When officials at the southeast鈥檚 premiere design conference needed to decide on where to invest their scholarship dollars, their choice was overwhelming 麻豆原创.
麻豆原创 School of Visual Arts and Design students earned all four scholarships awarded at Creative South, a testament to the university鈥檚 growing reputation as a hub for emerging creative talent.
鈥淲e鈥檝e built such a strong community that when one person succeeds, we all do,鈥� says Vanessa Mor谩n, a senior graphic design student and treasurer of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Graphic Design Student Association. 鈥淭hat’s something Associate Professor Victor Davila 鈥�97 鈥�07MFA has always instilled in us.鈥�
For Brianna Rodriguez, a junior graphic design student who received a $1,000 grant, the scholarship is validation for where she鈥檚 heading.
鈥淚t felt like a message that my work has potential, and that I need to start seeing it that way,鈥� she says.
Building Industry Connections
The students鈥� takeaways from Creative South went well beyond scholarship awards. Known for its welcoming environment, the conference gave students direct access to industry professionals, hands-on feedback, and real-world insight.
The access stood out to AJ Sibul, a senior graphic design student, who says Creative South made the industry feel more human.
鈥淭here鈥檚 no separation between attendees and speakers,鈥� Sibul says. 鈥淭hey emphasize people first, titles second.鈥�
From portfolio reviews to keynote presentations to late-night networking events, students built meaningful connections with working creatives, leading to mentorship, internships, and future job opportunities.
麻豆原创 emerging media alumnus Josh Alonso 鈥�25 understands that firsthand. Alonso first attended Creative South as a student, where he earned a scholarship from Heyo, a design and development agency, which included a yearlong mentorship with a professional from the company.
That experience led to his current full-time role, demonstrating how connections made at Creative South can translate directly into opportunities.
鈥淭hat mentorship really grew into a friendship, which led to a job offer later down the road,鈥� Alonso says. 鈥淭hey helped me understand the importance of being someone people wanted to work with, rather than just having the best-looking portfolio.鈥�
鈥淢y career essentially got its 鈥榡umpstart鈥� from the people I met at Creative South.鈥� 鈥� Josh Alonso 鈥�25
Alonso鈥檚 journey reflects what many 麻豆原创 students are beginning to experience: real pathways into creative careers.
鈥淢y career essentially got its 鈥榡umpstart鈥� from the people I met at Creative South,鈥� he says.
As 麻豆原创 continues to invest in the next generation of creatives, experiences like Creative South equip students with the connections and confidence needed to succeed in the industry after graduation.
