OSU graphic design professor recognized in competition

and I applaud this success.”

Mendoza created the piece hand-drawn and the judges noticed.

Adam Engel Editor-in-Chief

National recognition for a local professor.

OSU graphic design professor Nick Mendoza’s work was selected in December’s 365: American Institute for Graphic Arts competition.

Mendoza’s created the piece, “OSU Design Lecture 2021” as a poster promoting a guest lecture from visiting professor Mike Daines.

The competition started in 1924 and offers designers, design teams and clients an opportunity to showcase their work. In 2022, 466 entries were submitted and Mendoza became one of 51 winners.

“Having your work awarded from AIGA, especially winning the 365: AIGA Year in Design competition, means your work competes with other design works from renowned designers and studios,” said Ting Wang-Hedges, OSU assistant professor of graphic design. “So, it is a laudable recognition

“[It’s] an ode to hand-drawn letters,” juror Clement Mok said. “Wonderfully old-school, yet it feels very contemporary and personal. The letter scrawls are meticulously planned for legibility. Job well done.”

Mendoza’s success stems from typography, one of the classes he teaches. It’s the study of arranging type in order to deliver a message.

“Nick’s keen understanding of typography and its nuance on one hand and his passion for teaching on the other has been a great influence on our students,” said Pouya Jahanshahi, OSU associate professor of graphic design. “These are reflected in how he guides his students to mobilize principles of layout, composition, psychology and communication to produce powerful artifacts of graphic design — whether the outcome is a poster, book cover or comprehensive branding campaign.” news.ed@ocolly.com