Senior Richie Rivas, a graphic design major from Gadsden, AL, recently showed his work in a national juried exhibit. His designs have also been recognized with ADDY awards.

Hometown: Gadsden, Alabama

Major/minor: Graphic Design

Recent accomplishments:

This year I had the opportunity to be accepted into JSU’s 47th Annual Juried Student Show and WORK National Competition held here at JSU. During the summer, a couple of students and I were awarded a Silver ADDY at the 2020 Birmingham ADDY Awards!

Why did you decide to attend JSU?

I chose JSU because it was referred to me by many friends when I finished community college. Going into the transfer process at JSU, it was very welcoming and affordable. I knew I was in the right place when I set foot on campus.

Why did you choose your major? 

At the beginning of my college experience, I did not choose graphic design. I majored in Accounting in the beginning! However, I noticed that I wanted to pursue the arts early on throughout my childhood. My parents run a family-owned business, and I wanted to learn ways to help them keep up with the fast-paced changes in the business industry. I knew JSU would help me achieve that. It allowed me to learn the principles of the business industry. I know I can still utilize those skills in my future career as a graphic designer. As for graphic design, I wanted to experience the idea of bringing my creative skills to a digital platform. I knew I could utilize my skills to help provide a voice to others by helping them create visual imagery that extends beyond the screen, but into the world, one design at a time. 

What is your favorite thing to eat on/off campus? 

My favorite thing to eat on campus is Freshens at the TMB. I really enjoy the healthy options that they serve, and the smoothies are the best! My favorite off campus spot to eat is Chik-Fil-A! 

Favorite designer or Instagram? 

Some of my favorite illustrators are Dustin Lee and Victor Melendez. For designers, I would say Jay Fletcher, Hoodzpah Design, and Clark Orr. Some of the screen-printing studios that I follow are Mamas Sauce, Industry Print Shop, and Kong Screen Printing + Design. 

What clubs/organizations are you involved in?

I am the president of AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts), a student organization here at JSU that focuses on creating a community on campus to learn more about the field of the graphic arts and its professional practices. With graphic design being my concentration, this organization has helped me truly become a leader and mentor for other students and make a creative hub for students to expand their knowledge of design. I enjoy every moment I get to help my peers and getting to learn from them as well. I am a founding member of JSU’s first student Latinx organization called El Latido! We raise awareness and celebrate Hispanic cultures at JSU through education and action. We empower our members through their college journey by supporting them academically, mentally, and socially. Another affiliation I am part of is Safe Zone, which I helped carry out from the beginning of its workshops for JSU faculty/staff, so they can create a safe environment for students that need assistance when it comes to providing resources for the LGBTQ+ community. It has helped me grow in learning my own identity and being proud of who I am. Having some type of impact whether big or small in affiliations like AIGA, El Latido, or Safe Zone is very important because, as a student, no matter your background, JSU will always be there to stand by you. I am grateful for that.

What is the coolest thing about your department?

I really enjoy the screen-printing studio that we have upstairs in Hammond Hall. I really enjoy bringing both the analog and digital aspects of design into one. But overall, I think one of the coolest things is the community. I enjoy the fact that I can come to the studio and share my work with others. With the help of my peers and professors, I have become more prepared for life after graduation. There is nothing better than feeling a sense of family that is attached to the art department once you step foot in it.  

What are your post-grad plans? 

I would like to work at an advertising agency that focuses on branding and product packaging. However, one of the things that I am grateful for at JSU is that it has already allowed me to step foot in the real world of my career! I’ve been given the opportunity to become an employee of JSU’s Marketing Services Office. It has truly allowed me to become more confident in my skills and prepare me on a professional level. I also enjoy the process of screen-printing, and I hope that the skills I am learning can be put to good use in creating a business for myself. 

Advice to students new-to-JSU? 

Jacksonville State University is a place that I have found to call home. The amount of support that I have received from my peers and educators is amazing. JSU is truly the friendliest campus in the South with its commitment to support every student that walks on its campus. To have a quality education with an affordable price is also an advantage that I knew when choosing JSU. Take advantage of pursuing your education at JSU, and you will not regret becoming a Gamecock! Fear the beak!