MFA THESES EXHIBITIONS
CONNER GAYDA | DESIGN CITIZEN
DEGREE AWARD DATE: SPRING 2024
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Conner Gayda is a designer, art director, and typographer from Tyrone, Georgia. In 2021 he graduated from Samford University with a BFA in Graphic Design and began to pursue an MFA in Visual Communication Design at Jacksonville State University. Throughout his time at Jacksonville State University his work has been recognized by Communication Arts, The Art Director’s Club (ADC), Graphis, and the national AAF, among others.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
“Being a good designer is no different from being a good citizen.” This quote from Milton Glaser which first appeared in a 2003 issue of Creative Review encapsulates the ethos of the Design Citizen project. “Good” design is more than a compelling composition or a beautiful color palette. Good design seeks to do no harm. Better yet, it seeks the flourishing of one’s neighbour. Therefore, it is the responsibility of educators to not only train technically competent designers, but also socially responsible ones.
Throughout the Design Citizen project, I have explored ways design educators might go about doing this. Through a series of original interviews complied in a screen printed book and an interactive typographic installation I explore how educators can develop pedagogy that fosters the next generation of design citizens.
Design Citizen Exhibition
Design Citizen Book 1
Design Citizen Book 2
Design Citizen First Insert (Cover)
Design Citizen First Insert (Unfolded)
Design Citizen Second Insert (Cover)
Design Citizen Second Insert (Unfolded)
Design Citizen Third Insert (Cover)
Design Citizen Third Insert (Unfolded Front)
Design Citizen Third Insert (Unfolded Back)
Design Citizen Fourth Insert (Front)
Design Citizen Fourth Insert (Back)