Aaron is a graduate of the University of Missouri St. Louis with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a minor in Advertising. He enjoys designing, storytelling and taking on opportunities that allow me to be creative.
Mann’s senior thesis project “Equal By Design” won the 2017 AAF Mosaic Award for the Student Multicultural Advertising Campaign. His goal for the project was to show that African Americans are in the graphic design field and have made significant contributions to the industry. It hopes to spark curiosity among black youth, inform readers on the history of African American designers, and give future graphic designers some reassurance. Equal By Design Creative
I was born and grew up in St. Louis, MO. As an only child, I had to have an excellent imagination to occupy myself. I believe that’s where my creativity came from. My grandma gave me a box of LEGOs for Christmas when I was 7 and sparked my desire to build and create things in the years to come. In high school, I took as many art classes as I could and turned my basement into my personal studio.
In high school, got involved with St. Louis ArtWorks, an organization that allows high school students a chance to work as an art apprentice. It was there that I knew that a career in creating was for me and decided to pursue a career in graphic design.
Working with an agency, I’ve worked on print material, website designs, and packaging for some St. Louis companies and nonprofits. I got to work closely with clients, developers, and printers, seeing a project through till the end. I’ve been able to wear a variety of hats that make the career more exciting for me.
Being able to say “I worked on that” is an accomplishment for me.
My proudest accomplishment was winning the AAF’s Mosaic Award. The AAF’s Mosaic Awards recognize companies, agencies, and individuals whose commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident through their creative work and organization-wide initiatives. I accepted the award in New Orleans during the ADMERICA National Conference.
Once in college, I started to hear that finding work in graphic design can be tricky. When I asked for advice, people suggested I have a backup plan. I didn’t want to be a “starving artist” and with no one telling me graphic design is a valid career, I changed my major to art education. After transferring schools, I realized that wasn’t what I wanted and got back on track with graphic design.
I view graphic design as storytelling. I’m constantly seeking and learning new ways to tell a story.
Early on through internships, I noticed there was a diversity shortage. I found out later that this is an issue prevalent in agencies and design firms. It left me with questions and eventually helped fuel my thesis project.
Being able to use my talent as a designer for a good cause. I love design that supports the environment, sustainability, learning, and building stronger communities. Knowing that we as designers have that type of power feels good.
They are impressed. My family loves seeing the work I’ve done over the years and are truly my personal cheerleaders. I can get an honest opinion from both groups coming from a design and known design background.
Seeing ideas grow through design and communication. Being able to hold the book in your hand, watching the video, or seeing the website go live, and knowing you had something to do with that feels good.
The design and advertising field should be as diverse as the world it is marketing to. I would like young minorities to see themselves within the field.
By keeping art in schools and creating programs that encourage art and design.
I’m currently reaching the next point in my career and constantly learning and growing as a designer. I plan on expanding the project Equal by Design.
Yes! In 5 or 10 years, I see myself working on design projects that foster growth within individuals, communities, and environments.
Follow your passions so you can enjoy what you do. Every day won’t be hard, but when you fall on turbulent times, you’ll be able to make it through more comfortable knowing it’s where you want to be.