Graphic design students from Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) received the highest number of recognitions among participating schools at the annual Florida Print Awards in Orlando. The group earned 10 Best of Category awards, 13 Awards of Excellence, and 43 honorable mentions.
The Florida Print Awards event is known for highlighting achievements and innovations in print design, production, and creativity by professionals and emerging talent across the state.
Anosh Gill, Director of SJGC’s Graphic Communication Division, said the recognition is important for student designers. “Recognition from respected competitions not only boosts confidence but also enhances portfolios and résumés, helping students stand out to employers and clients,” Gill said. He added that such awards provide exposure through publications and exhibitions, open networking opportunities with industry professionals, and help establish credibility early in a designer’s career. Gill’s own work was also recognized at this year’s ceremony.
Among notable moments at the event was student Layla Richardson receiving Best of Category honors in the professional category for design posters alongside professors Anosh Gill and Stanley Johnson for their “Beautiful I Am Poster Campaign.” The campaign supported Johnson’s book celebrating Black women across generations.
Student Tatiana Pedroso accepted awards on behalf of her peers while her family attended. She received an Award of Excellence in packaging design for her project “CityFlare Bistro Merch.” John Beadel, board chair of the Florida Graphics Alliance (FGA), congratulated winners by saying that judges were impressed with “the high caliber of submissions…. As the quality of work presented was outstanding across the board.”
Other award recipients included Iman Jabbar (Award of Excellence winner and Best of Category winner), Joaquin Barnette (Award of Excellence winner and Best of Category winner), Jordan Richardson (Award of Excellence winner and Best of Category winner), as well as Zaevan Martin who won multiple honors across categories such as advertising, brochures, editorial magazines, posters, wearables, wide format printing, stationery, social media advertising.
Several students who won major awards also received honorable mentions for various projects including Abeon Anderson (posters), Natalie Carbello (brand development/advertising), Jade Smoot (posters/advertising/illustration), Jordan Barber (brand development), along with Jabbaar, Barnette, Richardson, Layla Richardson, Pedroso and Martin who each collected several additional honorable mentions.
