Growing into a Confident and Talented Graphic Designer: UIW Student Recognized at 2026 National Student Showcase and Conference

Last week, students from the UIW Department of Graphic Design traveled to Dallas, TX to attend the 2026 National Student Showcase and Conference (NSSC), "the largest dedicated student creative conference and competition, recognizing and inspiring college-level design, advertising, illustration, and photography students" (nationalstudentshow.com). Students were able to listen to keynote speakers, gain insightful industry knowledge and participate in breakout sessions and studio tours. Additionally, four UIW students submitted their own work to the NSSC competition.

One of these students is senior Graphic Design major and future UIW '26 graduate, Araceli Sanchez Robles.

Driven by her passion for art, Robles chose to be a graphic designer to nurture her creative talents so she could make impactful art for people, businesses and the world. For Robles, the more unexplored a project is, the more encouraged she feels to bring her own unique vision to life using her skills.

"I want to design projects that will wow the audience, bring smiles and share a different point of view that's never been seen before," expressed Robles. "Being able to design with passion, through my own vision and in different ways, is what I enjoy about graphic design."

This was the first time Robles attended the NSSC and it was also her first time in Dallas. Attending the conference was an experience that broadened her horizons and gave her a greater sense of confidence. As a designer, Robles doesn't fall into one specific style or category, which she previously viewed as a weakness. Now after witnessing all of the avenues designers can take, she knows that her creative ambiguity is actually a strength that allows her to demonstrate her creativity in multiple ways.

Knowing that a graphic designer's portfolio is pivotal to finding job opportunities, the NSSC invites attendees to have their portfolios reviewed by experienced design professionals to receive one-on-one feedback. For Robles, having her work portfolio reviewed by experts in the graphic design industry symbolized her transition from student to developing professional - the start of a new chapter.

After the NSSC judging panel reviewed all submissions, the time finally came to them to reveal this year's winners. Robles was ecstatic to hear that her work titled "Shark Evolution Zine" received the Best in Publication: Zine (Best in Category)" title and won a check for $200. Her fellow students and educators erupted into claps and cheers as she went up to accept her award.

"I didn't expect to win the category for my Shark Evolution Zine, but I felt fresh and reborn," shared Robles. "I was so happy to be beside my classmates as they roared when my name was called. It was hard to get out of my comfort zone, but I'm glad I did because I wouldn't have received this award without my friends, family and my professors."

"The National Student Show & Conference, hosted by the Dallas Society of Visual Communications, is one of the best places in the country for student designers to have their work seen and recognized, so this is a big deal for our program," said Graphic Design department chair and professor, Michael Clayton, MFA. "Araceli is a hardworking, detail-oriented designer with a real sense of craft and precision in everything she does. Her work communicates clearly and directly-she has a way of simplifying ideas to maximize the message-and this award feels like a very natural reflection of that."

Additionally, Robles and a number of her classmates (Astrid Ortega, Mia Martinez and Abel Pedraza) received certificates for their submitted works and were featured in the event's gallery.

"NSSC 2026 taught me how to be me! I am a graphic designer. I am a person who loves many things," said Robles. "The future is unknown, but I know I'll keep creating till I grow tired of it."

Congratulations Robles and participating NSSC designers!