Thomas Jefferson University | visual Communication Design
To our 16 graduating seniors, we commend your steadfast focus and dedication during this unique time. You belong to a new generation of designers who are redefining the way we learn, work, and live. We are so proud of you, congratulations!
We invite you to explore the stellar work from each of our graduating seniors below.
Brendan Ainscoe
Designing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, from before high school to now at the end of my senior year. I’ve loved the design process and the experience of continuing to make and refine a design until it’s just right. In my opinion, there’s no better feeling than seeing a design work and succeed. Outside of design, I like to push myself through running and hope to create my own story one day—or potentially expand into freelancing as my career. It’s been a long road to graduation, but what keeps me going is the belief that the end is supposed to leave me fulfilled. If whatever’s happening isn’t fulfilling or making me happy, then it isn’t the end.
Allison Cravo
I actually came to Jefferson thinking I wanted to be an interior designer and after a few months in I realized it was not my calling. Back then, I didn't have a clear understanding of what graphic design or visual communication design entailed, but as I learned more about it, everything clicked — Graphic design is what I was meant to do all along. Throughout my years here, I have fallen in love with everything about graphic design. I enjoy every part from designing logos and choosing type pairings to comping packaging and print designs. Although I chose to focus on graphic design within the VCD program, I still have a great interest and drive for practicing UI/UX design. When I'm not designing, you can find me going out to fun restaurants, shopping at TJMaxx, or more often chilling and watching TV at home with a home-cooked meal. My biggest takeaway from my time in college is make designs that matter! Putting heart in what you do makes all the difference.
Lillian Dolhancryk
My journey to becoming a graphic designer started in high school through the art program, this interest in drawing, painting, and exploring new mediums pushed me to pursue a design major. I began at Jefferson in the Architecture program, but after some time, I realized I wanted a career that would allow for more creativity, so I switched to graphic design.
With that, my work always carries a personal meaning, and I try to include illustrated elements wherever I can.
Looking back at my time in the VCD program, I am so grateful for everything I’ve been able to accomplish, and the foundation that has been built to help me move forward. Learning new things will never stop, and I’m excited for what's ahead.
Outside of design, I enjoy reading, crafting, and swimming. I love all things handmade, and drawing will always be one of my favorite pastimes.
My only advice: if something doesn’t feel like you, don’t be afraid to walk away.
Sam Gaiser
I love to create and look forward to designing and making weird things. I am excited to explore all that design has to offer and ready to keep creating, learning, and maybe finally catching up on some sleep. Outside of design I like to spend time outside and with my family. For anyone looking for advice, I'd say try things that that seem as though they'll be difficult for best results.
LinkedIn
Riley Gallagher
As a designer, I love working with bright colors and illustrations in my designs. I am always looking for ways that I can incorporate these things to create designs that are vibrant, fun, and meaningful. As someone who has always been drawn to anything creative, outside of design I love doing arts & crafts, drawing, and finding fun things at the thrift store that I can fins ways to make something new out of.
Joelle Klouda
I discovered that I wanted to be a graphic designer during my Junior year of high school. However, I had always been involved in something visually creative growing up whether it was crafting, painting, photography or bracelet making. In my free time I love to hike, play Ultimate Frisbee, scrapbook, read, and spend time with family and friends. My advice: Keep trying new styles and search for projects where you’ll get to learn something new.
Gabe Kunkle
Ever since I was very young, I’ve had a deep interest in art and creating. My entire life I have always steered towards anything that let me design. I chose Graphic Design because it gives me an outlet to create for a purpose. It’s a way to visually communicate ideas, tell stories, and solve problems through creativity. Graphic Design allows me to take my passion for creating and channel it into something that can make an impact. Designing allows me to express parts of myself, while also creating something that resonates with others. When I'm not designing, I love to play video games, watch movies and build with Lego. Lego has always been one of my main outlets for creativity apart from design.
Emily Penrose
Hey there! I am a creative explorer and enthusiast for art of all kinds. I love movies and music videos, biking, rollerblading, and taking adventures to different lakes around Michigan. I’m an energetic bartender and an expert in sunbathing. My ultimate love, however, is design.
I specialize in vibrant character portraits inspired by the unique people I meet and thrive on experimentation through typography, poster design, and animation. As a visual artist, I have over fifteen years of experience with fine art media and thousands of hours of quality time with my dear friend Adobe Suite.
My favorite creations are defined by the humans who help bring them to life. Illustration allows me to capture the essence of my subjects- to collect their experiences and tell their story, whether it be a client, designer, artist, enthusiast, or general party rocker.
Visual communication is the essence of who I am and what I want to do to make the world a better place. It is my epic responsibility to constantly connect and collaborate with humans of all kinds. To take a message and translate it across different media realms is the ability to communicate- to connect- unconditionally. That’s what it means to be a designer.
Maddy Podolnick
I started college at a large state school with no clear path and quickly realized I was in the wrong place. I’ve loved art since I was a kid, but I was hesitant to pursue it in college because it didn’t feel as traditional or safe as other majors. When I visited the VCD program at Jefferson and saw some of the amazing work created here, I realized that this was where I wanted to be. As a designer, I’m most drawn to branding and packaging, where I can build a story around a product or brand and make it feel special through thoughtful design choices. Music is also a huge inspiration for me. Album covers were some of the first pieces of design I truly loved. I’m so glad I trusted my gut and went on to pursue graphic design, and I feel like it’s the perfect way for me to stay creative in my everyday life. Outside of design, I love music and spend most of my free time going to concerts and music festivals. I also collect vinyl and other physical media. I feel like there’s something really special about holding an album in your hands and appreciating the artwork as part of the whole experience.
Emma Prushan
When I learned what graphic design was as a teenager, it was like a light bulb went off and I knew it was what I should be doing. After four years in the VCD program, I feel more confident in that decision than ever. As a designer, I am passionate about telling stories through my work, finding details about my subject matter that I can hold on to as a source of inspiration. I am excited to continue to explore all areas of design in the early phases of my career and find my niche! At the moment, I am particularly interested in typography, publication design, information design, and branding. (Be prepared that this list could change by tomorrow!) When I'm not designing, I can be found with my nose in a book, caring for houseplants, playing the guitar, and any other activities that let me flex my creative muscles.
To current and future VCD students — enjoy this community! The professors and peers surrounding you will help you thrive and grow into an amazing designer throughout your time here. There is so much to learn from everyone, so take advantage of it!
Hailey Riley
Hi my name is Hailey I am a graduating VCD student with a minor in photography. After graduation I hope to learn more about experiential design. Outside of design I love traveling and trying new food. My goal is to travel and experience different cultures and design styles that can help me build my own style.
Alyssa Remington
Hello! I hope you are having a great day! My name is Alyssa Remington, and I can officially say that I am no longer a graphic design student, but a Professional Graphic Designer. When I was a kid, I think I wanted to be a teacher. Well, look at me now! In all seriousness, I think what inspired me as a child was my eagerness to learn. That is why I love my career choice! The nature of graphic design and the creative world is constantly changing and evolving for the better, and I am excited to keep learning and evolving with it as I enter the workforce.
So, thank you to all of the people whom I have met along the way on this journey. You have made a greater impact in my life than you will ever know! Also, thank you to my good friend, coffee, who helped me earn my degree!
I can't wait to see what else lies ahead!
LinkedIn
Andrew Sack
I’m a designer focused on creating thoughtful, user-centered work. Outside of design, I enjoy photography and spending time with my dog. I’m always looking to keep learning, stay curious, and keep growing creatively.
Sofia Testa
During my time at studying Graphic Design at Thomas Jefferson University, I have taken on roles as the Social Media Manager and Team Photographer for the Men's Soccer Team as well as the team photographer for the Men's Basketball and Men's Baseball Teams.
These experiences have allowed my to merge my passion for sports photography with my studies in graphic design to broaden my connections and experience within the design industry.
Working in collegiate sports at the Dll level has allowed my to adapt and excel within a fast paced environment. These roles have advanced my technical skills within the Adobe Creative Cloud, specially Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Hanna Zelcer
As a designer, I’m always looking for what’s next, whether it’s learning a new skill or finding a new way to see something familiar. I didn’t start out intending to become a designer, but, I realized I’ve always been drawn to pushing creative boundaries, solving problems, and appreciating beautifully made objects. Outside of design, I love baking new treats, reading, and spending as much time outside as I can. I hope to keep building on what I know, pushing myself to grow, and staying open to wherever creativity leads. My biggest advice: learn every tool, use every resource, and try every skill you can, it’s all part of discovering what you’re capable of.
Annika Zitto
Graphic design shapes the things people see, the things people notice, their perceptions and desires. The psychological power of design is something that should not be taken lightly. I aim to use my visual communication skills to support the movements that matter to me. Whether through educational content, information design, books, or identities, I want to help people connect to important information and causes. I love learning new things about many different subjects, so I love the opportunity for interdisciplinary work that visual communication design offers. I constantly get to learn new things from the people I work with. It's bittersweet to be leaving college because I truly love learning and being a student. But I know I will continue to learn and grow wherever life takes me!
Outside of the studio, I love to read, draw, hang out with my (cat) son, Ollie.
My advice: Be interested in things!
