Seniors in the art and design department displayed their work at the Senior Portfolio Showcase on April 15 at the West Campus East Theatre.
Source: James Spoto, Staff Writer and Photographer
The event marked a significant departure from previous years. The department transitioned from traditional tabletop displays to dynamic, animated presentations on the theater’s main screen.
“In the past, students followed a traditional format where they prepared hard-copy portfolios and stood with their materials for about four hours,” said Prof. John DeGraffenreid. “This year, we introduced an animated PowerPoint format with recorded voiceovers.”
The event started with students introducing themselves before showcasing their animated portfolio presentations. This led to a live discussion where a panel of professionals asked questions, shared their thoughts and gave constructive feedback.
“The event was totally revamped. The animated portfolio was a feast for the eyes on a monstrous screen,” said Prof. Mary Treschitta. “This became a great prep for our seniors to get out of academics and get a job. We gave them the right tools.”
The portfolios featured a wide range of media including branding, motion graphics, 2D animation and apparel design. The showcase was the culmination of a year-long process that began with students researching and sketching their initial ideas in the fall semester.
Senior Finley Dodd used the showcase to highlight a focus on concept art and cinematic storytelling.
“I really love working in greyscale because my focus isn’t taken away by the color, and I can really narrow in on the composition and structure in my pieces,” said Dodd. “My main goal in this showcase was to give a good representation of the wide range of skills that I have developed.”
The evolution of these portfolios often required students to step outside their comfort zones. Dodd noted that the process involved learning to follow their own instincts, even if it meant reworking projects entirely.
“In my work ‘Into the Forge,’ I had worked on that piece for about a month, then realized I did not like the direction that it had taken,” said Dodd. “I learned a lot about having to think on my feet.”
Senior Ryan Scerbo used the event to bridge the gap between digital design and physical products.
“My main goals were to showcase who I am as a designer in every aspect, from my clothing designs to my motion graphics,” said Scerbo. “I learned that the presentation of your work is a very big thing, no matter how small the project is. The way it’s shown defines how it’s understood.”
As these graduating seniors prepare to enter and navigate a competitive industry, staff believes that this new format of displaying students’ portfolios gives students a distinct advantage.
By moving away from traditional displays, the program aims to match the fast-paced environment these students may encounter after they graduate from Sacred Heart University.
“This event serves as a vital transitional step toward their professional careers,” said DeGraffenreid. “By practicing their delivery in front of active professionals, they reach a level of ‘automatic pilot’ that prepares them for real-world opportunities.”
