���˴�Ƭ

Alumni Success Stories

• Devin Carvajal - Graphic Design

  

  Hello! I’m Devin Carvajal, a proud 2020 graduate of ���˴�Ƭwith a Fine Arts degree, specializing in Graphic Design & Digital Media. 

  Currently, I serve as the Creative Content Manager and Lead Graphic Designer for the Jacksonville Jaguars' social media team. My role focuses on driving fan engagement and enhancing the Jaguars' brand across digital platforms. I oversee the creative process for content, graphics, photography, and campaign rollouts, ensuring every deliverable reflects the team’s identity. As the design lead for high-profile NFL events—like the Draft, Combine, Free Agency, and Schedule Release—I strive to deliver impactful and cohesive visuals across all platforms. (And yes, I pretty much get to make memes for a living!) 

  Some of the projects I’m especially proud to have been a part of include our 2024 Throwback Uniform Reveal rollout, the Lafavre x Jaguars collaboration, and illustrating my first children’s book, Jaxson’s Big Jump. 

  Some advice I’d give to any student looking to break out into the sports creative world  would be: 

  1. Get in where you fit in – It might not be your dream role right away, but your first step can be the foundation for building that dream job.
  2. Be yourself & come correct – Creatives are usually pretty chill, but don’t just network for the sake of finding a job. Make genuine connections.
  3. Expand your network – Not everyone in your exact lane will be able to help. Reach out to people in adjacent fields or even in different departments within the same organization—you never know where opportunities might come from.
  4. Always share your work – You never know who’s watching.

  Socials & Links: 

      Personal Instagram -  

      Creative Instagram -   

      X Account -  

     Gondola Account -

     Portfolio Site -

     LinkedIn -  

  Gallery: 

  

• William Mueller - Ceramics

  William Mueller BFA - Ceramics, BA Communications - Advertising 2018 (MFA Ball State University - Ceramics)

  Q: Can you briefly describe your current role and the type of work you're involved in?

  A: I currently own my own cabinet shop. I create custom cabinets, built-ins, closets, pantries, etc. I run everything by myself so I meet with the client to discuss their goals, create CAD files of the proposed project and then use a CNC machine to cut out cabinet parts, mill down rough lumber for doors and face frames and install everything to deliver a turn key package.

   Q: What inspired you to choose the ���˴�ƬArt Department, and how did it shape your career path?

  A: I knew I wanted to be creative and decided on the role in advertising but after my experience with my internship, I knew the office life was not for me. At the time I was taking a ceramics class with Stephen Heywood and fell in love with the hands on aspect. I had never really taken any art classes in my life so everything was new to me. With a huge learning curve, I realized I enjoyed the troubleshooting aspect of working in three dimensions. There was a problem solving that I had never come across before that drove a curiosity and enjoyment of the process. If I had not made the jump to add a second major I surely would not be where I am today.

  Q: How did your experience at ���˴�Ƭhelp prepare you for your professional life? Feel free to mention any specific courses, projects, or faculty that were particularly impactful.

  A: That is a tough question to put into words. There are so many amazing mentors at ���˴�Ƭthat really helped foster my education. Stephen Heywood, Trevor Dunn, Jenny Hager, Lance Vickery, Julie Chabrian, Sheila Goloborotko, everyone was in it with me. It really felt like we were on a team to help accomplish each other's goals. The art department was unlike any classroom I had been apart of, it did not feel like a normal student teacher scenario. We all seemed to work together to create and solve problems to advance each others work.

  Q: What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did your ���˴�Ƭeducation help you overcome them?

  A: The discerning eye that Trevor taught me with his age old saying "perfect is good enough" has stuck with me. When people hire me to work on a dream project for their house it is tough to fully deliver something that people work hard for and have dreamed about for years. I feel grateful to help accomplish their goals with them and need to deliver a very professional, and in their eyes a "perfect" product. The criticism and critiques at ���˴�Ƭwere sometimes even more difficult than grad school and I am grateful for the standards set at UNF.

  Q: Are there any skills or insights from your time at ���˴�Ƭthat you continue to rely on in your current work?

  A: I would work foolishly to create by hand, mold parts that were intended to have machined level precision. Ray Gonzalez had a studio visit with me and laughed wondering why I would putting myself through the trouble of doing this by hand and it was really the only way I knew how. He introduced me to 3D printing which at the time was a pretty new concept. It seemed so far out of reach but he brought it into a language I could understand. That then led to understanding CAD and other types of manufacturing processes that are a cornerstone of how I made a living today.  

  Q: What advice would you give to current ���˴�Ƭart students aspiring to succeed in the arts?

  A: Your degree is worth what you make of it. Take advantage of every single resource available. Annoy your teachers with questions, make much more than your assigned work. Talk to faculty in other departments. Take a serious look at the resources, faculty, and facilities around you. There is a good chance you will never have access to something so amazing again so genuinely take advantage of everything in front of you. Besides, you are paying for all of it whether you use it or not!

  Q: How has your network from ���˴�Ƭ(professors, classmates, alumni) influenced your career and opportunities?

  A: I reach out to my colleagues very often. Trevor and I still keep in contact to ask odd questions about something we are working on. Another colleague, Josh Scott, is a ceramicist and an painter by trade who I constantly ask questions about finishing out my builds. The education I received from ���˴�Ƭhas not stopped the moment I walked across the stage, I still continue to foster relationships and work to continue learning from the people I met there. 

  Q: What are your goals for the future, and how do you see your career evolving?

  A: I have been running my cabinet shop for two years so it is tough to see a trajectory as I am trying to be fluid in what this business becomes. The next few years I intend to let the business grow organically and not push anything too much because everything is working now. I do look to David Main as an inspiration. He is on a similar path but many years ahead of me and has grown his business into an extremely successful enterprise and is doing great things to help give back to the community and UNF.  

  Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your ���˴�Ƭexperience or a message for future students?

  A: I always push students to seriously look around them at the facilities and faculty, it truly is amazing what is around them. To have a state of the art program is not something to take lightly. The amount of knowledge and resources available is something you may never get again so please take advantage of it. It is very easy to take it for granted but know your time there is limited so make the most of it. Push yourselves, learn something new, even if it seems inconsequential, you never know what, or who will seriously help you in the long run. And most of all, have fun, make weird stuff, fail, learn!

  Gallery:

  

• Kodie Mahone - Art History

  My name is Kodie Mahone, and I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2022 with a degree in Art History. I was also the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Award. I knew early on that I wanted to share my love of art history with others, so I decided to pursue a career in the museum field. Upon graduation, I accepted a full-time position at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida. There, I served as a lead gallery host for their gallery host program in the Visitor Experience Department. While overseeing the team, I also made efforts to connect with visitors and educate them about art and artists. I gave tours on topics that were important to me, including those focused on marginalized groups such as women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ artists.

  I recently moved to Gainesville, Florida, and was accepted into the University of Florida’s Art History Master’s Program. There, I hope to continue researching marginalized and overlooked artists and expand the canon of art history. I’ve included a photo of myself next to a painting by Hilma af Klint, a female artist who was arguably the first Western painter to work in abstraction but was only recognized as the pioneer she was in recent history. I aspire to shed light on artists like her.

  
  The support I received from UNF’s incredible art history faculty was instrumental in motivating me to further my education. Dr. Brown, Dr. Heuer, Dr. Murphy, and Professor West were all essential figures in my educational journey. In particular, Professor West and Dr. Murphy were profoundly influential and gave me the confidence I needed to push myself further in my academic career and apply to graduate programs. To incoming students: I highly recommend getting to know your professors and never being afraid to ask for help! The faculty at ���˴�Ƭwant to see you succeed and will do everything in their power to help you achieve your goals.

  Socials & Links:

  Linkedin:

• Ashley Maxwell - Ceramics

  Hi, my name is Ashley Maxwell and I graduated in 2010 from ���˴�Ƭwith my BFA with a concentration in ceramics. 

  Currently, I own and operate my personal studio, Nyx and Lore Ceramics, which primarily focuses on social media-driven sales.

  My experience at ���˴�Ƭprovided me with a well-rounded understanding of various media and how they can intersect to help define one's unique artistic voice. The ceramic program, in particular, gave me a strong foundation in ceramic practices while exposing me to a wide range of techniques and creative possibilities. Professor Heywood played a pivotal role in helping me navigate the options available for building a professional career after graduation. This journey began with continuing my education as a postbac at UNF, where I focused on strengthening my portfolio for graduate school. After earning my MFA, the structure of the ceramic classes at ���˴�Ƭhad a lasting impact on my approach to teaching at various universities. I adopted similar methods to encourage creativity and technical growth in my students before transitioning to full-time studio practice. 

  My advice to current ���˴�Ƭart students aspiring to succeed in the arts is this: don’t be afraid to step away from what you think you should be creating and focus on what you want to create. Trust your instincts and passions. Don’t let deadlines or pressure stop you from experimenting-creativity thrives when you allow yourself to explore new ideas, and it can stagnate if you box yourself in. In today’s world, with social media at your fingertips, you have the ability to reach a global audience. Make the work that speaks to you, and your people will find you. This is a powerful tool, so use it to your advantage and embrace the freedom to create what truly resonates with you 

   

  Socials & Links:

  nyxandlore.com 

  Instagram:@nyxloreceramics 

  Tiktok: @nyxloreceramics 

  Linkedin:  

• Ian Skinner - Sculpture

  Ian Skinner, BFA in Studio Art with an emphasis in Sculpture, 2016 

  Q: Can you briefly describe your current role and the type of work you're involved in? 

  A: I am currently the foundry manager for Sloss Metal Arts, a non profit arts institution based out of a national historic landmark in Birmingham AL. I manage a team of resident artists who help me with facilitating the organization's multifaceted daily operations. This includes our public and private commission work, outreach programing, and the upkeep of facilities and upgrades. 

  Q: What inspired you to choose the ���˴�ƬArt Department, and how did it shape your career path?

  A: I initially attended FSCJ and upon earning my associates degree was looking to gain a more terminal degree in Sculpture. ���˴�Ƭwas the logical choice, at the time the sculpture program was small but very active and the lack of a graduate program gave the students a ton of opportunities. 

  Q: Could you share any standout projects or accomplishments since graduating that you're especially proud of?

  A: There are too many to list, but some larger would have to be gaining my Masters Degree from The University of Mississippi, the time and work produced while as the blacksmithing apprentice at The Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis TN., and my ongoing position as foundry manager for Sloss Metal Arts.  

  Q: What advice would you give to current ���˴�Ƭart students aspiring to succeed in the arts?

  A: The hustle is real! Work hard, always keep learning, focus on craftspersonship, and stay humble. There is a lot more to a career as an artist then just producing work for a gallery so don't get hung up on it. Have fun, work harder, and make beautiful objects. 

  Q: How has your network from ���˴�Ƭ(professors, classmates, alumni) influenced your career and opportunities?

  A: Through artistic collaborations, helping facilitate the production of art for them, or even sending work their way. The network connections built upon while at ���˴�Ƭcontinue to be a vital part of my career. I continue to work with professors, classmates, and alumni on an almost daily basis. 

  Q: What are your goals for the future, and how do you see your career evolving?

  A: I eventually would like to have more time to produce my own work and own my own business. Currently though I am extremely happy to be building upon the legacy of individuals who have put so much into the Sloss Metal Arts Program for future artists. 

  Socials & Links:

  Ianskinnerart.com 

  @ianskinneart 

• Mary Ratcliff - Sculpture

  Mary Ratcliff, Sculpture, 2017

  Q: Can you briefly describe your current role and the type of work you're involved in?  

  A: I serve as the Program Coordinator for Northern Virginia Community College's Fab Lab, a digital makerspace that includes a full woodshop and classroom. My team supports students, faculty, and staff by facilitating access to equipment and software through hands-on training, workshops, and collaborative courses. We also engage in K-12 outreach and offer professional development opportunities for regional educators. Additionally, I am an adjunct instructor, teaching 3D Design and Sculpture I courses.  

  Q: How did your experience at ���˴�Ƭhelp prepare you for your professional life? Feel free to mention any specific courses, projects, or faculty that were particularly impactful.  

  A: My professional journey began at UNF, where I was fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors, Jenny Hager and Lance Vickery. They are deeply committed to providing students with transformative educational experiences that extend beyond technical skills to include entrepreneurship, leadership, and community engagement. The Sculptures on Campus program allowed me to build a robust portfolio, including five large-scale sculptures, which played a key role in securing a graduate assistantship at Louisiana State University. Additionally, the strong metal casting program at ���˴�Ƭlaid the foundation for me to revitalize LSU’s casting program. While there, I co-founded the Society of Sculptors student club, and together with a small group of MFA students, we organized two intercollegiate iron pours, exposing dozens of students to the art of iron casting.   

  Q: Could you share any standout projects or accomplishments since graduating that you're especially proud of? 

  A: Since graduating, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in some exciting and impactful projects. Currently, I am co-leading a National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education grant that was awarded last Fall. The project, BUILD: Futures in Welding and Fabrication, focuses on modernizing the college’s welding curriculum. It includes the introduction of a fabrication capstone course, where students will learn aspects of CAD and fabrication through use of a CNC plasma cutter and take on large-scale welded projects, similar to the experiences I had at UNF. Additionally, the grant supports co-curricular initiatives such as welding competitions, internships, and job site visits. 

  Another memorable project was working on the NFL Super Bowl commercial, Bring Down The House. I was brought on as a mold maker for the fabrication team, and my primary responsibility was creating molds for miniature 3D-printed heads of NFL players. These molds were used to create the silicone heads for the puppets used in the commercial. It was an incredibly fun and unique experience.  

  Q: What advice would you give to current ���˴�Ƭart students aspiring to succeed in the arts?  

  A: Be ambitious and work hard.

   

  Socials & Links:

   

  ig-novafablab (work) 

  ig-mary.ratcliff.art

  website:
• Julie Chabrian - Sculpture

  My name is Julie Chabrian and I earned a BFA in Sculpture from ���˴�Ƭin 2009, and went on to earn a MFA in Sculpture from SIUC in 2012. In addition to being a professional sculptor, I also own a business providing services for repairs on large public sculptures for museums, universities and private collections. Since I’ve started, my success runs on the power of a strong work ethic and creative problem solving. Putting hard work into school allowed my ambitions to bloom during the early years of my education at UNF. The remarkable enthusiasm and dedication of the faculty to their subjects, skills, and the their students inspired me to commit to my passion and skills, allowing me to make a career out of my degree. 

  While I attribute the strong work ethic to my father, after being involved with a ���˴�Ƭiron pour for the first time I realized that having the integrity to put in the time and effort to accomplish a project made all the difference in the outcome, directly and indirectly. Your work ethic and integrity – good or bad – will follow you along your career. Teaching with events like iron pours, where you had to hand mix 150 pounds of sand in a wheelbarrow, break cast-iron bath tubs into Dorito sized pieces, and then pour a ladle carrying 125 pounds of molten iron; instilled a sense of responsibility with consequences, not only for yourself as your classmates rely on you for their safety and the outcome of their projects as well. 

  It was also at ���˴�Ƭwhere I began to learned the notion of “asymmetrical tactics”, aka creative problem solving, and it has become a staple in the way I work. It’s not about what you need to accomplish something – it’s about how to get it done with what you have. Simply getting it done. The idea of how to do something is much more important than having the “thing” you claim is holding you back. Art pushes boundaries and experimentation of ideas, processes that always inspire pushing the boundaries of what you have and figuring out how to do it with what you have is the magic of asymmetrical tactics. You certainly come away with more knowledge and many times the project turns out better. 

  In my time at ���˴�ƬI was fortunate to have a faculty committed to seeking out opportunities on my behalf, and I’ve since learned this is uncommon. The interactions and relationships to the people on all levels at ���˴�Ƭcultivated a strong foundation of mentors and colleagues whose knowledge and ventures I still engage with today. I am extremely proud and thankful for the network of dedicated professionals that I’ve cultivated over my career and that started with UNF.  

  No matter where my career takes me I know I am standing on a strong foundation that started with my family, strengthened with learned skills and relationships established at UNF, and which continues to solidify over the trials of my career.   

• Hillary Jones McCullough - Photography
  Hillary Jones McCullough, Class of 2013, BFA in Photography

   

  A: I am currently the Instructor of Photography at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL

  A: I chose the ���˴�Ƭart program specifically for the photography program. It was important to me to choose a program that valued teaching analog photo processes, and the Photo program at ���˴�Ƭoffered that opportunity. 

  A: Absolutely; I learned how to work with Alternative/Historical Photo processes, which I specialize in to this day. One of my professors and mentors at ���˴�Ƭgave me the opportunity to unofficially "TA" in his alternative process class, which kickstarted my passion for photographic education, and played a key role in my wanting to pursue graduate school. 

  A: TAKE ALL THE CLASSES! Don't be scared of "failure"- we all make "bad" art - it's necessary for your growth and advancement as an artist. You can't make good art without making "bad" art. 

  A: I am very fortunate to have so many professors and classmates from my time at ���˴�Ƭhelp write reference letters, inform of job opportunities, and some of them I still consider mentors to this day. 

   

  Socials & Links:

   @hillarymccullough (insta)
• Stella Filipov - Graphic Design
  Coming soon.
• Nikki Dewberry - Art History
  Coming soon.
• Danielle Klebes - Painting & Drawing
  Coming Soon.
• Phillip Finder - Ceramics
  Coming Soon.