Creativity Brings Magic to Life
International student, Trustee Scholar, and senior Illustration major Ale Ortega-Romero created a whimsical underwater wonderland for the official 2023-24 admissions poster—an artwork that will be seen in high schools nationwide.
In her small hometown in Panamá, Central America, studying for an art degree was not an option for Ortega-Romero. But with hard work, dedication, and support from her family and friends, she made it to Ringling College to pursue her passion for illustration.
In 2022, she received the College’s highest honor of Trustee Scholar, awarded annually to one junior 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.
Ortega-Romero worked closely with Ringling College’s in-house Design Center to conceptualize and create two large posters: one to represent National Portfolio Day and one for the Admissions department.
“I was welcomed to the Design Center to work alongside a team of artists and designers where we collaborated and shared ideas to inspire and help one another throughout the semester,” she recalled. “With this particular illustration, I approached the idea of creativity bringing ideas to life through a cinematic painting underwater; representing the notion of an artist’s touch being magical and the ability to create that magic by simply coming into contact with it.”
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.
Ale Ortega-Romero ’23-24, Illustration
Previous Posters
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.
Watch the ⏯ video.