Maggie Mordecai
Behind a majority of the flyers papering the walls of Kalmanovitz Hall or the UC floors are the students working at the Graphics Center, providing their creative talent to the world. Some students found their love for design through physical art, while others have always worked with digital art.
For Antonia Dias, a senior design major, it was a high school class that drew her towards graphic design. “I started drawing constantly after taking an art class in high school, and it was a love for visual art that guided me towards graphic design,” said Dias. “I honestly went into design with a very minimal understanding of what it was, and I didn’t start making digital graphics until I began at the design program at USF.”
Liana Mendoza, a sophomore data science major, found her passion for graphic design at a young age. “I started making traditional art, such as watercolor painting and arts and crafts, when I was around ten years old. It slowly transitioned into graphic design when I started working for organizations and student clubs,” Mendoza said. Delaney Lumpkin, an alumni design major who graduated in December of 2024, also found herself in love with graphic design by helping others. “I started making graphics in high school for club events. I was always into colors, design, [and] illustration from a young age and knew I wanted to go into something creative,” Lumpkin said.
For these students, graphic design isn’t just a job—it’s their passion, and it teaches them more than just art. “I really appreciate the flexibility and creativity that being a graphic designer offers as a career path,” said Grace Tawatao, a senior design major. “Now that I am a senior, I have learned that there is so much more to design than just being artistic, there is a whole psychology behind the decisions that we make. I also love seeing everybody’s unique styles and perspectives on problem-solving. It is so valuable to gain insight by listening to other designers.”
Dias shared a similar opinion. “I love how graphics are universally readable, a mode of communication in and of itself. Just like any visual art, graphics also allow for the enhancement of real-world scenes or [the] creation of images that don’t exist in the real world.”
Graphic design can be a meaningful way for artists to express themselves, understand others through visual language, and build genuine human connections through creativity. Yet with AI growing rapidly every year, it has put the graphic design field at risk. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report predicts that by 2030, graphic design will become the 11th fastest declining field of work due to the rise of artificial intelligence. This has raised concerns and complaints for many graphic designers. “I do think [there are] threats of large companies shifting to AI tools for creative roles. This is not only harmful for designers ‘ livelihoods and passions but also threatens authenticity in the design world as AI takes from existing works,” said Lumpkin.
“[AI] cannot evoke the same emotions from its viewers,” said Mendoza. “AI in art can create an atmosphere of removing value from human art and a culture of plagiarism. It also takes away the personal touches which are inevitable in any work by designers, even if it is unintentional.”
Tawatao emphasized how human-made graphics create a more personal connection for viewers. “I truly believe that the best designs are only something that a human brain can create, since we have a more complete and individual understanding of the world than AI. Part of what makes design so fun is the unique perspectives that individuals have from their own lived experiences and ways of thinking.” But she also believes that AI can be helpful if used as a tool rather than a replacement. “If people stop overlooking the importance and necessity of good design, I think the narrative that AI is harmful to our career path changes from being a threat to a tool.”
AI may be creeping its way into the world of graphic design, but designers know their hard work cannot be replaced because of how crucial human interaction and work are. “In order to communicate with people effectively, graphics need to be the result of a process of collaboration, strategizing, and designing within social and cultural contexts,” said Dias. “There is limitless opportunity. It’s about reaching people and speaking to them on a day-to-day level through art with function and purpose. It’s beautiful.”
Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Premmer, Chief Copy Editor: Sophia McCrackin, Managing Editor: Jordan DelFiugo, Opinion Editor: Dakota Duran, Scene Editor: Elina Graham
