News and Media

Published: Aug 22, 2011

HONK KONG - Graphic designer Rachel Hennon always knew her Savannah College of Art and Design degree would get her work seen far and wide, and now through mid-November, it's exactly 8,557 miles and half-way across the globe.

Hennon, who earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts degree from SCAD, created the new SCAD-branded design that is appearing until Nov. 15 on one of Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferries. Named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the top 50 travel experiences of a lifetime, the Star Ferries cross Victoria Harbor daily between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. More than 70,000 people per day ride the ferries to take in the spectacular views of this major cosmopolitan city nestled between mountains and coastlines.

SCAD, a private, nonprofit, accredited degree-granting university, opened its fourth physical location in Hong Kong in September 2010 and commissioned the Star Ferry design to commemorate the university's first anniversary there. SCAD regularly champions the work of its students and alumni through high-profile design projects like the Star Ferry, giving these talented artists and designers a unique platform to share their creative abilities.

The ferry design covers the entire boat from stem to stern with bright colors and graceful, fluid lines. "I created the design based on SCAD's positive and energetic nature," said Hennon.

Hennon, who worked as a graphic designer at SCAD while she studied for her master's degree, now works as a freelance graphic designer and organic farmer outside of Savannah, Ga., not far from the university's Savannah location where she first learned the tools of her trade.

"No matter the scale of my projects and no matter how many people experience my work, it always brings me great joy to see my work materialize," she said. "The process always starts with a notion, then evolves into color and shape on a computer screen. At times it's hard to imagine exactly how the creation will take shape. It's always fulfilling when the final design is produced, though. And knowing that millions of people will be taking ferry rides on a boat with my design is a pretty sweet cherry on top!"

For more information, including additional images, contact Sunny Nelson at 912.525.5225.