Ringling College Alumni

09/09/2026

Remember that feeling of unpacking your car, tracking down your new studio or lab mates, and immediately heading off campus to celebrate being back?

Whether you graduated 5 years ago or 50 years ago, we want to know: When you first got back after summer break, what were your absolute must-go Sarasota spots?

Did you immediately hit up Lido Beach for a sunset? Grab a bite at your favorite local diner? Or just stock up on sketchbooks?Drop your graduation year and your first-day-back traditions in the comments! 👇🌴

09/04/2026

Ringling College has partnered with St. Petersburg’s Salvador Dalí Museum to launch the Dalí Scholarship, awarding $30,000 to talented Florida high school artists! 🎨✨

Selected from the museum’s annual student surrealist art competitions, these incredible future creatives received a surprise announcement during their award ceremonies.

Join us in celebrating the inaugural Spring 2026 Dalí Scholarship Award Winners:
Finn Reddick (Pinellas County)
Juliana Woolard (Hillsborough County)
Zackary Aanensen (Hillsborough County)
Azzurra Marchese (Seminole County)

A special shoutout to Illustration Department Head Christina Hess and the Illustration faculty who served as judges for this first round. We love seeing our community support the next generation of Ringling artists!

09/03/2026

Ringling Alumni Spotlight: Elayna Sisson (’24, Illustration)

Ringling College alumni designs are everywhere—even in your daily routine! Every time you sanitize, moisturize, or light a favorite candle, you might be looking at the work of a Ringling College creator.

Meet Elayna Sisson! As an Associate Designer at Bath & Body Works, she creates playful, eye-catching package designs for home care products. Inspired by nature and vintage art, Elayna uses everything from Procreate to watercolor to spread joy through her whimsical patterns.

Next time you wash your hands, take a closer look... Were you enjoying Elayna's art today and didn't even know it?

08/31/2026

A childhood dream come true for one of our own! 🦁✨

We are absolutely thrilled to share that Ringling alumnus Aaron Blaise, Illustration '89 has achieved a lifelong milestone. Aaron recently stopped by Barnes & Noble to pick up the latest issue of National Geographic, which features a stunning 6-page spread he was hired to produce on the life cycle of a male lion!

Aaron has dreamed of illustrating for National Geographic since he was a kid, proving that you should never give up on your creative dreams. We couldn't be prouder to see his incredible wildlife art featured on such an iconic global stage.

Please join us in celebrating this monumental achievement, Ringling community! Go grab a copy and check out his breathtaking work.

08/27/2026

🎬 Alum Spotlight! 🎥

Film alum Robert Potter ’16 is heading back to Cuba's Isla de la Juventud for his second film on the island!

His upcoming project, El Pinero, is currently in development. The story follows an American man searching for his grandfather's grave, uncovering a forgotten history of American settlers along the way.

Robert is writing and producing the film alongside co-producer and director Meilín Quilez Durañona, a talented Cuban filmmaker who grew up on the island.

We can't wait to see this story come to life! Follow your fellow alum on this exciting adventure at .

08/25/2026

It is time for an alumni creativity check-in!

From animation and illustration to business of art and design and beyond, our community is constantly shaping the visual world. What projects have you been pouring your heart into lately? Have you started a new freelance gig, opened an exhibition, or mastered a new digital tool? We want to see it all!

Drop a photo of your latest piece, a link to your current portfolio, or a quick update in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on, find new collaborators, and celebrate the incredible work being made by Ringling College grads around the world!

08/22/2026

Calling all Southwest Florida artists!

Design the official 2027 poster for the Reel Equals International Film Festival & Through Women’s Eyes to celebrate diversity in media.

The grand prize winner takes home $500 cash, red carpet tickets, and massive local exposure at the Sarasota Art Museum, while every valid entry receives a 50% film ticket discount.

The contest is open to human creators in the greater Southwest Florida area, and submissions must be formatted vertically at 18x24 inches and 300 dpi by the October 15, 2026 deadline.

Review the full guidelines, then upload your artwork directly through the Reel Equals Submission Form. Questions can be emailed to Jennifer at [email protected].

Reel Equals International Film Festival 2027 Poster Competition Official Rules and Conditions Contest Overview The 2027 Reel Equals International Film Festival Poster Design Contest invites local artists and designers to create the official visual identity for this year’s festival, to be fea...

08/22/2026

We are blown away by the incoming Class of 2030!

Before even stepping foot into their first official college class, these incoming students are already producing incredible, high-level work. Their creativity, talent, and drive are absolutely unmatched.

If this is the standard they are setting before day one, just imagine what they will achieve over the next four years with our faculty and community guiding them!

Alumni, join us in welcoming the Class of 2030 to the family. The legacy of excellence is in very safe hands.

08/20/2026

Huge congratulations to Jael Jackson (Illustration ’17) on the publication of her new book, Decide & Survive: The Oregon Trail!

Jael’s artistic journey started at age four watching Blue’s Clues. She arrived at Ringling College as an animation major, but discovered a deep passion for combining illustration with creative writing. Today, she channels that drive into children’s books, graphic novels, and webcomics defined by bold, whimsical visuals and emotional storytelling. Whether she is teaching, designing, or crafting new tales, Jael is always hunting for her next great story.

We are so proud of your achievement, Jael!