The 23rd annual Student Portfolio Review wrapped up a great weekend of design inspiration Saturday, April 14 at the UNF Student Union. More than 40 professional designers took time to spend a beautiful weekend day indoors with our 2012 graduates. This is truly what makes AIGA Jacksonville so incredible.

After an inspiring Friday evening lecture with Dan Kuhlken from DKNG Studios, students were eager to show off their work and become the next design superstar. The review got off to a great start. The room was abuzz with activity. Students from five area design programs—Flagler College, Jacksonville University, Savannah College of Art and Design, University of Florida and University of North Florida—were busy showing their work, compiled into a small book highlighting their best pieces. The quality of work continues to be at a very high standard. All of the students’ professors should be commended on their efforts to instill this level of skill in graduating students.

This year, there was a continued trend to show work digitally. The winner of the review, Ryan Perera from UNF, had an iPad portfolio of primarily interactive and motion work. Sonni Delzani from Flagler College took second place and Barbara Georges from UNF placed third. Davin Parker, Alexandra Maisa, Abby Pratchios, Luis Gonzales, Gabby Burleson, Chelsea Alford and Jill St. Clair rounded out the top 10 portfolios. Overall, there were more than 70 students and student observers at the event.

The judges, Karen Kurycki, Ian Latchmansingh and Dan Kuhlken, were impressed with the overall quality of work. They were tasked with selecting the top three books from the top 10. Scores submitted during the course of the review were averaged out to get our top 10 portfolios. The judges then carefully went through all of the selected books. Ultimately, the decision to go with Perera’s digital book was based on the unanimous decision that his work was “very professional.” Special thanks to all of the professionals, participants and volunteers who continue to make this a great way to end another fantastic year of AIGA programming. We hope to see you next year at the Student Portfolio Review Weekend.

~Dave, Co-Director of Education

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