Chris Struthers Memorial Scholarship

The memory of Chris Struthers, whose passion and creativity continue to inspire, resonates deeply with me as I navigate my journey in graphic design. His legacy underscores the profound impact that art can have on individuals and society. This scholarship presents an opportunity to honor his memory by supporting emerging designers like myself, whose work is fueled by a similar dedication to creativity and expression. As a Hispanic woman in the graphic design field, I am particularly motivated to break barriers and pave the way for other female designers. My passion for graphic design extends beyond mere interest; it is a driving force in my life. At ArtCenter College of Design, my studies and projects have allowed me to explore the transformative power of visual communication. Each project reflects my commitment to creating designs that are both meaningful and impactful. One of my notable projects is "SUSTAIN.", an eating disorder recovery app designed to offer support and education to individuals affected by eating disorders. This project is deeply personal and stems from my own experiences and commitment to mental health awareness. Through "SUSTAIN.", I strive to provide a compassionate and informative resource that integrates user-friendly design with essential educational content, reflecting my dedication to creating positive change through design. Another significant project, "UNHOLY REMAINS," is a packaging design for a heavy metal beverage product. This project allowed me to experiment with bold and unconventional design elements that reflect the unique aesthetic of the heavy metal genre. By combining striking visuals with innovative design techniques, I was able to push creative boundaries while achieving commercial objectives. This project highlights my commitment to exploring diverse design styles and crafting visually compelling solutions. Additionally, my brand collaboration poster installation with Brain Dead and Planned Parenthood represents a significant intersection of art and activism. This installation showcases my ability to collaborate with prominent brands on projects that address important social issues. The posters blend artistic expression with advocacy, demonstrating my belief in using design as a tool for fostering dialogue and supporting meaningful causes. Art and graphic design are vital in shaping our world, offering avenues for personal expression, societal commentary, and visual storytelling. Despite their importance, art degrees and careers often face undervaluation, which can deter talented individuals from pursuing their dreams. Chris Struthers’ legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to support and nurture artistic talent. By continuing to create and innovate, I am committed to contributing to a more inclusive and vibrant design landscape, honoring his memory through my work. Receiving this scholarship would provide invaluable support for my growth as a designer. It would enable me to focus on developing my skills, pursuing impactful projects, and engaging in professional development opportunities. Furthermore, this support would empower me to mentor and inspire other aspiring designers, sharing the knowledge and experiences that have shaped my journey. In summary, my passion for graphic design and commitment to meaningful artistic expression align with the values embodied by Chris Struthers. This scholarship would be a significant step in advancing my career, allowing me to continue creating impactful designs and making positive contributions to the design community. I am honored to apply for this scholarship and to honor Chris Struthers’ legacy by carrying forward his spirit of creativity and dedication while breaking barriers in the design field.

Art has always been a profound passion of mine, serving as a powerful means of expression and connection with the world around me. From a young age, I found joy in creating art, whether through painting, drawing, or sculpting. As I grew older, my passion for the arts deepened, and I began to see its potential to inspire, provoke thought, and evoke emotions in others. As a high school senior with a passion for creativity and visual communication, my academic and career objectives are centered around pursuing a career in graphic design. Graphic design is expressive and limitless; it is a way to combine my artistic abilities with my love for storytelling. One of the primary ways I intend to use my career in art to inspire others is by creating work that people will find meaningful on a deep and personal level. I believe that art has the power to rise above language and cultural barriers that can unite us all. Through my art, I hope to spark wonder and curiosity in viewers, clients, etc, encouraging them to see the world in new and unexpected ways. I aim to develop a strong foundation in design principles, typography, color theory, and digital tools. I also plan to explore related fields such as branding, advertising, and user experience design to broaden my skills and knowledge. Throughout my academic journey, I have actively sought opportunities to sharpen my skills and gain real-world experience. For example, I have taken on freelance projects to gain experience. These experiences have not only helped me improve my design skills but have also given me a glimpse into the professional world of graphic design. In addition to my academic and career goals, my commitment to community is an important aspect of who I am. I believe in using my skills and talents to make a positive impact on the world around me. While I like volunteering with local organizations such as Hands-On Atlanta Meal Packing, I am looking for community organizations who need assistance with designing their logos, advertising, creating posters, etc. I am always eager to contribute in any way I can. I aim to use my art to increase awareness about important social and environmental issues. I believe that artists have a unique ability to shine a light on pressing issues and provoke meaningful conversations. Whether through a thought-provoking painting, a sculpture, etc., I hope to use my art as a tool for social change and advocacy. I believe that art has the power to stir up a wide range of emotions, such as joy, sadness, anger, worries, etc. By creating art that opens up these emotions, I hope to create a space for reflection, prompting viewers to consider their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In my vision of a better world, art plays a central role in fostering empathy, understanding, and connection among people from diverse backgrounds. I believe that art has the power to break down barriers and build bridges between individuals and communities. Through my art, I hope to contribute to this vision by creating work that promotes dialogue, fosters empathy, and encourages connection. I believe that art has the power to create a better world by sparking wonder, increasing awareness, and fostering empathy and understanding. Through my career in art, I hope to inspire others and contribute to a more compassionate, connected, and enlightened world. Art is not just a hobby or a future career for me; it is a primary part of who I am. Art is my soul's language, a way to express the beauty and complexity of life.