5. The Success

Fine Art Students

Name:

Ryan Verzaal (04)

Continued Education:

M.F.A., San Francisco Art Institute

Quote:

“During my time in the art department I received the instruction necessary to begin the professional level of criticality required in the contemporary art market. My final year at Flagler College mirrored that of my graduate level courses and introduced me to a new way of thinking, understanding and experiencing art.”

Name:

Adam Frezza (01)

Continued Education:

M.F.A., University of Florida

Quote:

“The art experience I had as an undergraduate in the fine arts program at Flagler College was absolutely the most comprehensive and challenging program I can imagine. At the time, I may not have known how good I had it there, but the expansive approach to foundations and the technical prowess I gained under the instruction of some fine professors is something I wouldn’t trade for any other big name program out there.”

Name:

Lisa Conn (06)

Continued Education:

M.F.A., Florida State University

Quote:

“The BFA program at Flagler inspired me to work harder than I thought I could. I value the time with my professors and fellow students and the way we were encouraged to challenge and support each other. The BFA gave me the push I needed to get into graduate school.”

Name:

Lauren Hill (07)

Continued Education:

M.F.A., University of Florida

Quote:

“The BFA program at Flagler College pushed me to find the artistic voice I needed to effectively communicate my ideas.”

Graphic Design Students

Name:

Mike Fretto (04)

Title:

Creator/Designer, Rosa Loves, St. Augustine, FL

Quote:

“We're really just trying to use our talents and our gifts to do something tangible rather than dumping our abilities into something that is just going to fizzle out in the long run. T-shirts are just the beginning.”

Name:

Maria Taylor (01)

Title:

Art Director, Robin Shepherd Group, Jacksonville, FL

Quote:

“You're not limited as a designer, and I think day to day you can push yourself to do something new and something fresh.”

Name:

Scott Jehl (05)

Title:

Designer/Developer, The Filament Group, Boston, MA

Quote:

“On the web, new concepts and techniques pop up every day; it's both inspiring and overwhelming. I love the immediacy and accessibility of web design. It still amazes me that I can put my work on the web and everyone in the world can access it instantly.”

Name:

Sean Godonis (02)

Title:

Principle, Godonis Design, Ormond Beach, FL

Quote:

“When I was a kid, I'd always get in trouble in class because I'd be drawing. I never knew I could make a living at it.”

Name:

Bonnie Mercado (02)

Title:

Senior Designer, Harcourt Publishers, Orlando, FL

Quote:

“What I love about my job is who I work with. This is a collaborative business, and if you don't like who you work with, most likely you won't enjoy your job. I'm very fortunate to have a great creative team.”

Name:

Michael Birchall (94), Seth Ferriera (97), Jayson Earl (03), Tara Ferriera (04), Shana Coursin (05), and Zach Thomas (00).

Title:

Owners, Directors, Designers, Photographers, etc., Troika Studio, St. Augustine, FL

Quote:

“We think inspiration comes from anywhere. The trick is to keep your mind open.”

Name:

Jeff Harrington (96)

Title:

Design Director/Owner, Harrington Design, Jacksonville, FL

Quote:

“I always strive to have a strategic solution. I like solving problems, and I really enjoy the design process itself. It's a fascinating combination of logic and creativity.”

Name:

Jefferson Rall (90)

Title:

Principal/Lead Creative, Turnwest Creative, Jacksonville, FL

Quote:

“Design reaches accross multiple audiences and kind of rolls over any cultural barriers. It intrigues people. It invites them into dialogue and makes a connection.”