Student Board officers, members, and mentors at the 10th Annual Student Pin-Up Show.
Want to join smart design students who are enhancing their design education with leadership skills and networking?
AIGA Atlanta has an active Student Board with members who share their passion for design and learning with the community. The student board and members from Atlanta-area design schools work together under the guidance and direction of the Education Chair.
The Student Board President also works alongside the AIGA ATL Professional Board. Together, we strive to create events around the city that inspire learning, help springboard design careers, and cultivate relationships in the design community.
Some past events organized by the Student Board include: the Annual Pin-Up Show, Portfolio Review, and Type Fight, as well as opportunities to hear from brilliant designers. More informal community mixers have included bocce ball and kickball, pairing students with professionals or students challenging professionals.
The AIGA ATL Student Board is a great way to make connections and, more importantly, relationships with your Atlanta design community. Monthly meetings are open to anyone interested in attending and typically held on the first Saturday of each month. Register for our next one on the Upcoming Events page! Interested in learning more? Email us at AIGA ATL.
Mikhail is a senior at Kennesaw State University studying digital animation. His expertise lies in motion design, graphic design, and cel animation with the aim of going into the advertising industry. As President, he aims to connect design students, professionals, and educators to foster future leaders in Atlanta’s design community. He believes the potential of design is limitless and can only be realized through human connection. His curiosity about people is what fuels his passion for community building. In his free time, he plays video games, sketches, reads books about creativity, or networks with Atlanta creatives.
Nathaniel Plimpton, Vice President
Nathaniel Plimpton is a graphic design student at Georgia State University who creates bold, intentional visual work that communicates clearly and leaves a lasting impression. His design practice is rooted in thoughtful problem-solving and strategic thinking, fueled by his interest in advertising and marketing. Nathaniel plans to begin graduate school in the fall to pursue a M.S. in Marketing and further bridge the gap between creative design and strategic brand communication. Outside of the design world, he enjoys watching movies, going to indie concerts, and exploring Atlanta through photography.
Jakes Hernandez Diaz, Treasurer
Jakes is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator originally from Mexico and raised in Atlanta. He loves watching horror movies, going to concerts, and finding inspiration in whatever’s happening around him. When he’s not designing, he’s probably drawing or gaming. He loves anything that blends storytelling, strategy, and fun. He is excited to connect with other creatives in Atlanta’s design community and make more inspiring artwork and designs.
Varuna Sridhar, Secretary
Varuna is a Graphic Designer based in Atlanta with a love for visual storytelling and thoughtful design. She’s interested in work that blends clarity, strategy, and creativity across print, digital, and illustration. When she’s not designing, you’ll probably find her shooting film photos, crocheting, or building tiny miniature worlds. She’s excited to connect with Atlanta’s design community and help students transition from school to the industry with confidence and support.
Jovanny Cruz-Velez, Communications
Jovanny Cruz-Velez is a graphic designer with a passion for motion and bringing ideas to life through dynamic visuals. As a recent design grad from Georgia State, his motivation comes from a desire to create work that resonates with all kinds of creative-curious people, from seasoned designers to first-timers. His approach combines storytelling, warm tones, and bold type, all with a playful edge. Each project is a chance to push creative boundaries while solving real problems in innovative ways. When he’s not designing, he’s looking at Pinterest furniture boards, studying video games, and getting deeper into the Game of Thrones universe.
Jillian Snapp, Historian
Jillian Snapp is a graphic design student attending the Savannah College of Art and Design with a minor in Printmaking. Her work centers on brand identity and logo systems built through strong conceptual thinking and refined typography. She approaches design as both a strategic and material practice, often integrating hands-on printmaking processes to bring craftsmanship and material awareness into contemporary visual communication. Jillian is especially drawn to building cohesive identity systems that are imaginative, intentional, and thoughtfully executed across mediums. Outside of design, she enjoys horseback riding, watching movies, baking, and exploring antique stores in search of vintage graphic design inspiration.
Zalika Yavlinskiy, President Emeritus
Zalika Yavlinskiy is a design student at Miami Ad School in Atlanta. She is an artist at heart and wanted to pursue a career using her non-mathematical skills to visually communicate ideas. She is currently serving as President where she loves working with other students and professionals, and is curious in learning how to create avenues for students to connect and find creative inspiration. In her free time, she plays balalaika in a local Slavic orchestra, loves to jam on other instruments with friends, and enjoys doing puzzles. She is dedicated to supporting the arts and establishing a career that encourages good people to make cool art.
