Nicholls State University

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DEPARTMENT MENU

ALUMNI SUCCESS

Graduates...where are they now?

Derrick Lirette, In House Graphic Designer, Disney Design Group

With five years of professional experience as a Graphic Designer developing unique illustrations, patterns & sometimes the random antenna topper for Disney Theme Parks Merchandise, Derrick Lirette has spent a considerable amount of time working with other designers, character artists, modelers and even merchandisers. Derrick helps bring Disney’s concepts to life.

Marjorie McMahon Crane, Owner, Crane Production LLC

Crane Production handles graphic design handles graphic design project management from concept through fruition and has recently worked on visual graphics for the Superbowl. Providing solutions for the impossible project is her specialty. She is a ADDY winner, Type A++ and up for any challenge! Marjorie’s specialties include: Print Production, Project Management, Research Logistics to Make Ideas Reality, Project Fulfillment

Jason Ledet, Freelance Designer

Jason is the perfect designer for today’s climate. He brings his background as a painter and illustrator to his typography, grids and layouts. He possesses an impressive knowledge base of UI design, interactive implementation and today’s marketing tools (social media, interactive and web).

He is refreshingly open with his knowledge and always willing to share what he knows to help colleagues grow or for the betterment of a project. Because of his drive to learn new techniques in this fast changing climate, he is often the go-to person when questions come up about the best way to go about new or unknown procedures.

Caleb Bourgeois & Tiffany Meeks Bourgeois, Co-Owners, Binary Bison

Binary Bison is a husband and wife creative duo who are both graduates of the Nicholls State University Art Department. The duo prides themselves on the ability to clearly observe their clients’ emotions and needs. Caleb and Tiffany are the liaisons between their client and their client’s audience. Their work communicates effectively and quickly. Binary Bison specializes in graphic design, video and photography in Houma, Louisiana.

Linda Lien Ribardi, Marketing Director, Sodexo

Linda Lien-Ribardi is an award-winning business strategist with a record of success in brand building. A graduate of Nicholls State University with a BFA in graphic design and humanities, Linda has gone on to nearly a decade of experience creating campaigns that yield positive results for corporate and independent ventures. Linda has offered branding services and communication tactics to domestic and international advertising agencies, higher education institutions, and restaurant industries. Repeatedly honored for her innovative strategies, Linda was named one of the “People to watch under 30” by Food Service Director Magazine; one of her branding concepts also received the 2015 Best Menu Concept Award from Food Management.

Linda is currently the resident marketing lead for Sodexo and the Creative Director of Freddie’s Finds. She has expertise in integrated marketing communications and her passion for learning the wants and needs of your audience, she’s the magic touch you need for your next branding campaign.

Mark Olivier, Kern Studios

Mark Olivier is the prop shop manager for Kern Studios in New Orleans, handling some of the largest art projects in the world. Kern Studios creates parade floats for Mardi Gras, Nickelodeon and Universal Studios as well as themed entertainment worldwide.

Olivier is also the assistant to the vice president of construction and design, managing 15 painters, sculptors, papier mache artists, fiberglass workers, mold makers, hard coat specialists and project managers. He attributes his success to the education he received in art history, design, drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, teaching and critical thinking at Nicholls.

“The instruction I received from the Nicholls art program has more than prepared me for my career in the art world,” Olivier says.

Mandy Buisson Holloway, Mandy Lens Photography

photo of mandy buisson

Mandy Buisson Holloway is a practicing professional photographer in Thibodaux, La. She founded her studio, Mandy Lens Photography, upon graduation from Nicholls.

“I would like to thank Nicholls State University for giving me a strong foundation in fine arts as well as strengthening my love for photography,” Holloway says. “The art curriculum constantly pushed my creative talents to higher levels. The supporting faculty and staff shaped and molded me as they well equipped me for the outside world. I owe my success as a photographer to God, my family and the Nicholls Art Department.”

Beau Raymond, Studio Manager, John Creek Arts Center, Georgia

“The education I received from Nicholls State University and in the Department of Art not only shaped my career, but it also made me who I am as a person, a teacher and a member of a community who strives for excellence and faces challenges head on.”

During his graduate studies he curated an exhibition for NCECA (The National Council on the Education of Ceramic Arts) Conference in Philadelphia, PA. He earned his Masters of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Florida and was accepted as a Resident Artist in Roswell, GA. Since that time he has taught courses in Ceramics and 3D Design at Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University. He is currently the Clay Studio Manger at Johns Creek Arts Center in Johns Creek, GA, and continues to exhibit his work locally and nationally.

Melissa Maloney Wallace, Graphic Designer/Owner, Let’s pARTy NOLA

Fueled by big dreams, Wallace received a bachelor of art degree from Nicholls State University and used her passion and skills to teach elementary school children. When Hurricane Katrina forced her husband, Grant, to search for another position as a chef, Wallace used her graphic design talents to work with him at a restaurant in Florida. She created all of the menus, ads, and the logo for the restaurant. The couple didn’t stay away for long, making the move back to Louisiana and opening their own restaurant on New Orleans’ Northshore. This working mom’s impressive résumé includes being the party planner for Commander’s Palace and opening her own graphic design business, Let’s pARTy NOLA. Wallace resides in Mandeville, Louisiana, with her husband and their three-year-old son.

Ellen McCord, Professional Artist

“I started out as a Physical Therapy major at Nicholls and enrolled in an art studio as an elective. A year later I was a full blown Art Major. Nicholls Art Department gave me the tools to channel my creative talents into a thriving art career. I have sold and exhibited my Paper Pulp Paintings all over the United States. Today, my art is my full time job.” Ellen McCord has a B.A. in Art from Nicholls State University, served as a Director of the South Louisiana Center for the Arts in Houma, has taught art privately in Lafourche and Terrebonne for more than five years, and has been involved in numerous public art projects and grants. Ellen’s work has been featured in several publications including POV, Arts Council of New Orleans, and Houma Today. Currently, she is a full time artist selling her pulp paintings throughout the United States.

CONTACT INFORAMTION

Department of Art

Office Location:
Art Office in 221 Talbot Hall
Mailing Address:
P.O.Box 2025
Thibodaux, LA 70310
Phone: 985.448.4597
Fax: 985.448.4596

Location

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