Design happens here: alumni support powers new design studio in Lamar Dodd School of Art

By: Francis Oliver  

On a large screen, a dozen cursors dance around a mosaic of logos with varying colors and shapes. University of Georgia students are collaborating on a concept for an art supply store; a crafty safety pin threading the letters “D O D D” like beads above the words “Creative Supply.” They are workshopping an identity and brand kit for an in-house client that feels fresh, genuine, and playful.

The 14 graphic design seniors form the Layton Design Studio at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. A whiteboard lists daily tasks, large batches of paper adorn several tables with mock-ups, and the counters along the wall hold printers, books, and sample designs. On a pillar outside the studio entrance, a black vinyl sticker reads “Design Happens Here.”

This new client-focused studio run by faculty member Lindsey Camelio is modeled after a small design firm fully run by creatives. It reflects the University of Georgia’s commitment to experiential learning and career readiness for the next generation of graphic designers.

Launched in spring of 2025, the donor-funded Layton Design Studio bridges academic learning and professional practice. Students work as a team with nonprofit and for-profit clients from concept to execution, cycling through project development, pricing, and deliverables.

An alumna’s vision of the future 

Kelly and Brent’s blood runs red and black, a testament to their loyalty to the University of Georgia and their passion for making it nationally recognized and accessible to all.

Reflecting on her own art education at UGA, Kelly Layton (BFA ’90) wished she had access to on-the-ground studio experience and business prep before graduating.

In 2023, Kelly and husband Brent (AB ’89) donated $500,000 to establish the Layton Graphic Design Endowment. Their commitment to the Lamar Dodd School of Art ushered in a new era for the graphic design program. The endowment supports a suite of strategic priorities in technology, facilities, and study-away opportunities for students, including the annual NYC Maymester in Design and a spring pop-up exhibition at Whitespace Gallery in Atlanta that brings students and their thesis projects face to face with employers.

In 2024, the Laytons pledged an additional $500,000 to the Layton Design Studio and $1 million for a new faculty chair in graphic design.

In addition to their support of the Layton Design Studio, the Laytons have a longstanding tradition of giving back to UGA. Their philanthropic commitments reflect the values closest to their hearts, with contributions spanning athletics, study abroad, Georgia Women Give, the Franklin Excellence Fund, and student scholarships. Kelly and Brent’s generosity continues to leave a lasting impact on the Bulldog nation — opening doors, creating opportunities, and shaping the future for generations of UGA students.

The design student experience

The inaugural Layton Design Studio cohort took on six projects, including book design and publishing for the 2024 Lamar Dodd School of Art MFA catalogue and developing a new visual identity for the State Botanical Garden of Georgia gift shop in partnership with peers in interior design conducting a site redesign.

Fourth-year graphic design student Sarah Tanaka has benefited from the team-oriented model of the studio, “The Layton Design Studio provides a place for us to try out new things without the pressure of the professional world. We get to wear different hats, and trial and error is widely accepted as part of the process,” Tanaka said. Her experience prepared her for a web design and branding apprenticeship at Bright Bright Great in Chicago.

“Beyond technical execution, the studio emphasizes human-centered design, strategy, and ethical considerations,” said Camelio, a designer and educator with experience at agencies, in-house creative teams, and nonprofits. “Students learn to design with purpose, addressing authentic client needs while considering social, cultural, and community perspectives.”

A dream unveiled

At its official ribbon cutting in April, university leaders highlighted the value of the Layton Design Studio.

“The Layton Design Studio will offer graphic design students real-world experience to work with internal and external clients, preparing UGA students to excel after graduation by building strong portfolios and professional confidence,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “We are incredibly grateful for Kelly and Brent Layton’s generous support in strengthening the arts and advancing academic excellence at the University of Georgia.”

Anna Stenport, dean of Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, spoke from first-hand experience as a client of the Layton Design Studio. Franklin College contracted the students for an environmental signage project in the historic Old College building on North Campus.

“The Layton Design Studio represents the latest real breakthrough in career readiness preparation and experiential learning in the Lamar Dodd School of Art, for our college, and for the university. The importance of hands-on experience for our students while they are on campus has truly come into focus in higher education,” said Stenport.

Anna Pham (BFA ’25), who plans to pursue a Master in Emerging Media at UGA, agreed.

“After working in the Layton Design Studio, I have greater confidence and the experience to manage projects in a design agency,” she said. “Whereas before I only wanted to work as a designer, now, I am willing to step out of my comfort zone and lead with project management skills.”

Layton Design Studio students’ work will live on, as well. The new Dodd Creative Supply store will open this coming year. Art Studio Technician Amy Scott hired the Layton Design Studio to develop the identity of the new in-house retail space offering students art supplies at cost.

“I was thrilled to work with the Layton Design Studio on the branding for the upcoming art supply store in the Main Art Building, and my experience exceeded all expectations,” said Scott. “The students’ professionalism and quality of work were exceptional. They communicated clearly throughout the entire ideation process and demonstrated impressive preparedness and dedication to their craft in every meeting. The final product is even better than I imagined, and we can’t wait to launch the store and showcase the Layton Design Studio’s outstanding work.”

Interested in learning more about the Layton Design Studio? Contact Director Lindsey Camelio at Lindsey.Camelio@uga.edu.