Live in Creativity
When Illustration major Oliver Stephenson ’22 was in high school and considering colleges, it was a Ringling College of Art and Design poster in his guidance counselor’s office that caught his attention.
As a senior at Ringling College, Stephenson singlehandedly created the new admissions poster that has been mailed to high school guidance counselors and art teachers across the nation.
During his time at Ringling, Stephenson, who is from Lakeland, Florida, worked in the College’s Design Center.
In 2021, he was selected as a Trustee Scholar, the College’s highest honor which is awarded annually to one student from each degree program and the Office of Student Life in recognition of exceptional creative talent; demonstrated communication and creative thinking skills; and exemplary service, to the department, to the campus, and to the community. The honor is awarded by the Ringling College Board of Trustees.
The design of the poster is a nod to Stephenson’s passion for the style and design of the 1970s.
“I’m driven by retro themes that incorporate bold colors and shapes, with a focus on character design and narrative illustration. Creating illustrations that feel like they’re from a different era is what I’m all about,” said Stephenson.
Stephenson used a tablet and Adobe Photoshop to create the design. He worked in layers and used a variety of digital brushes, which he enjoys experimenting with.
The recent graduate is working as a freelance artist and hopes to build a business focusing on his art.
The admissions poster is created annually by a student, or team of students, who work in the on-campus Design Center.
Learn more about applying to Ringling College.
