2025 Human Makes + AIGA St. Louis Diverse Voices in Design Scholarship

Award Amount: $500

Deadline: 2/10/2025

Human Makes & Co., and AIGA, the professional association for design, are committed to advancing design as a professional craft, strategic tool, and vital cultural force. It is essential that every voice is included, and provided support in pursuing a journey and career in design. 

Become one of this year’s AIGA St. Louis Design Scholars!

About the Judges

  • Amy Hood is a designer and co-founder of Hoodzpah, Inc, a brand identity studio in Southern California that has worked with companies like Disney, 20th Century, Nike, The Lakers, Target, and Red Bull. Amy's logo and identity work centers around custom lettering solutions. She is the font designer behind Palm Canyon Drive, Beale, and Beverly Drive. When she's not stress-watching Laker games, Amy can be found at the beach plein-air doodling and practicing her Smashball back hand. She co-authored the book “Freelance, and Business, and Stuff: A Guide for Creatives” (and its related online course) with her sister Jennifer based on the Professional Practices class they taught at Laguna College of Art & Design.


  • Jerrald Spencer Jr has worked as a multidisciplinary designer for over a decade, adding value to clients and businesses. While his primary strengths lie in illustration and visual identity/branding, he offers a deep toolbox featuring photography, videography, typography, conceptual design, product design, writing, and social media strategy. 

    As a child, Jerrald drew inspiration from mediums like pro wrestling, comic books, and cartoons. As he grew older, he got into film, photography and integrating more storytelling into his work; emulating influences like Ruth E. Carter and Spike Lee. 

    Jerrald’s father, Jerrald Sr, was a significant source of inspiration. He was once featured in a book of young inventors, including Thomas Edison, and he aspires to create a similarly powerful and meaningful legacy.

    Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, he now lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with his wife and two daughters. When he’s not working, Jerrald enjoys taking his camera out, sketching, going on trips with his family, and playing Street Fighter 2.


  • Tiana Berry-Jones is the Founder and Head of Creative at Human Makes & Co., where she builds strategic brands and websites that resonate and connect with real live humans. 

    In addition to 20+ years of professional design experience, Tiana has also served as a board member and advisor to a variety of nonprofits and programs working in social justice, human services, and mental health. She is currently the Vice President of the St. Louis Chapter of AIGA, the nonprofit professional association for designers, working on bringing together the vibrant local creative community to create and nerd out with each other.

    Beyond business, Tiana is perpetually enrolled in courses studying new tools and skills and can often be found with her nose in a book, watching scary movies, drawing and painting, or making more things with her hands.

  • The scholarship is intended for students currently enrolled in a part-time or full-time post-secondary program at an accredited community college or four-year college or university in the St. Louis AIGA region. This scholarship is awarded one time.

    Eligibility Requirements:
    Students must meet the following criteria:

    • Be in their final year at a community college, preparing to transfer and/or graduate, while pursuing an undergraduate degree in design, illustration, or digital media disciplines.
      OR

    • Be a junior or senior at a four-year college/university, currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in design, illustration, or digital media disciplines.
      AND

    • Belonging to a group traditionally underrepresented in the design industry. (Such as, but not limited to, individuals of marginalized gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or who is neurodivergent or differently-abled. 

  • Please note: The Human Makes + AIGA STL Diverse Voices in Design Scholarship will be awarded to the selected applicant during the AIGA Student Conference, held February 21-22, 2025. The winner will be invited to attend the conference at no cost. Attendance at the Saturday morning session at Atomic in the Grove is requested to receive the award. 

    For questions, contact AIGA St. Louis Student Conference Chair

  • Upload Resume
    Submit a resume highlighting any leadership positions, extracurricular involvement, awards and honors, community service, volunteer work, and professional experience.

    Education Information
    At what school and program are you currently enrolled? What is your expected graduation date?

    Identity
    Please share which marginalized group(s) you are a member of. Please note, this information will be kept confidential unless you permit us to share it.

      ___ Marginalized gender, gender identity, or expression, such as female, intersex, transgender, non-binary or others
      ___ Marginalized sexual orientation
      ___ Minority race or ethnicity (those considered minorities in the United States)
      ___ Neurodivergent, such as with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition, ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia, or other neurological difference
      ___ Differently-abled, or with a physical or psychological disability

    ___Other (please specify)

    Essay
    In 500 words or less, tell us about a project in your portfolio that reflects what you aim to contribute as a designer or illustrator, and if applicable, how your marginalized identity is related.

    Portfolio
    Submit 3 of your best design works with descriptions of the work, objective, and your role. These can include print, interactive, motion graphics, or 3D works (e.g., brochures, packaging design, etc.). If you are an AIGA member, you may use the AIGA portfolio site, or you may choose any other portfolio hosting platform. Provide a link or a series of links to the website or individual web pages showcasing the three works online.

Your ticket to St. Louis awaits.

Reserve your spot at Linked by Design, AIGA St. Louis's Student Conference today.

Register Now