AIGA Announces 2022/2023 Winners of AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships

In its 27th year, the program awards $51,000 in scholarships to students across the country

New York, NY—AIGA, the professional association for design, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022/2023 AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships. Awarded annually, the scholarships encourage social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in the next generation of artists and designers. Jurors recommended 19 students to receive awards for the 2022/2023 academic year in three categories, graphic design, illustration, and photography. One award was deferred, and two were declined due to a change in enrollment status.

The AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships program increases diversity in the creative professions by providing an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds with positive social agendas to achieve their educational goals and give back to their communities through their work. Since its inception in 1995, over $1.3 million dollars has been awarded to more than 800 college students of art and design. 

“By working together we can transform and shape the path for future designs who will be leading the next iteration of design and leadership in our community,” said AIGA Executive Director Bennie F. Johnson. “Our mission is about change, about bringing design to the world. Our AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships program allows us to bring our mission to life by supporting new designers at a critical juncture in their design journey.”

This year, 236 applications were received and 17 applications were awarded—11 scholarships at $3,750 each, 5 honorable mentions at $750 each, 1 chapter scholarship at $3,500, 1 chapter scholarship at $2,500—for a grand total of $51,000. Each student also receives a certificate of achievement, and a one-year, complimentary Student-level membership.

“We are the creators of the material world. With that comes responsibility to help to shape it in positive ways. Our skills and creative energy can make the world a better place—and we all should try," said Mark Randall, Associate Dean and Assistant Professor, Parsons School of Design Strategies, Founder and Creative Director, Worldstudio. “Financial support through scholarships, mentorship and internship opportunities, along with entry-level jobs can launch underrepresented designers into amazing careers." 

You can find additional information for this year’s recipients at AIGA.org. The 2022/2023 scholarship recipients are:

Graphic Design, Total Awarded: $20,250

• Simon Charwey, Yale School of Art
• Nicolette Peji, University of Southern California
• Keymoni Sakil-Slack, North Carolina State University
• Elton Tinoco, ArtCenter College of Design
• Dariia Zamrii, California Institute of the Arts
• Honorable Mention: Kristian (KC) Craig, University of Maryland Baltimore County
• Honorable Mention: Jeff Deng, Pratt Institute

Illustration, Total Awarded: $12,000 and $2,500 in chapter awards

• Daniel Montifar, Ringling College of Art and Design
• Belle Motter, University of Colorado Boulder
• Tiffany Tawil, Savannah College of Art and Design (AIGA Charlotte Design Continuum Fund Award)
• Brea' Williams, School Of Visual Arts
• Honorable Mention: Sierra Cole, New York University

Photography, Total Awarded: $12,750 and $3,500 in chapter awards

• Mitra Ghaffari, University of California Santa Cruz
• Alaina Lurry, Maryland Institute College of Art
• Ciarra K. Walters*, Maryland Institute College of Art (AIGA DC Design Continuum Fund Award)
• Honorable Mention: Tshiela Donald, University of California Los Angeles
• Honorable Mention: Esmeralda Ignacio, Montclair State University

*One student was awarded at both the national and chapter level.

Special thank you to the 2022/2023 jurors: 

• Mark Randall, Associate Dean and Assistant Professor, Parsons School of Design Strategies, Founder and Creative Director, Worldstudio
• Victor Davila, Associate Professor, University of Central Florida
• Tom Koken, Designer, Worldstudio / Worldstudio Foundation
• Juana Medina, Author, Illustrator, and Assistant Professor at George Mason University’s School of Art & Design
• Jemma Dilag, Creative Consultant / Co-Founder of Queer the Lens
• Reggie Tidwell, Owner, Curve Theory
• Dian Holton, Senior Deputy Art Director, AARP
• Rose Newton, UX Design Manager, Google
• Tré Seals, Vocal Type
• David Jon Walker, Designer, Rhealistic Design / Associate Professor, Austin Peay State University
• Sadie Red Wing, Assistant Professor, OCAD University

This program would not be possible without the generous support of our donors. Special thanks to participating chapters and supporters of the AIGA Charlotte Design Continuum Fund and the AIGA DC Design Continuum Fund, as well as the supporters of the #AIGATogether campaign, including the Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation and CASE Agency.