By Danielle Hamann. Article reproduced. Originally published at franklin.uga.edu

Ally Smith, 2025 Dodd commencement speaker and recipient of Art Director’s Award for Outstanding undergraduate student, is a fourth-year graphic design student with a minor in studio art, design and media at UGA’s Lamar Dodd School of Art. Smith has worked closely with alumna Kelly Layton (BFA graphic design, '90) and credits her own interests in participating in the newly introduced Layton Design Studio to Layton herself. Layton Design Studio is a new student-led graphic design agency within the School of Art that provides real-world experiences for students to work on projects for clients in the community. 

“I was initially introduced to the Layton Design Studio during the summer of last year,” said Smith. “Following a maymester trip to New York, I worked with Layton Design Studio Director Lindsey Camelio to design the 2024 MFA Catalogue for Lamar Dodd. This exciting and unique opportunity provided me with valuable hands-on knowledge in book production from start to finish, including a visit to Athens Printing Company to review proofs on press.”

Not only has Smith gained practical experience, she has also learned how to collaborate with other designers and adapt to a fast-paced environment.

“Being a part of the Layton Design Studio has shaped how I approach group work,” said Smith. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside people who share the same passion for design.”

She notes that the Studio has provided a supportive environment for her to expand her portfolio, practice and refine her skills, lead peer workshops, present to clients and collaborate with peers in an agency-like setting.  Students in the Layton Design Studio are continuously working on new, innovative projects.  Smith reflects that her favorite project so far was branding a new art supplies retail space in the Lamar Dodd School of Art called the Dodd Creative Supply. 

“The project consisted of naming and branding, allowing us full creative control while also challenging us to come up with three design directions to present to the client,” said Smith. “Creating something that will exist within our own school is pretty cool, giving us something that we can come back to and be proud of.”

Faculty member Lindsey Camelio encourages students to explore the industry of graphic design without strict boundaries, opening the doors for important learning, team collaboration, interaction with clients and more.

“Lindsey puts us in full control of our daily schedules, while keeping us on track and supporting us at every step of the way,” said Smith. “I appreciate how this structure empowers us to advocate for ourselves and our learning goals, allowing us to engage in opportunities that help develop us as designers.” 

Smith is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural student team running the Layton Design Studio as she has gained practical experience while working with professional designers and participating in agency site visits to learn about the inner workings of her future career. 

“Ever since my Maymester trip to New York, a career goal for me has been to join an agency and eventually become an art director,” said Smith. “Being part of a design team through the Layton Design Studio has brought me closer to making this a reality. Not only did it let me experience what it would be like to work in a studio, but it set me up for success before I even entered the workforce.” 

As Smith approaches graduation Spring 2025, she is grateful that the Layton Design Studio capped her UGA experience. As the recipient of the 2025 Lamar Dodd School of Art Director’s Award, Smith will address her fellow graduates during the school’s spring convocation, embodying a strong example of the opportunities in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.

Image: Ally Smith speaking at the Atlanta pop-up exhibition 'Exit Ahead' at Whitespace gallery last week. Photo by Sidney Chansamone.