Young Alumni Award
Before Will Mathis enrolled at USC Upstate, he wasn’t aware of everything graphic design had to offer. Though he enjoyed art growing up, it was in college that he discovered a love for design.
Learning how to use design software such as Adobe Illustrator was a
challenge at first, Mathis says. But it was fun taking an idea from paper to screen.
Professors Bridget Kirkland and Matthew Donaldson were important influences. From them, Mathis says he learned how to make designs that not only look good but also are functional.
Mathis also joined Studio Upstate, the student-run design agency at the university, where he worked his junior and senior years.
A design project he completed during his junior year — an informational sign for the WaterGoat on campus — led to a part-time role with Arrowhead Design Group (ADG), where he works full-time as lead graphic designer today.
Ultimately, it was real-world experience as a student at Upstate, including working with clients and having to meet deadlines, that he says readied him for his career.
“Upstate really prepared me for what my career was going to be, and it’s not just ‘oh, you show up,’” he says. “If you do the work, Upstate will help you put your best foot forward when you graduate and go into real life.”