Grads show off at Graphic Con

Graduating Graphic Design students have one last assignment before leaving ACC. They have to show off their best work at this year's Graphic Con, a portfolio showcase and reception.

The event will showcase the work of 12 graduating Graphic Design students from ACC at the South Austin Campus in Room 1130 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 12.

"For the students, this is really their triumph at the end of their schooling," Meagan McKeeman, associate adjunct professor of Visual Communication Design, said.

McKeeman is the instructor for the class that is putting on the event. Each student at the event will have their own table with a banner advertising their work. Attendees will be able to approach a student's table, look at their portfolio, and ask the student questions.

"It kind of forces them to talk about their work to a huge range of people who may not know what design is," McKeeman said. "It really works on getting their communication skills up to snuff as they go out into the world to interview for graphic design jobs."

Graphic design student Rod Barrera is ready for the event.

"I can't really say that anyone is nervous," Barrera said. "We're all just excited to showcase all of our work. It's been a couple years in the making. These projects, these portfolios, they're our creations, they're our emotions on paper."

He is expecting a mixed crowd to show up.

"We need a big cross section of everybody to give us their opinions and see what we can do and offer," Barrera said.

Assistant Department Chair Gail Bayeta pointed out how involved the students are with the event. The class as a whole came up with the concept, and they designed everything, Bayeta said.

The event is also geared toward raising awareness about graphic design and what the Visual Communication Department does, McKeeman said.

"It's to show that graphic design is not just about making things pretty," McKeeman said.

"There is a lot more involved.  It's about communicating, problem solving, and concepting."

McKeeman has faith that her students will succeed with Graphic Con 2009.

"It's a lot of work," McKeeman said. "It's something they really had to commit to and be passionate about. I think they really pulled it off and it's going to be really great.