
Antwon Key
Utility Clerk, Cashier, Dairy Clerk

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About me
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design Program Director at University of Maryland
Education

Vermont College of Fine Arts
2015 - 2017Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Graphic DesignI graduated from Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) with an MFA in Graphic Design in 2017. VCFA’s innovative low-residency program allowed me to grow creatively and critically while balancing my career. Structured around 9-day residencies in Montpelier, Vermont, paired with remote semester work, this program fostered deep engagement in design research and collaboration with a community of faculty and peers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of graphic design.My thesis, Red, White, and… Show more I graduated from Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) with an MFA in Graphic Design in 2017. VCFA’s innovative low-residency program allowed me to grow creatively and critically while balancing my career. Structured around 9-day residencies in Montpelier, Vermont, paired with remote semester work, this program fostered deep engagement in design research and collaboration with a community of faculty and peers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of graphic design.My thesis, Red, White, and Black: A Visual Introspective of Alternative American Perspectives, explored black American identity through a critical lens, earning regional recognition in the 2018 Print Magazine Design Awards. The skills, insights, and connections I gained at VCFA continue to inspire my practice, driving me to create impactful, meaningful work. Show less

University of Alabama
2011 - 2014Bachelor of Arts AdvertisingI graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Photography, blending my passion for visual storytelling with a solid foundation in communication. While at UA, I gained experience with the Center for Community-Based Partnerships, part of the Department of Community Affairs, where I was nominated for the 2014 UA Student Employee of the Year. This recognition highlighted my commitment to using communication to connect… Show more I graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Photography, blending my passion for visual storytelling with a solid foundation in communication. While at UA, I gained experience with the Center for Community-Based Partnerships, part of the Department of Community Affairs, where I was nominated for the 2014 UA Student Employee of the Year. This recognition highlighted my commitment to using communication to connect the university with the community. My studies and hands-on projects developed my skills in campaign strategy, media relations, and visual communication, which have since shaped my professional approach. UA has been invaluable in shaping my view on advertising’s role in fostering connections and positive change. Show less

Lawson State Community College
2009 - 2011Certificate Commercial ArtI earned a Certificate in Commercial Art from Lawson State Community College from 2009 to 2011, where I developed a strong understanding of core principles in graphic design, including composition, typography, color theory, and visual storytelling. My classes emphasized design fundamentals and creative problem-solving, which equipped me with the skills and confidence to continue my education at the university level. In 2010, I was honored with the Most Outstanding Student in Commercial… Show more I earned a Certificate in Commercial Art from Lawson State Community College from 2009 to 2011, where I developed a strong understanding of core principles in graphic design, including composition, typography, color theory, and visual storytelling. My classes emphasized design fundamentals and creative problem-solving, which equipped me with the skills and confidence to continue my education at the university level. In 2010, I was honored with the Most Outstanding Student in Commercial Art Award, recognizing my dedication and growth in the program. Lawson State provided a solid foundation in design thinking, preparing me to pursue my Bachelor's degree and further my journey in visual communication. Show less
Experience

Food World Supermarket Inc
Sept 1997 - Mar 1999Utility Clerk, Cashier, Dairy Clerk
Winn-Dixie
Mar 1999 - Jun 1999Seafood Clerk
CVS Pharmacy
Jun 1999 - May 2004Assistant Store Manager
Jun 2002 - May 2004Shift Supervisor
Jun 2000 - Jun 2002Cashier
Jun 1999 - Jun 2000

SouthTrust Bank, N.A.
Jun 2004 - Oct 2004Telephone Financial Services Representative
Walgreens
Oct 2004 - Dec 2005Assistant ManagerDuring my tenure as an Assistant Store Manager at Walgreens from October 2004 to December 2005, I played a pivotal role in store operations and management. My responsibilities stretched across a wide range of areas, from customer service and employee supervision to inventory management and merchandising. Interacting with customers and ensuring their satisfaction was a significant aspect of my role. By proactively resolving issues and providing guidance on product selections, I upheld Walgreens' commitment to superior customer service.Overseeing a diverse team of employees, I honed my leadership skills by delegating tasks, managing work schedules, and providing constructive feedback. I strove to create a positive and productive work environment that promoted both personal and professional growth for the team.Inventory management was also a crucial part of my role. I was responsible for ensuring that stock levels were appropriately maintained to meet customer demand, while also minimizing overstock. This involved regular audits, accurate record-keeping, and coordination with suppliers.In addition to these, I played an active part in store merchandising. I ensured our store's visual appeal was consistently high and in line with corporate guidelines, effectively showcasing our product range to maximize sales and enhance the shopping experience for our customers.My time at Walgreens provided me with a robust foundation in retail management, honing my skills in customer relations, team leadership, inventory control, and visual merchandising. Show less

CVS Pharmacy
Dec 2005 - Jul 2011My career at CVS began in 1999 and extended to 2004, before I rejoined the team in December 2005, this time as an Assistant Store Manager. After demonstrating commitment and leadership skills, I was promoted to the position of Store Manager in July 2006.In these managerial roles, I was responsible for several key operational areas. I managed payroll processes, was accountable for profit and loss (P&L), and took charge of the visual merchandising.In my capacity as Store Manager, I was tasked with ensuring high levels of customer service, executing effective merchandising strategies to drive store sales growth, and managing store inventory and assets to maintain profitability. This role required strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to lead my team effectively.This experience allowed me to develop my leadership skills and solidify my expertise in retail management, making a significant contribution to the operations and success of the CVS store I managed. It was an enriching experience that furthered my understanding of the retail industry and enhanced my ability to lead a team in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Show less
Store Manager
Jul 2006 - Jul 2011Assistant Store Manager
Dec 2005 - Jul 2006

The University of Alabama
Aug 2012 - Nov 2014Graphic Designer / PhotographerDuring my tenure at the University of Alabama Department of Community Affairs, I served as a Graphic Designer and Photographer. In this multifaceted role, I was instrumental in enhancing the department's marketing initiatives through the development of high-quality promotional materials.As a Graphic Designer, I was responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and producing a wide range of visual content. This included brochures, flyers, banners, social media graphics, and other marketing materials that effectively communicated our department's goals and initiatives. I consistently ensured that all designs were aligned with the University's branding guidelines and effectively conveyed the intended messages. Additionally, I collaborated closely with the marketing team and various department heads to ensure the designs met their needs and expectations.In my role as a Photographer, I captured high-quality photos for use in various promotional materials, online platforms, and departmental events. I effectively utilized my creative instincts and technical photography skills to create compelling images that highlighted the department's community affairs activities. My photographs played a crucial role in visually narrating the department's story, aiding in our outreach and engagement efforts.Through these combined roles, I was able to support the department's marketing strategies by delivering visually appealing and compelling content that bolstered the department's presence and influence within the University of Alabama community and beyond. Show less

GateHouse Media
Nov 2014 - Oct 2015Digital Graphic DesignerAs part of a dynamic team of graphic designers at Gatehouse Media, we were tasked with designing both print and interactive web advertisements for the company's array of newspapers. Our work was a balance of creativity and strategy, ensuring our designs not only appealed visually but also effectively conveyed the intended messages to the target audience.In creating print ads, we crafted designs that fit within physical space limitations, while maintaining brand consistency across the different newspapers. For web advertisements, we focused on interactive elements to enhance user engagement, optimizing designs for various screen sizes and adhering to best practices.Our team collaborated with marketing and sales departments to align our designs with campaign objectives. The role honed my design skills and taught me the importance of teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced media environment. Show less

Stillman College
May 2015 - Jun 2016Freelance Graphic Designer / PhotographerI was a freelance graphic designer and photographer for Stillman College. In 2015 I was the official graduation photographer for the college.

The Sabre Solution
Jun 2016 - Dec 2016Web DesignerDuring my tenure as a Web Designer at The Sabre Solution, I was tasked with evaluating and redesigning client websites to enrich user experiences. The process began with a thorough audit of existing websites to understand the user journey and identify areas that required enhancement.Once equipped with these insights, I sketched and wireframed new designs, exploring innovative layouts and functionalities. Each design decision was strategically made to improve usability and aesthetic appeal.I also developed detailed sitemaps, ensuring that the revamped websites would offer intuitive and user-friendly navigation. The goal was to make information easily accessible and enhance overall user engagement.The design concepts were then brought to life through interactive, clickable prototypes. These allowed clients and users to experience and provide feedback on the proposed website design in a realistic, tangible manner. This feedback loop enabled iterative refinement of designs, ensuring the final product aligned perfectly with client objectives and user needs. This role required a balance of creative flair, technical prowess, and user experience understanding. Show less

Atlanta Public Schools
Jan 2017 - Jul 2017Graphic Design InstructorAs a Graphic Design Instructor at Maynard H. Jackson High School for Atlanta Public Schools, my role was to deliver an intensive graphic design curriculum. The curriculum covered both fundamental and advanced graphic design concepts, merging academic knowledge with practical, industry-focused skills. Real-world scenarios and hands-on projects were integrated to provide career-oriented instruction and prepare students for their potential future in graphic design.Assessment of student progress was crucial; I employed a range of evaluation tools and provided regular feedback to help students refine their skills. Understanding the diverse learning styles and paces of my students, I offered differentiated instruction, adapting my teaching strategies and modifying assignments to ensure every student could progress.Additionally, I focused on managing a conducive learning environment, fostering creativity, and encouraging open communication. This balance between academic teaching, nurturing creativity, and preparing students for the graphic design field made my role a truly fulfilling one. Show less

South Central College
Aug 2017 - Jul 2019Graphic Communications FacultyAs a college instructor at South Central College, my focus was on Graphic Design. My ambition was to motivate students towards academic and personal excellence. To achieve this, I leveraged research-driven theories and methods to design and execute well-structured lessons. The subjects I taught ranged from graphic design and typography to commercial art and photography, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Lime Valley Advertising Inc
May 2018 - Jul 2018Graphic DesignerWhile at Lime Valley Advertising, my responsibilities encompassed ideation and development of responsive websites, print and digital ads, visual identity systems, and packaging design. As part of my role, I created designs that seamlessly married functionality and aesthetics. My work extended to various formats, platforms, and mediums, requiring versatility and adaptability.A highlight of my tenure was winning an SIA Award for the OrthoEdge magazine advertisement series created for River's Edge Hospital & Clinics. This recognition underscored my commitment to delivering top-notch design work and served as a testament to the creativity and originality I brought to every project. Show less

Salem State University
Aug 2019 - Jul 2021As an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Salem State University, my role encompassed a broad range of responsibilities. I conducted creative research and spearheaded the dissemination of results, engaged in undergraduate teaching, and participated actively in course and curriculum development. I also coordinated lab activities and student internships, thereby providing practical experience to complement classroom learning. In addition to my academic and administrative duties, I committed myself to serving the department, the university, and the broader discipline, contributing towards their continual growth and improvement. Show less As a Faculty Fellow for the Center for Diversity & Cultural Enrichment at Salem State University, I served as a mentor and advocate, fostering dialogues and creating transformative experiences around diversity and social justice. I collaborated on diverse projects, developed culturally relevant initiatives, and designed learning opportunities that supported inclusion and understanding of multicultural issues. My efforts were concentrated on promoting an inclusive and culturally enriched campus community. Show less
Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
Aug 2019 - Jul 2021Faculty Fellow for the Center for Diversity and Cultural Enrichment
Aug 2020 - Jun 2021Faculty-in-Residence
Aug 2019 - Jun 2021

University of Maryland
Aug 2021 - nowAssistant Professor, Graphic Design Program DirectorIn my role, I provided academic advising and personalized mentorship to undergraduate students in the graphic design concentration, honors program participants, and MFA students from a variety of disciplines. My key responsibilities included overseeing annual activities related to the graphic design concentration, including the portfolio review event and the organization of visiting lectures and exhibitions. Furthermore, I facilitated long-term strategic growth of the graphic design concentration by integrating contemporary social practices and emerging technologies into our academic framework. Show less

Dent Education
Jun 2022 - Aug 2022CoachDent Education, a non-profit based in Baltimore, works with teens and teaches design thinking, making, and entrepreneurship. Dent's Bet on Baltimore program (BoB) is a paid summer internship for innovative youth where Baltimore’s creatives, makers, entrepreneurs, relationship-builders, social innovators, and big thinkers bring their industry experience to re-imagine and build a more vibrant Baltimore alongside our city's youth.This summer, Dent had a little over 100 Baltimore teens across 11 program tracks, from 3d printing and wood-working to music production and app design, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. I had the luxury of working as a co-coach for Dent's App Design Studio track this summer. The teens worked with a client, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and formed two teams to build a human-centered app prototype using Figma for the students attending Cristo Rey.Below is a link to both teams' work over the five-week program.https://www.figma.com/proto/19DWCZGdN0gY8z01zs1Zdf/CR-media-group?node-id=3%3A2&starting-point-node-id=3%3A2https://www.figma.com/proto/MBoFthqDVjgbaEBda8mHI0/all-together-now?node-id=2%3A2073&starting-point-node-id=2%3A2073 Show less

Dent Education
Jun 2023 - Aug 2023Site SupporterDent Education, a Baltimore-based non-profit, empowers teens with design thinking, making, and entrepreneurship skills. Their Bet on Baltimore (BoB) initiative is a paid summer internship for innovative youth. The program invites creatives, makers, entrepreneurs, relationship-builders, social innovators, and big thinkers from Baltimore to impart their industry experiences and join our city’s youth in building a more vibrant Baltimore.This summer, Dent welcomed a little over 100 Baltimore teens across 11 program tracks, spanning various fields like 3D printing, woodworking, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. My role in this enriching environment was as a Site Supporter for the Made@Dent and Custom Product Design tracks.As a Site Supporter, I guided our coaches, assisting them in aligning with Dent’s vision and maintaining our high standard of excellence. I managed and supported coaches in implementing our project-based curriculum, took ownership of specific BoB-wide projects based on my expertise, and helped with onboarding, recruitment, & logistics pre-BoB.Here is more about the tracks:Made@Dent aims to shape students into adept makers and entrepreneurs, priming them for the future workforce. Made@Dent is co-owned and co-run as a social enterprise by Baltimore youth and Dent Education with a mission to build better lives.Participants inclined to design can launch their product line featuring their original designs.In the Custom Product Design track, participants learn graphic design to create original graphics. These are then printed on various items like t-shirts, bags, and mugs using Cricuts & Heat Presses, resulting in high-quality products that resonate with their customers. The summer program also allows them to sell their creations at a local pop-up shop and pitch business ideas to potential investors. Show less
Licenses & Certifications
- View certificate

JavaScript Road Trip Part 1
Code School - View certificate

Front-End Formations
Code SchoolJul 2015 - View certificate

Front-End-Foundations
Code SchoolJun 2015
Honors & Awards
- Awarded to Antwon Key2025 PRINT Awards | Third Place – Professional Website & App Design Print Magazine Jul 2025 Antwon Key received Third Place – Professional Website & App Design in the 2025 PRINT Awards for his work on Ballotics: News & Election Data App. Chosen by an international jury of design leaders, this honor recognizes projects that merge exceptional craft with forward-thinking digital experiences.Established more than four decades ago, the PRINT Awards celebrate design excellence across print, web, motion, and experiential media. The Website & App Design category spotlights interfaces… Show more Antwon Key received Third Place – Professional Website & App Design in the 2025 PRINT Awards for his work on Ballotics: News & Election Data App. Chosen by an international jury of design leaders, this honor recognizes projects that merge exceptional craft with forward-thinking digital experiences.Established more than four decades ago, the PRINT Awards celebrate design excellence across print, web, motion, and experiential media. The Website & App Design category spotlights interfaces that elevate user engagement through visual innovation, usability, and storytelling. Ballotics embodies these values by delivering non-partisan election data through intuitive maps, real-time polling dashboards, and accessible UX patterns—helping voters navigate complex political information with clarity and confidence.Awarded work is featured in PRINT magazine, online at PRINTmag.com, and in the official awards gallery, positioning Ballotics among the year’s most inspiring digital projects. This accolade affirms Key’s commitment to leveraging design, data, and technology to promote informed civic participation and strengthen democratic engagement. Show less
- Awarded to Antwon Key2025 GDUSA’s Digital Design Design Awards Graphic Design USA May 2025 Antwon Key was honored with a 2025 Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Digital Design Award for his work on Ballotics: News & Election Data App, selected among the top 10 percent of over 3,000 submissions. This recognition highlights excellence in UX/UI design and civic data visualization, celebrating digital work that enhances online and interactive experiences through clarity, accessibility, and innovation.Now in its 25th year, the GDUSA Digital Design Awards—formerly known as the Web Design… Show more Antwon Key was honored with a 2025 Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Digital Design Award for his work on Ballotics: News & Election Data App, selected among the top 10 percent of over 3,000 submissions. This recognition highlights excellence in UX/UI design and civic data visualization, celebrating digital work that enhances online and interactive experiences through clarity, accessibility, and innovation.Now in its 25th year, the GDUSA Digital Design Awards—formerly known as the Web Design Awards and sponsored by Robert Half—recognize outstanding creative contributions across a wide range of digital platforms, including websites, apps, social media, email campaigns, e-publications, digital advertising, video, and interactive design. Key’s project, Ballotics, exemplifies the award’s mission by using design to empower voters with nonpartisan, data-rich election insights and foster greater public engagement.The winning work is featured in GDUSA’s print and digital showcase, published in June 2025, and serves as a model for how thoughtful design can meet critical public needs through elegant user experience and impactful interface design. This honor affirms Key’s ongoing commitment to leveraging design as a tool for civic empowerment and meaningful change. Show less
- Awarded to Antwon Key61st GDUSA Design Award Winner – Website & UX/UI Design Graphic Design USA Nov 2024 Antwon Key received national recognition in the 61st GDUSA American Graphic Design Awards™, placing in the top 10 percent of over 8,000 entries for his work on Ballotics: News & Election Data App. The project was honored for excellence in website and UX/UI design, with particular emphasis on its accessible, user-centered interface and its civic mission to empower voters with nonpartisan, intuitive electoral data.The GDUSA Design Awards—originally established as the “Desi” Awards and now… Show more Antwon Key received national recognition in the 61st GDUSA American Graphic Design Awards™, placing in the top 10 percent of over 8,000 entries for his work on Ballotics: News & Election Data App. The project was honored for excellence in website and UX/UI design, with particular emphasis on its accessible, user-centered interface and its civic mission to empower voters with nonpartisan, intuitive electoral data.The GDUSA Design Awards—originally established as the “Desi” Awards and now known as the premier annual recognition of design excellence across print, packaging, motion, and digital media—showcase the best of contemporary visual communication. Sponsored by Billerud and supported by Robert Half’s “Designing for Good” initiative, the competition reflects the design community’s power to serve commerce, culture, and causes.Ballotics was featured in the 2024 GDUSA Design Annual Showcase, highlighting outstanding work that advances public understanding through thoughtful design. The award underscores Key’s ongoing commitment to civic technology and public-interest design, affirming the role of visual communication in shaping informed, equitable societies. Show less
- Awarded to Antwon Key2018 Print Regional Design Awards Print Magazine Aug 2018 REGIONAL WINNER in the 2018 Print Regional Design Awards, for entry titled: Red, White, and Black: A Visual Introspective of Alternative American Perspectives
- Awarded to Antwon KeyService Industry Advertising Merit Award Service Industry Advertising Awards Jul 2018 Awarded for design work on the OrthoEdge magazine advertising series for River's Edge Hospital & Clinics while serving as a designer at Lime Valley Advertising Inc.
- Awarded to Antwon KeyExcellence in Teaching Award National Society of Leadership and Success Apr 2018
- Awarded to Antwon KeyUA Student Employee of the Year Nominee The University of Alabama Apr 2014 In 2014 I was nominated for the UA Student Employee of the Year Award while I was working for the Center for Community Based Partnerships, a division of the University of Alabama Community Affairs.
- Awarded to Antwon KeyMost Outstanding Student in Commercial Art Lawson State Community College Apr 2010 In 2010 I won the Most Outstanding Student in Commercial Art Award while I was a student in the Commercial Art program.
Volunteer Experience
Education Coordinator
Issued by AIGA DC on Jun 2023
Associated with Antwon KeyMentor
Issued by AIGA DC on Feb 2022
Associated with Antwon KeyTeam Lead
Issued by AIGA DC on Apr 2022
Associated with Antwon Key
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