Millikin Students Show Off Projects at 2022 Creative Media EXPO

DECATUR — For the sixth year, Millikin students majoring in arts technology, multimedia communications and more put their work on display at the 2022 Creative Media EXPO at the University Commons on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Students exhibited projects in many fields of study, including interactive media, robotics, multimedia communications, photography, animation design and video as members of the community and fellow students took in their artistic achievements.

“The faculty should be incredibly proud of the creative work showcased at the event,” Director and Associate Professor for the School of Art & Creative Media Jessa Wilcoxen said. “The Creative Media Expo celebrates creativity, storytelling and business savvy through student works in audio, photo, film design, animation, advertising and interactive media.”

In attendance to provide feedback, mentorship and help determine the awards, was Decatur-raised songwriter, actor and educator Taylor Mallory. Mallory has worked extensively in national print, radio and commercial ads and has acted on NBC’s television series “Chicago P.D.”

As the students prepared for the door to be open to the public, their anticipation grew.

“In that hour before the doors open, everything feels like a scramble, with students organizing their work, stepping back from their tables, and then reorganizing like mad before the doors open, all while others are searching for extension cords and outlets,” General Manager of WJMU Sam Meister said. “Then, at 4 p.m., a real sense of ‘this is really happening’ sets in. The sounds of conversations, questions, presentations and critiques fill the room as people filter in.  It’s a little overwhelming, and then it feels like you blink and we’re handing out awards.”

The EXPO showcased several student-run businesses, including 1901 Productions, a film production company that completed a full-length feature film — “Sonder: An Anthology of Loss” — and held a premiere event at Decatur’s Lincoln Theater last June.

Other student-run businesses highlighted included art gallery Blue Connection, record label First Step Records, media firm Millikin Creates, website and software developer MUPC (Millikin University Performance Learning Consulting), poster and greeting card maker Blue Satellite Press and publisher Sting and Honey Press.

“At this event, Millikin student-run businesses were able to meet with potential clients and future staff members, and award-winning student-run publications were for sale,” Wilcoxen said. “The interdisciplinary nature of the event epitomizes characteristics of collaboration, forward thinking and professionalism that is the center of the methodology of the School of Art and Creative Media and Millikin University.”

Award winners included Cristobal Andres Gonzalez-Ortiz, winner of the People's Choice for Character Design. The People's Choice for Best Integrated Marketing Campaign went to Kaylee Bovyn, Florian Schwedler and Julianna Vassallo.

The judges’ choice for Best of Show went to a visual narrative piece by Divine Inshuti, Liam Coulter and Bushra Ibrahim. The Best of Show for most professional integrated marketing campaign and creative media pieces was presented to Tobias Eppler, Dieu Linh Phanova, Jisse Gerres and Mariana Gonzalez.

College of Fine Arts Scholarships

Students who are pursuing majors in the School of Art & Creative Media may qualify for a College of Fine Arts (CFA) Scholarship, totaling up to $5,000 annually. These awards are based on talent and/or academic achievement and are awarded at the time of your interview or portfolio review. Additional information can be found on the College of Fine Arts site.