Alumni Stories

Courtney DeYoung, a CCAD Fine Arts grad, creates hypoallergenic, hand-painted porcelain jewelry with whimsical and natural elements. Her pieces, priced $24-$140, feature florals, animals, and patterns. DeYoung, inspired by Scandinavian designs and cute animals, is a frequent vendor at CCAD's Art Fairs and will join the first CCAD Alumni Art & Design Market.

PJ Sedgwick, a CCAD alum, blends her design expertise with a passion for equestrianism, launching BOTORI, offering functional yet stylish apparel.

CCAD alum Derick Whitson (Photography, 2014) features in "Por Los Ojos De Mi Gente" at Baxter St, NYC, showcasing works by POC and Queer artists until July 24, 2020.

Callan Prakel (Master of Fine Arts, 2021) earned their bachelor’s degree from Capital University in art therapy, psychology, and studio art, but at heart, they always knew they were a maker. So, heading to Columbus College of Art & Design for a Master of Fine Art in Visual Arts seemed like the next logical step.

Sarah Schmidt, CCAD alum, founded Malt Adult to promote indie animation. Celebrating 3rd anniversary with featured artist Victoria Douglas. Event transformed into a community hub. Schmidt evolved personally, embracing freelance work. Memorable moments include hosting artists like Jeron Braxton and Jonni Phillips at CCAD.

You dedicated years to your CCAD education, and we consider you a CCAD family member for life. (Congratulations⁠—you’ve earned it!) But being an alum isn’t just something you are, it’s something you do.

Carol Snyder (Fine Arts, 1985) lives and makes art in central Ohio, but her ceramics practice has taken her around the world.

Congratulations to Sugandh Agrawal (Industrial Design, 2005), winner of the Best Retail Handbag Award at the 2018 Independent Handbag Designer Awards. The award, presented by Macy’s, recognized a handbag “designed with the Macy’s customer in mind” and included 1,500 entries from around the world.

Tony West, a Disney animator, influenced CCAD artists. His career spanned Disney's golden age, from "The Rescuers Down Under" to "Lilo and Stitch". He fosters talent, embraces change, and sees animation's limitless future in imagination.

Elijah Funk (Fine Arts, 2012) embraces being "weird." At CCAD, he thrived with faculty support. Now, he co-owns Online Ceramics, designing sought-after T-shirts with Alix Ross.

High Bank Distillery Co. opens soon, offering craft cocktails, organic vodka, and custom whiskey. Co-founder Adam Hines credits CCAD for his entrepreneurial success and passion for creativity.

Eleven years ago, Leslie Harrington (Illustration, 1986) scored one of the most coveted gigs in the world of children’s book and magazine illustration. She was chosen as the new illustrator of Goofus and Gallant, Columbus-based Highlights magazine’s 77-year-old comic strip.