YSU Design major takes top award in annual Pittsburgh competition

Whitney Miller, a senior Graphic + Interactive Design major at Youngstown State University, took home Student Best of Show honors at the Pittsburgh AIG Annual Design Competition and Exhibition.

Miller’s graphic design portfolio, titled “Self Promotion,” was selected from a field of 270 professional and student print and interactive pieces submitted for judging. Judges chose 60 professional and 30 student pieces for exhibition in this year’s show.

The award was presented at Spirit Hall in Lawrenceville, Pa., the opening day of the exhibition. Miller’s Best of Show title came with a $500 prize from an anonymous donor.

Originally of Cortland and a Lakeview High School graduate, Miller lives in Warren. She plans to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and hopes to find work in graphic design. Her long-term goal is to earn an MFA and teach design on the university level.

Miller’s winning portfolio won out over student artist competitors from other well-respected university art programs, including Carnegie Mellon, Edinboro and LaRoche College. Her success also put the spotlight on YSU’s Department of Art for professional organizations and graphic design firms serving Pittsburgh-area commercial clients such as Giant Eagle, Eat ‘n Park and the Pittsburgh International Auto Show.