Illustration Students Shine in International Competition

Marina Ibrahim illustration
Watkins College of Art

Illustration Students Shine in International Competition

July 8, 2025 | by Haley Charlton

Nine students recognized in Graphis New Talent Annual 2025 global showcase

Nine illustration majors from Watkins College of Art were selected for the prestigious Graphis New Talent Annual 2025, a global showcase featuring award-winning work from emerging creatives and top visual arts schools worldwide.

The competition highlights the best student work across Design, Advertising, Photography, and Illustration/Art categories, drawing entries from institutions around the globe.

Leading the group of honorees from Belmont is Samuel Davenport, who captured two Silver awards and one Honorable Mention for his work in both the illustration series category and single illustration. Anna Del Priore also earned Silver recognition for her series work.

Additional Honorable Mentions went to Conner Hall and Addie Ryder for their series submissions, while Macie Horne, Marina Ibrahim, Mary Mitchell, Court Thompson and Audrey Parsons received recognition for their single illustrations.

"We're extremely proud of our students who reflect the creativity and sophisticated visual storytelling at Belmont," said Associate Professor of Design & Illustration Dan Brawner. "This is very exciting news, especially given how young the Watkins illustration program is, successfully competing with much larger and more established programs."

The strong showing in this international competition demonstrates the growing reputation of Watkins College's illustration program, which continues to develop emerging talent in the visual arts field.

Hang on to your hats, folks, we're just gettin' started!

Dan Brawner

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