Recent Conestoga Graphic Design graduate Myah Stover has been honoured with a student award of specialty from the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD). Stover’s work was among the 800 submissions from design students at more than 40 post-secondary institutions across Canada.
Graphic Design graduate Myah Stover received a student award of specialty from RGD for her thesis project.
Stover received the Works Design Award for Web Design for her thesis project, human -- a campaign to raise awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery. Assets included the brand, website, mobile site and direct mail with bold, clean and impactful designs highlighting victim stories. The campaign was designed to help create a connection with the cause and inspire action.
“A lot of time was spent researching and organizing information so that it was intuitive and easy to understand,” said Stover. “I wanted the design to connect with people, but I also wanted the purpose and message of the campaign to have an impact. It’s meant to feel haunting and emotional with a sense of urgency.”
To achieve this, Stover said photography was key, playing with light, shadow and movement to create the campaign series and humanize the issue. Careful consideration also went into choosing the campaign name to clearly represent the theme of identity and equality.
“It is very affirming to have my work recognized by the design community. There are so many talented designers, particularly in my program, so to be featured is an honour,” said Stover. “This project represents what I have learned over the past three years in an immersive environment where I grew from feedback and practice. I have a lot of respect for the Graphic Design program and my professors, and I hope this project reflects well on them too.”
In addition to a $1,000 cash prize with her award, Stover will have her work profiled across RGD communication channels.
Submissions were reviewed and scored by a panel of industry experts. Judges also awarded an SLD Award for Packaging Design (Series) honourable mention to Conestoga Bachelor of Design student Kristi Sprague for her Ditto Skincare project.
A full list of winners is available through RGD.
RGD sets professional standards for more than 4,100 registered Canadian design practitioners, including firm owners, freelancers, managers, educators and students. Those permitted to use the RGD designation have met industry standards that include specific levels of education and experience.
Conestoga’s three-year Graphic Design advanced diploma program is recognized as one of the top design programs in the province. It employs a project-based learning approach that addresses design, digital content creation, communication, inter-personal, mechanical, technical and enhanced employability skills.