How Did Graphic Design Come Full Circle for Me?
Sitting at my desk, reviewing entries from this year’s The Real Show competition, I couldn’t help but feel a strong sense of nostalgia. Twenty years ago, I stood on the other side of this experience—submitting my student work for consideration by a panel of judges. Back then, we carefully printed, mounted, and shipped our entries. If selected, our work would be showcased in a gallery-style exhibit that brought together some of the best student design from across the region. Today, I participated as a judge—a full-circle moment that was both surreal and meaningful.
What is The Real Show and Why It Matters for Graphic Design Students?
The Real Show is a student design competition that stands out because it gives participants the opportunity to work on real-world projects that mirror the challenges professional designers face every day. Students respond to creative briefs modeled after actual business problems, giving them an experience far beyond classroom exercises. Projects often involve branding, campaign development, and marketing strategy—all developed with constraints, deadlines, and target audiences in mind. It’s not just about design for design’s sake—it’s about solving real problems through smart visual communication. That’s what makes being chosen to judge this competition such an honor.
This year’s competition featured four dynamic projects:
- A gig poster and t-shirt illustration for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ Triple Moon Tour, emphasizing bold visuals and screen-print-ready designs.
- An editorial feature layout for Science magazine tackling the topic of social isolation and connection, complete with print, digital, and social media components.
- A public service ad campaign for the Ad Council, challenging students to develop persuasive messaging around social issues of their choice, from mental health to climate action.
- A website redesign for Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, requiring both mobile and desktop UI/UX mockups using professional tools like Figma.
Each brief asked students to combine creativity with strategic thinking and professional execution—exactly the kind of real-world preparation that makes this competition so valuable.
How Did a Student Graphic Design Competition Shape My Career?
Two decades ago, I was a junior graphic design major at Susquehanna University. I remember the energy in the classroom, the pressure we put on ourselves, and the way our professor, Mark Fertig, encouraged us to step up and compete. He instilled a spirit of excellence and ownership in all of us—reinforcing the idea that if we wanted a successful design career, it was on us to pursue it with intention and grit. That message stuck with me. Even now, I can still feel that same competitive energy from today’s students—especially those coming out of Susquehanna, where the tradition of hard work and creative ambition clearly continues.
Using Graphic Design for Real-World Impact
After graduation, I took every opportunity to apply what I had learned in school and from competitions like The Real Show. My first job was at a small design studio where I learned quickly that great design had to do more than look good—it had to perform. I found myself drawn to projects where design could drive business results, especially for small companies that needed a strong brand to grow. Over time, this became my passion: helping small businesses and nonprofits build visual identities that connect with people through brand strategy and development, graphic design and visual communication, and compelling storytelling.
This hands-on approach to design eventually led me to launch Cross Creative, a studio that not only creates brand identities and marketing tools for clients but also serves as an educational resource for up-and-coming designers. We offer internships and focus on creating outlets and opportunities for young designers to access real-world design education. Whether it’s through collaborative projects in website design and development, social media management, digital marketing and advertising, or content creation and copywriting, Cross Creative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional application.
What Does It Mean to Return as a Graphic Design Judge?
Being invited to judge The Real Show wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a deeply personal honor. To be chosen to evaluate the work of today’s rising talent, in the same competition that shaped me as a student, was incredibly meaningful. Reviewing the entries, I saw a new generation of designers confronting real-world challenges with creativity, clarity, and craft. It reminded me how important these moments are in a young designer’s journey.
Why Is Mentorship in Graphic Design So Important?
This experience reaffirmed something I’ve believed for a long time: when you’ve benefited from good mentorship, it’s your responsibility to turn around and offer that same support to others. The Real Show helped launch my design career. Now, as someone who’s been in the industry for years, I feel strongly about paying it forward—whether that’s through teaching, judging competitions, or providing access to professional knowledge through Cross Creative. Education doesn’t end with a diploma. It’s ongoing, and it’s our job as professionals to nurture the next wave of talent.
What Steps Will You Take to Succeed in Graphic Design?
To any student or young creative reading this: take initiative. Look for real-world experiences in graphic design, participate in competitions like The Real Show, ask for thoughtful feedback, and build meaningful connections. And once you’ve found your footing, make it a point to reach back and support someone just getting started. That’s how we keep the graphic design community thriving and evolving.
At Cross Creative, we’re proud to support aspiring designers on their journey. Through hands-on learning, real business challenges, and one-on-one mentorship, we aim to be the bridge between school and career. Whether you’re learning the ropes of graphic design and visual communication, diving into website design, managing clients’ social media channels, or building effective digital marketing campaigns, we believe in providing the tools, support, and insight to help creatives thrive. Because design is more than skill—it’s mindset, and it grows stronger when we all help each other forward.
