PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN (PCA&D)

Hello! My name is Kenzie Myers and in full disclosure, I’m a complete design nerd. I love the history and processes that we as designers are able and allowed to do. I grew up in Downingtown Pa, and I never thought I’d be able to pursue this field. After the pandemic calmed, I moved to Lancaster to attend Pennsylvania College of Art & Design in 2023. Over the past few years I’ve become more and more fascinated by the field of design and have gained a particular respect for the print industry. You’re reading GD USA right now, so you probably have the respect for print that it deserves, but I wish we as a societal body had more flowers to give to print and package designers. We wouldn’t be a functioning global market without the teams of dedicated designers that allow our silly little wishes to be fulfilled. I also wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the amazing people at FORCE pkg during my internship, My incredible professors at PCA&D, my classmates who gave me the most incredible experience, and ultimately my family for your patience and belief in me that sometimes only you had. Thank you so much everyone, I cannot wait to work together.

What first sparked your interest in graphic design?

Well, at the very first, Cartoon Network, then Alphonse Mucha. Since going to school though, I find inspiration all over the place. Plus people don’t know what they’re talking about- yes that old box does inspire me and it shall be taking residence in my home thank you very much.

Who are your biggest creative influences?

I cannot stress enough, Cartoon Network. I still love cartoons and watch them regularly, and I find animation in general absolutely fascinating. While I am much more an illustrator and designer than an animator, Cartoon Network is definitely where it all began- I love title cards.

Tell us about a design project you’re most proud of. What made it special?

Currently, my type-based thesis. Type and lettering is my absolute favorite aspect of graphic design and I am loving making them by hand and all my very own.

What does ‘good design’ mean to you?

To me “Good Design” correlates to my favorite word of the English language- “clever”. I love design that tricks you, makes you think, makes you feel. In such a saturated industry, it’s the silly, the clever, and the intelligent that I remember most.

What trends in graphic design excite you – or concern you – the most?

I’ve noticed this really beautiful revival of some aspects of design from the 1960s, one of my favorite design eras, and a recent fascination with the atomic age. I love the simultaneously muted yet bright colors and glyph shapes. Similarly to the sixties and the advent of the first computers, I’m not afraid of where design is going in terms of AI. The environmental impact must be addressed and improved, and people deserve credit for their work, but I think making AI a new version of Frankenstein’s monster is an interesting thought pattern in 2026. I like to hope we’re in-between stages of really incredible design opportunities, plus I’ve always wanted holograms that I can move around in the air like Tony Stark and we are closer to that than ever before.