Published Friday, December 6th, 2024
Part of the 2024-25 Student Spotlight Series, featuring Hannah Cherven of Brighton, Colo.
Combining her love of art with advancements in technology seemed like a perfect fit for senior Hannah Cherven when she decided to major in Graphic Design at Wayne State College. The Norfolk resident, who is a native of Brighton, Colo., is this week’s subject of the Student Spotlight Series.
Cherven was one of 10 Wayne State graphic design students who participated in the annual Senior Portfolio Review showcase Dec. 5. The event gave potential employers an opportunity to meet graduating seniors and review their creative endeavors. Students display design examples, sample project proposals, and design briefs.
“Art students have their artwork displayed everywhere on campus, and the Senior Portfolio Review gives us graphic designers a way to exhibit our talent,” said Cherven. “The instructors do a great job in getting us ready for the event.”
“I’ve come to realize that all my instructors are going to be mentors for me in the future,” added Cherven. “I don’t know if I would have had that feeling at another college. Wayne State wasn’t initially on my radar, but my mom did some research and found that Wayne State is one of the top schools for graphic design.”
Thanks, Mom.
Cherven’s graphic design projects blossomed at Wayne State, and they have ranged from illustrations to designing a website.
Cherven has also taken her design skills from the computer to body art designs. She proudly displays her tattoo design of lotus petals on her right wrist, along with a tattoo of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth, on her upper right arm. While she didn’t design the Hebe tattoo, it represents a way of life for Cherven.
“I believe it's important to always stay youthful, energetic, and embrace new beginnings,” said Cherven. “I would like to one day look back and say to myself ‘I was brave enough to live the life that I wanted.’"
“I guess I literally wear my heart on my sleeve,” laughed Cherven, who currently works at Tattoo Therapy in Norfolk as the lead designer for graphics. “I also did an internship with Tattoo Therapy. My responsibilities included designing business cards and forms, managing social media, scheduling appointments with clients, and coordinating Flash Sales. So far, I've created multiple posters that promoted events, walk-in availability for the shop, and payment options.”
“The internship and work experience will be extremely valuable to me after graduation,” added Cherven.
Cherven will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, during winter commencement in Rice Auditorium. She intends to open her own graphic design business in the future.