign was received and stated that she couldn’t think of a better way to end her time at Southern Miss than by being recognized with an award at the highest-level.
“It’s truly an honor to have won a National Gold ADDY Award, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to end my time here at Southern Miss,” said Gunn. “This project is one that I’m extremely proud of and it has been amazing to see how well it has been received. Additionally, this recognition represents the culmination of all the hard work I’ve poured into crafting my portfolio and honing my skills as a designer over the past five years. It is a tangible representation of the countless hours of dedication, perseverance, and passion I’ve invested into my designs.”
Learn more about the Southern Miss Art and Design program.
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