Meet the DMACC students behind the 2026 International Year swag

DMACC graphic design students are leaving their mark on campus through original artwork created for the College's International Year, which this year highlights the culture, traditions, and people of Vietnam.

Students in the Design, Media, and the Arts Pathway were challenged to create merchandise and promotional designs inspired by the country. The selected designs now appear on T-shirts, posters, and hats around campus, giving students a unique opportunity to see their classroom projects come to life.

For Jozi Klonglan, whose design was selected for both a T-shirt and poster, the inspiration came from Vietnam's vibrant street culture.

"My design celebrates Vietnam by capturing the energy and character of its vibrant street culture," Klonglan said. "Rather than focusing on famous landmarks, I wanted to highlight the experiences and details that make Vietnam's culture unique."

Drawing inspiration from Vietnam's colors, patterns, and everyday life, Klonglan developed an illustration that combines cultural references with a distinctive graphic style. The selected design features a whimsical goose character wearing a traditional Vietnamese conical hat, surrounded by stylized decorative elements and printed on an orange t-shirt and orange and beige trucker hat.

Having her work selected for the International Year merchandise was both exciting and meaningful, Klonglan said.

"It was rewarding to see something I created become part of a larger project and be shared with the DMACC community," she said. "As a graphic design student, it was also a great opportunity to see my work move beyond the classroom and actually be printed and worn by people."

Klonglan said one of her favorite aspects of the project was researching Vietnamese culture and transforming what she learned into a visual design. Seeing the finished product around campus has been especially rewarding.

"It's amazing to see something that started as an idea on my computer become an actual T-shirt that people can wear," she said. "As a graphic design student, it was also a great opportunity to see my work move beyond the classroom and be seen and worn by the DMACC community."

Fellow graphic design student Cecelia Sherman, whose poster design was also selected, found inspiration in Vietnam's bustling markets and everyday interactions.

"I was really inspired by the busy street culture, especially in the markets, with the vibrant colored merchandise, textiles, fruits, and vegetables," Sherman said. "I found aerial photography of the river markets and thought it was a really unique perspective that gave a much bigger-picture view of local interactions."

Through her research, Sherman sought to capture a genuine glimpse of Vietnamese culture and daily life. She said the project offered a valuable opportunity to learn about a culture she may not otherwise have explored.

"I really enjoyed learning about a new culture and having a subject for my art that I might not have otherwise been exposed to," Sherman said.

DMACC highlights a specific nation each academic cycle through its International Year Seminar program to explore global cultures, history, and cuisine. The goal of the district-wide celebration is to promote global thinking and cross-cultural awareness among students. Activities include cultural events, guest speaker panels, food experiences, and student-designed logo contests.

To learn more about DMACC International Year, email Laurie Linhart at [email protected].