Otis Design Lab Receives Graphis New Talent Award

Otis Design Lab—a unique design studio that functions through a collaboration between Otis College students, staff, faculty, and external client partners—received a Silver New Talent Award from Graphis, the international publisher of books and awards for the visual communications industry. The Graphis New Talent 2024 Awards honor students, their professors, and schools from across the globe for work in advertising, design, illustration/art, photography, product design, and film. 

Graphis recognized the merchandise collection Design Lab created in 2023 for The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. The students were tasked with designing branded items that were sustainably-produced and reflected the entirety of The Huntington experience, encompassing the gardens, collections, and architecture. The merchandise included tote bags, drinking glasses, t-shirts, and water bottles featuring custom illustrations of The Huntington’s Chinese, Rose, and Japanese Gardens designed by Charlie Utter (’23 BFA Graphic Design with a minor in Product Design). Items are still available in The Huntington Store.

This was the second project with The Huntington, after students designed patterns inspired by the beloved institution’s gardens and collections that were then wrapped around electric shuttles used to transport guests.

“It’s incredibly significant for Design Lab student work to be recognized with a Graphis design award,” says Emily Carlson, Creative Director at Otis College, who oversees Design Lab with faculty mentor Robert Creighton and graphic designer Julie Moon. “These students are producing professional-quality work while they’re still in college. It’s one thing for me to say that, but having a prestigious outside entity confirm it—that’s huge. Anyone with reservations about hiring students should take notice.” 

“The Graphis New Talent 2024 Awards … highlight the very heartbeat of today’s global cultural landscape and the future leaders of the contemporary visual arts scene. Our discerning panel of industry judges handpicked the cream of the crop from an astounding array of entrants to celebrate this year’s finest from around the world,” Graphis wrote in a statement commemorating the 2024 awards.

Since its founding in 1944, Graphis has prided itself on fostering the work of the best professional and emerging talents around the globe through its awards competitions, educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. 

Read more about Design Lab’s winning work on the Graphis website. 

Design Lab is currently hiring students for the summer and spring semesters. Otis College sophomores and up can apply now for this opportunity. 

All images photographed by Danielle Vega/Otis College of Art and Design.

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