New Talent: New Entries from Syracuse University, The Newhouse School Students Xinran Xiao & Katelin Benson

For the New Talent Annual 2020, student Xinran Xiao transformed an original idea into an intriguing design that would capture the viewer’s attention. Xiao achieves this result with her entry, entitled “Extreme Hold” (above). With the support of instructor and Graphis Gold & Silver Award winner Mel White, Xiao created a three-part series, the first of which is featured. Showcasing the style and movement of hair in the form of a wave, with a surfer gliding along, Xiao demonstrates the power of Axe’s Extreme Hold Gel. The entry combines pure creativity and a unique perspective, advertising a product for the Beauty & Cosmetics category.

Female empowerment is the inspiration behind student Katelin Benson’s entry for the New Talent Annual 2020. Entitled “Female Representation in Professional Sports” (above), Benson focuses on four female athletes who have made a significant impact in the world of sports. With the support of Professor Claudia Strong, she dedicates four rows of stamps to Serena Williams, Wilma Rudolph, Nancy Lieberman, and Mary Lou Retton. Benson includes text and a headline alongside her design, which delve into the importance of women breaking barriers in professional sports. Tasked with creating a stamp series for the U.S. Postal Service that deals with an under-represented topic, she chose to utilize her love of sports. With her entry, Benson hopes to inspire the next generation of powerful female athletes.

Take the opportunity to submit your best student work to the New Talent 2020! ENTER HERE.