FAMU SJGC Graphic Design Students Dominate Florida Print Awards With Most School Recognitions
Graphic design students at Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) are celebrating the major imprint they are making on Florida’s print and graphics industry.
The cohort of students were awarded a combined total of 10 Best of Category awards, 13 Awards of Excellence, and 43 honorable mentions, taking home the most recognitions among participating schools at the annual Florida Print Awards ceremony in Orlando.
The statewide premier event recognizes outstanding achievements and innovations in print design, production, and creativity among Florida’s top professionals and emerging talent.
SJGC’s Graphic Communication Division Director Anosh Gill, who holds a Master of Fine Arts, said that the awards are significant for student designers because they provide an opportunity to “validate their creativity, skills and hard work, while giving them a competitive edge in their careers.”
“Recognition from respected competitions not only boosts confidence but also enhances portfolios and résumés, helping students stand out to employers and clients,” said Gill, whose design work for his company, Anosh Gill Design, was also recognized at the ceremony. “Awards provide exposure through publications and exhibitions, opening networking opportunities with industry professionals and potential job offers. Most importantly, they establish credibility early on, allowing students to enter the design community with recognition and momentum.”
Layla Richardson helped design posters for the “Beautiful, I Am” book, such as the
unforgettable concept featuring a beautiful little girl in jewels.
A few standout Print Awards moments included student Layla Richardson receiving Best of Category honors in the professional category for design posters
alongside her graphic communication professors, Gill and Stanley Johnson, for the
“Beautiful I Am Poster Campaign.” The campaign promoted Johnson’s recent book, which
is a visual chronicle honoring the timeless strength and beauty of Black women across
generations.
Tatiana Pedroso celebrates winning multiple awards. At the ceremony, she celebrated
with her sister who came to support her.
Student Tatiana Pedroso, who took home an Award of Excellence in the packaging design category for her project
“CityFlare Bistro Merch,” represented FAMU SJGC at the ceremony and accepted the student
awards on her peers’ behalf, with her family cheering her on. She had the opportunity
to pose for photos with John Beadel, FGA’s board chair, whose congratulations message
to this year’s winners noted that “judges were thoroughly impressed with the high
caliber of submissions…. As the quality of work presented was outstanding across the
board.”
Learn more about the awards students garnered below.
Iman Jabbar is an Award of Excellence winner and Best of Category winnner. 
Joaquin Barnette is an Award of Excellence winner and Best of Category winnner. 
Jordan Richardson is an Award of Excellence winner and Best of Category winnner.
Award of Excellence Winners
- Iman Jabbaar – Stationery (1)
- Joaquin Barnette – Photography (Portraits) (1)
- Jordan Richardson – Illustration/Animation (1)
- Layla Richardson – Illustration/Animation (1)
- Tatiana Pedroso – Packaging (1)
- Zaevan Martin – Advertising (Social Media), Brochures/Catalogs/Flyers, Editorial Magazines, Posters (Event), Posters (Other), Wearables, Wide Format (8)
Best of Category Winners
- Iman Jabbaar – Posters (Other) (1)
- Joaquin Barnette – Photography (Portraits), Photography (Landscapes) (2)
- Jordan Richardson – Illustration/Animation, Posters (Movie) (2)
- Layla Richardson – Typographics Design (1)
- Zaevan Martin – Advertising (Social Media), Stationery, Wearables, Wide Format (4)
Abeon Anderson
Natalie Carbello
Jade Smoot
Honorable Mention Recipients
- Abeon Anderson – Posters (Movie) (1)
- Natalie Carbello – Brand Development, Advertising (Print) (2)
- Jade Smoot – Posters (Movie), Advertising (Print), Illustration/Animation (3)
- Jordan Barber – Brand Development (1)
- The following students winning Awards of Excellence and Best of Category Awards also received honorable mentions for various projects: Iman Jabbaar (4), Joaquin Barnette (5), Jordan Richardson (13), Layla Richardson (5), Tatiana Pedroso (4), and Zaevan Martin (5).
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
Kanya Stewart
Communications Consultant & Strategist
kanya.stewart@famu.edu
