Arts and Architecture

Graphic design students recognized in nationwide design competition

Shalini Prasath was recognized in the Packaging category for her album design of “Liberty: Feminine Rage,” a hypothetical compilation album by Halsey that draws from the artist’s “Nightmare” music video, as well as from feminist history, art and literature. Credit: Shalini Prasath. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two Penn State graphic design students in the College of Arts and Architecture’s Stuckeman School were recognized for their work in the 2025 AIGA Baltimore’s Flux Student Design Competition.

The annual national competition recognizes outstanding design work produced by students in the categories of Identity, Packaging, Poster, Publication, Social Impact Design, user experience/user interface and Video/Motion Graphics.

Third-year student Shalini Prasath was recognized in the Packaging category for her album design of “Liberty: Feminine Rage” under the guidance of Emily Burns, assistant professor of graphic design, and Brooke Hull, assistant professor of graphic design in GD 207: Graphic Design Studio.

Prasath’s project is a hypothetical compilation album by Halsey that draws from the artist’s “Nightmare” music video, as well as from feminist history, art and literature.

“The songs and visuals capture the silent, yet intense anger women face on a daily basis through analog typography,” she said. “Every design decision for this album was made with the intention to honor feminist movements and reclaim the anger women are often forced to hide.”

Burns called Prasath’s submission “a show stopping project.”

“Shalini was fearless and put so much hard work and dedication into the concept development and design process,” she said. “She was totally committed to reworking every aspect until all the elements meshed seamlessly as a system.”

Jon Petersen, who graduated in 2025, was also recognized in the Packaging category for his “Palo Fierro” tequila branding. He developed the concept in GD 402: Senior Problems with Burns.

“This project is a testament to the power of not giving up and putting in the effort,” said Burns. “Jon was extremely driven to make this project great, and it shows. He put a ton of hours into designing and reworking, seeking feedback and reworking again until everything was super solid. I am extremely proud of Jon, and his exponential growth as a designer.”

This year more than 630 entries were submitted for the competition, making it one of the largest and most competitive yet.