by Abby Gannon
Seniors pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design at The University of Texas at Austin spent the last four years refining who they are as designers. That work was exhibited at this year’s B.F.A Capstone Showcase on Friday, April 24, where students presented the projects that defined their time in the program.
Design students developed their capstone projects throughout their senior year, pouring effort and heart into work that reflects their technical skills and personal identities. Projects ranged from an interactive game that portrays an important message to a fully customizable and sustainable 3D-printed watch.
No matter the medium, the countless hours students have dedicated to their projects, down to the last detail, spoke directly to their growth in the program.
“The program has given me a really great foundation that blends my interest in art illustration with a foundation in graphic design,” senior Katelan Crowder said. “I’ve been able to not only practice art, but also learn typography, image making and layout design.”
For Crowder, it was important to approach her project with an awareness of those who paved the way for the techniques she uses today, and to highlight her Latin American heritage. Her graphic design project combines traditional Latin American rótulo typography styles with other intricate elements to promote an all-Latina-artist music festival.
When Crowder first began brainstorming her capstone project, she struggled to find the confidence to take risks and make the leaps she wanted. She felt supported by her professors and inspired by fellow students to trust herself, breaking through boundaries she had previously set for herself.
“Having people in my class who were so passionate about their culture inspired me to be loud and proud about my Latin heritage,” Crowder said. “My project became more vibrant because of my class.”
Crowder is one of many students who have used their capstone to bring attention to something they value. For senior Ceci Deleon-Wilson, it was a chance to make an overwhelming topic digestible through a collaborative board game.
“Climate change is a heavy topic. People often feel overwhelmed when they hear about it,” Deleon-Wilson said. “I wanted to combine conservation with play to create a softer avenue for people to understand it.”
After transferring to UT with a background in illustration, Deleon-Wilson was inspired by how the program pushed students to think bigger, rather than putting a two-dimensional cap on an idea.
“UT design put my art in motion,” Deleon-Wilson said. “This program pushes you to put art in public spaces and have it mean something.”
Collaboration is a priority throughout students’ time in the program, from critiques to conversations with peers about their work. For senior Alexis Carriaga, stepping outside his comfort zone meant learning how to get to know an audience as a designer.
Carriaga created a 3D-printed modular watch that allows anyone to download it online, customize and print it themselves. It was important to him that his project addressed a real-world problem he wanted to solve, combining affordability with a sustainable, customizable option.
“The area I’ve improved the most here at UT is design thinking, getting to know the user and what you are trying to solve,” Carriaga said. “Starting with an idea, then brainstorming, sketching, prototyping and user testing, the process has differentiated my growth.”
As they reflected on their last four years, Crowder, Deleon-Wilson and Carriaga shared advice they’d give their freshman selves if given the chance.
“Push yourself to make choices that are unexpected, even the ones you think aren’t the right ones,” Crowder said. “Just don’t be afraid to try it all. You never know until you try.”
“You’ll get there,” Deleon-Wilson said. “You can handle these challenges and find your way no matter where you are. Be excited for any new project you get to be a part of.”
“Always take the extra step,” Carriaga said. “Never feel you’re less than anyone else, always be different and express yourself openly.”