Ringling College President Larry Thompson and Sarasota Bradenton Modern Pentathlon Organizing Committee (SBMPOC) Chair Katherine Harris joined selected Ringling student artists at the school’s MadeBy Gallery to reveal the winning graphic design submissions for the 2015 Modern Pentathlon World Cup #1, which will adorn event posters, programs, T-shirts and other Pentathlon-related gear in the build-up to and throughout the event. Of the thirty-three Ringling students participating, the work of five young artists was ultimately chosen.

Illustration Senior Cameron Kramer’s submission - a blue-hued, neatly detailed portrait of the Pentathlon’s five competitions - was selected as the main design for the Modern Pentathlon’s event posters, while Illustration Junior Kade O’Casey’s sleek and action-packed portrayal will be featured on the event’s program covers and tote bags. Designs from Hailey Patalano, Kyle Beckett and Katherine Granger will all appear on T-shirts supporting the Pentathlon, with Granger’s design also being used for custom mugs.

“The Olympics used to have a major art piece to go along with it, that’s fallen to the wayside,” said Harris, who worked with Thompson last year to collaborate with the college on the event’s very well-received logo, and has continued to push for a stronger artistic aspect in upcoming Olympic events. As a result, she returned to Ringling this year for further collaboration. “We couldn’t be working with a better art and design college than Ringling College. I am so proud of these students. You can see the vast array of interpretations and it’s just remarkable.”

For the students participating, this meant an opportunity to work with a client and gain real-world experience prior to graduating, and for the winners it means a display of their work before an international audience. Assembled before their work, the students expressed gratitude but weathered the pressure like seasoned professionals.

“I treated it like an assignment,” said one, when asked whether working with a client affected his approach. “It’s about finding a balance between what you like and what the client likes,” elaborated O’Casey.

“All you need is line-work, a darker color and a lighter color,” said Kramer, reflecting on her mindset while designing for the competition. “I wanted to keep it simple.”

“We are real believers that students ought to get real-world experience before they graduate – that they’re prepared professionally,” said Thompson, who this year made a promise to such an effect to the college’s incoming students, that each would receive the opportunity. “We are a big believer in shattering the myth of the starving artist.”

The top submissions will be on display at the Pentathlon Village at Nathan Benderson Park from Feb. 20-22 and will be on sale at the madeby Gallery until Feb. 28.