A platform for young artists to showcase their talent and drive action on the world’s most pressing issues.
THE POWER OF VOICE
VOTING IN DEMOCRACY
Voting plays a critical role in shaping democratic societies. Art can be a powerful catalyst for change. What happens when these two processes are combined? The Spring 2024 edition of Global Citizen's Young Artists Collective includes the work of 50+ dedicated graphic design students from public universities across the U.S. Each Young Artist in this cohort was challenged to capture the importance of voting from their own unique perspective, without political bias, in one poster.
Branden Mesia
Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
The concept of my work sees voting as the act of Carrying the Torch. For someone to carry the torch means that they are keeping their belief or movement alive and growing the flame. The Statue of Liberty has been carrying this torch for almost 150 years and our vote ensures that her torch remains glowing.
Sam Scherping
Temple University, Tyler School of Art & Architecture
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
My graphic design project aimed to capture the diverse essence of American women, celebrating their unique identities and voices. Through a combination of vibrant imagery and expressive handwritten type, the design emphasizing the significance of exercising the right to vote, advocating for inclusivity, empowerment, and civic engagement among women of all backgrounds in, shaping the nation's future.
Milla Anum
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
In my illustration, I wanted to emphasize that there is a lot of power in voting and that it's in the viewer's hands. That's why I wanted the main focus to be the ballot in the hands of the viewer. I also wanted to make the person in the poster anonymous, to show that anyone has the power. To emphasize the idea of democracy I use shades of red, white, and blue.
Nicole Ricci
Montclair State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
The bipartisan nature of our country's political system has led to a lot of hostility and division, which has put a lot of pressure on voters. I wanted my poster to communicate the joy and excitement of being able to congregate with others, despite our differences, and exercise our right to vote.
Aubrey Anne Carlos
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
It is said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day-- jumpstarting the mood and tone for the rest of the day. Since the majority of Americans eat cereal as a part of their morning routine, I wanted to encourage the act of voting through something familiar. Because democracy comes from the power of the people, having a fun and nostalgic image will instill feelings of willingness and allow people to use their power for something they believe in.
Adam Pysher
Temple University, Tyler School of Art & Architecture
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
My poster is a call to action that you, as an individual, have the power of choice. Through your right to vote, you have your own unique voice to use to make yourself heard. I want to inspire others to take advantage of their own unique perspective and voice to get involved.
Angel Nguyen
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
My design is unconventional when it comes to a voting poster, drawing the eyes of the younger generation. It communicates that one small step can lead to a vast change in our community. No matter who you are and where you come from, your vote matters.
Julianne Castillo
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
This poster communicates the importance of voting in a democracy through presenting different traits that a democracy has; a voice for the people, trust in the process, and the ability to elect through our power to vote. In addition, this poster has facts about the most recent election which are interesting and important to know.
Lara Abutaha
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
My poster shows lines connecting to different people. This represents people from different communities coming together to bring change to our government.
Dave Saunders
William Paterson University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
"A Tapestry of Voices" celebrates the diverse identities of US voters. Diversity in identities of gender, orientation, ethnicity, culture, body, occupation, and ambition— together, we can make those voices part of the conversation for the future— so, let’s make it count: let’s get out our voice and get out the vote.
Ria Monga
Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
If you don't vote, you are allowing others to speak for you. It is important that your voice is represented in the votes.
Elisa Gislao
Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
I feel that my poster emphasizes the fact that not voting isn't opting out of a choice, but a choice in itself. The phrase "Sometimes elections are dependent on the absentees" captures this perfectly, and my hope is that passerby's will read this and take the words to heart. The hand semi-abstractly represents letting the opportunity to make a difference falling through one's hands. Even if I can convince only one person to vote through my artwork, that is a win in my book.
Danielle Goldman
Temple University, Tyler School of Art & Architecture
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
Amidst pressing issues, our vote has the potential to cause great change. Using the power of typography, color, texture, and scale, I aim to create a sense of urgency in the viewer.
Kitty Sanchez
William Paterson University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
My poster focuses on showcasing diversity and inclusivity, and how voting helps to ensure and maintain this diversity within a democracy.
Nelly Rodicheva
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
This vibrant poster celebrates the essence of America's diverse landscapes and cultures, from the bustling streets of New York City to the serene coasts of California. Through a captivating blend of colors and imagery, this design encapsulates the beauty and unity of America, inspiring citizens across the country to exercise their right to vote. Let your voice be heard as we journey together through the picturesque tapestry of American democracy.
Justyn Morris
Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
My poster gives urgency to voting by using a bold font and the bullhorn image to symbolize the power of the voice. It also communicates it by saying "your voice matters!"
Heli Shah
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
In my poster, the intertwining of strong democratic values with the iconic imagery of the American flag articulates the significance of each vote in steering our nation’s course. By merging these visual elements, I aim to inspire a deep-seated recognition of the power that lies within every ballot, urging a collective movement towards active participation in our democracy.
Nicholas Le
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
The importance of voting in a democracy is that you get to use your voice to make change. No matter who you are and what you believe in, your voice makes a difference!
Cinti Linyi Wu Cen
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
My poster asks you to think of an election as a choice-making activity. Think of ice cream flavors as a choice in an election. Choose your favorite flavor, cast your ballot.
Michael Bautista
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
This typographic poster employs bold, powerful lettering to convey the message "VOTE" in large, attention-grabbing font. Through the strategic use of color contrast and layout, the poster emphasizes the urgency and importance of civic engagement in a democracy. The prominent display of the word "Vote" serves as a focal point, urging viewers to recognize their individual agency and contribute to the democratic process.
Allen Duong
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
Competition between parties or candidates creates division between voters and often pushes potential voters away. My poster depicts voting with a vibrant and colorful composition to emphasize the importance of democracy. As a result, it reveals it as an event that brings people of different backgrounds together with the shared goal of a better future.
Nicole Sanchez
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
My poster communicates the importance of voting in a democracy by an illustration of a hungry ballot box. The illustration itself doesn’t talk about the political effects of voting but simply encourages people to participate. There are new voters every year, however not all of them feel motivated enough to vote. Their views get twisted and distorted by everyone around them, which is why the cartoonish ballot box on my poster aims to make it feel a bit less intimidating and more engaging to a younger audience.
Nick Cardona
San José State University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
I aimed to create a design that encapsulated the essence of voting and why people should vote. The core message is clear: voting is a universal right and accessible to all, regardless of race, gender, or political standing—every individual’s vote matters. Through vibrant and welcoming colors, the design embodies the inclusive nature of the voting process, challenging common misconceptions by portraying it as an enjoyable and empowering experience.
Meyaz Hasan
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
The poster communicates the importance of voting in a democracy by featuring bold text that states, "Go Vote Now." This emphasizes the idea that every individual has the power to make a difference and shape the future of their country through casting their vote. Additionally, the imagery on the poster may show groups of people coming together to vote, symbolizing unity and collective action in a democratic society.
Jayden Rivera
William Paterson University
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTIST
This poster is meant to show that you should vote to let your voice be heard. When you vote, you make a impact of what you want your world to be like.
PREVIOUS COLLECTIVES
Equity & Its Effects on Today’s World
In September 2023, Global Citizen teamed up with student artists to create original photographs that highlight the correlation between equity change and extreme poverty. Click through to see the gallery of what the artists created.
Climate Change
In May 2023, Global Citizen teamed up with student artists to create original pieces of art that highlight the correlation between climate change and extreme poverty. Click through to see the gallery of what the artists created.
Anjali Menon
Evan Fujino-Lafleur
Haolin Luo
Jean Oyoue
Jessica Rios
Joshita Konakanchi
Joshua Martija
Kara Gonzales
Kaytlen Tanaka
Krysten San Diego
Kyle Mortlock
Leona Vang
Marco Wong
Naomi Haile
Nathan Viceral
Pooja Gandhi
Shamy Etheart
Shirley Bassarath
Sierra Weitz
Sofia Robledo
Shrushti Basapuri
Trieu Huynh
Veronica Kyi
MENTORS
Judy Su
Creative Director at Blue State
Judy is a Creative Director at Blue State with a decade of experience using strategic insights, a deep understanding of effective visual communication, and a keen eye for detail to drive action for her clients. She provides creative leadership for clients like UNICEF USA, design, UX, and content strategy for clients like Climate Power and Vote Save America, and oversees design production and delivery for Blue State's political portfolio. Prior to Blue State, Judy worked on Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign, playing a large role in developing brand identity and creative strategy, helping to shape the way people understood policy and engaged with political content through design. Judy's prior experience spans nonprofit fundraising, advocacy and mobilization, market research, and business development across a number of agencies in New York City.
Matt Ipcar
Executive Creative Director at Blue State
With a focus on design and user experience, Matt helps organizations find creative ways to connect with and inspire their constituencies, translate and evolve brands for the digital landscape, and bring consistency and simplicity to user interactions. Matt has led creative on projects for general election campaigns worldwide, advocacy organizations, institutions, and brands.
Ipcar was instrumental in establishing the look and feel for the Elizabeth Warren presidential primary campaign in 2019 and 2020, designing the logo and visual identity for that campaign. Matt also led the evolution of the brand for Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, helped recruit design talent, and provided creative counsel to campaign leadership throughout.
Prior to joining Blue State, Matt served as Design Director for the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team, where he designed the Obama White House website and Change.gov. Matt also worked full time on the ‘08 Obama campaign as the Rapid Response Design Director.
From 2004-2007, Matt was principal designer at frog design, leading interactive projects for a range of Fortune 50 clients. Matt holds a B.A. from the School of Architecture & Planning, SUNY at Buffalo, and is a born-and-bred New Yorker. In his spare time, Matt can usually be found playing lego or sketching pirates and unicorns with his kids.
Jean-Benoit Levy
Professor at San José State University
Jean-Benoit Levy is a graduate of the Basel School of Design, member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale AGI, and American Institute of Graphic Arts AIGA. Visual designer, JBL is the principal of the graphic ""Studio A N D” that he founded in Basel. Published internationally in design books and periodicals, included in public and private collections around the globe, his work has explored the expressive power of typographic message and pictorial signs. JBL works on projects emphasizing visual design, information design, and visual communication.
Jean-Benoit has also regularly brought his expertise and enthusiasm to the classroom, teaching workshops and classes at educational institutions including the Basel School of Design, the Rhode Island School of Design, and the California College of the Arts. He currently teaches at San Jose State University’s Department of Design.