TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) is set to host its 2nd Annual Graphic Design Week from March 17-20, 2025. Organized by the Division of Graphic Communication, this year’s event is themed “UMASK Your Potential”, encouraging students and professionals to explore creativity, innovation, and career opportunities in the evolving design industry.

The weeklong event will feature a dynamic lineup of industry professionals and educators, offering valuable insights into topics such as artificial intelligence in storytelling, career pathways in design, and leadership in Black design.

Key Highlights:

• March 17 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Lecture Hall Room 2002

A Hybrid Design Identity: Developing a Graduate Research Agenda

– Pouya Jahanshahi, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Oklahoma State University (Virtual).

This session explores the importance of an MFA in today’s design industry and how graduate studies can lead to innovation in visual communication. Jahanshahi will discuss emerging design methodologies, hybrid visual cultures, and the role of advanced education in fostering creativity and critical thinking.

• March 18 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Classroom 1003

From Hollywood to AI: The Evolution of VFX and Storytelling – Muqeem Khan, Ph.D., Professor, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (Virtual).

This session will take attendees behind the scenes of Hollywood productions such as Armageddon, George of the Jungle, Flubber, and Final Fantasy. Dr. Khan, a pioneering visual effects artist with experience at Walt Disney and Square USA, will share firsthand insights into the challenges and innovations that shaped these projects. He will also explore how Generative AI is redefining the creative and technological landscape of the entertainment industry. By examining the intersection of design, VFX, and AI, this session will highlight how academia and industry must evolve to prepare the next generation of creators. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see student work, illustrating how future designers and technologists can innovate within this rapidly changing space.

March 19 | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Gallery Room 2015

Charting Your Course After Design School: Grad School, Careers and Beyond – Kia Dolby, Professor, Savannah College of Art and Design.

This session will provide guidance for students navigating their next steps after earning a degree in graphic design. Topics will include the value of pursuing graduate education, the importance of professional networking, and strategies for building a strong portfolio. Dolby will also share insights on freelancing, entrepreneurship, and in-house design careers, helping attendees understand the various pathways available in today’s evolving design industry.

March 20 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | TV-20 Studio B

State of Black Design: Fireside Chat – Brian Rice, Senior Vice President, Chief Design and Brand Experience Officer, 3M; Omari Souza, State of Black Design Conference President, Assistant Professor, University of North Texas; Kia Dolby, Professor, Savannah College of Art and Design. This discussion will explore the impact of Black designers in shaping the industry and the professional pathways available in the field. Panelists will discuss their experiences in the industry, the skills necessary for success, and insights into emerging opportunities in design. The conversation will also highlight how initiatives like the State of Black Design Conference are shaping the next generation of professionals.

Featured Speakers:

• Kia Dolby – An award-winning graphic designer, artist, educator, and communications strategist with experience in Fortune 500 companies such as AT&T and IBM. She is a professor of Digital Communication at SCAD and founder of The Happy Solopreneur.
• Dr. Muqeem Khan – A transdisciplinary designer and Hollywood CGI veteran with experience on films such as Armageddon and Flubber. He is a professor at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation and an expert in UX/UI design and interactive media.
• Pouya Jahanshahi – Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Oklahoma State University, specializing in "Hybrid Visual Cultures" and cross-cultural visual communication. He is co-founder of the P'asaj Collaborative.
• Brian Rice – Senior Vice President, Chief Brand and Design Officer at 3M, with over 25 years of experience in design, branding, and corporate partnerships. A FAMU SJGC alumnus, he serves on the SJGC Board of Visitors and is an advocate for advancing the role of design in business and technology.
• Omari Souza – Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas and founder of the State of Black Design Conference. He has worked with organizations such as VIBE magazine, Buffalo News, CBS Radio, and Case Western Reserve University. His research explores how visual narratives shape culture and identity. Souza holds a B.F.A. in digital media from the Cleveland Institute of Art and an M.F.A. in design from Kent State University.

“Graphic Design Week is an invaluable opportunity for students to engage with industry experts and gain real-world insights,” said Anosh Gill, Division Director and Associate Professor of Graphic Communication. “This event helps bridge the gap between education and professional practice, equipping students with the skills and inspiration to excel in their careers.”

All sessions will be held at FAMU SJGC. The event is open to SJGC students, faculty, and staff eager to expand their design knowledge and network with leaders in the field.

Media Contact:
Anosh Gill
Division of Graphic Communication Director
Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication
anosh.gill@famu.edu
(850) 599-3379

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