Lexi Sesock, a Graphic Design major, will graduate this semester with a 4.0 GPA, completing her degree a semester early while balancing a rigorous academic schedule, creative exploration, and professional experiences across the College of Arts & Letters and Michigan State University.
“Choosing to major in Graphic Design and pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Michigan State University shaped my academic experience in a meaningful way by allowing me to both refine my design skills and explore a wide range of artistic disciplines,” Sesock said.
Graduating with a 4.0 was a goal Sesock set for herself when she started at MSU, and one she worked towards with intention. To finish her degree early, she often carried 19 credits a semester, relying on her organizational skills, ability to show up, and time management to stay on track. Sesock also held herself to a high standard, never turning in work she wasn’t absolutely proud of.
“Learning to balance such a demanding academic schedule while still fully enjoying my college experience with friends was a challenge at times, but it became one of my greatest personal growth experiences,” she said. “I’m very grateful that I was able to find that balance and succeed both academically and personally.”
Among the courses that shaped her experience and that stands out is the Typography I class with Françoise Gagnier, Instructor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design. That was Sesock’s first design course, which set the precedent for her perspective on design and creativity.
“When people hear that I have a 4.0 GPA and that my degree is in the arts, there is often an assumption that the work is easier or less demanding because it can feel subjective,” Sesock said. “Franny’s class challenged that perception immediately. It was highly technical, detail-driven, and far more rigorous than I had anticipated. It was also the first class that truly made me question whether maintaining a 4.0 was possible, and that challenge gave me a deeper respect for the Graphic Design program and pushed me to grow in ways I had not experienced before.”
In addition to her Graphic Design curriculum, Sesock refined her design skills by exploring different artistic disciplines, including printmaking, ceramics, and other studio practices.
“These experiences not only strengthened my technical foundation but also helped me develop a more well-rounded creative perspective as a designer,” she said.
Sesock’s involvement in the Design Center, guided by Chris Corneal, Associate Professor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design, was equally formative. Working with real clients and presenting design concepts in a professional setting helped her learn to articulate her design decisions and adapt her work to feedback.
“Throughout my time here, I have built strong connections with peers and staff that will continue to be valuable resources after graduation…Having such a supportive, creative community has made coming to class every day genuinely enjoyable and has pushed me to grow both as a designer and as a person.”
“I learned a great deal about myself as a designer and professional insights that I would not have gained from my traditional coursework alone,” Sesock said.
Last spring, Sesock received a Gold American Advertising (ADDY) Award for her Global AI Index Rankings of 2024 poster, which visually communicates AI trends to those interested in how artificial intelligence is shaping the world. The poster was created in her Data Visualization Design (GD491) course taught by Rebecca Tegtmeyer, Associate Professor of Graphic Design. A Gold ADDY is the highest award an entry can receive within a category. Sesock also won a Bronze ADDY for her Philosophy of Aesthetics Book Design entry.
Sesock credits the community within the Department of Art, Art History, and Design for playing a central role in her personal and professional development.
“Throughout my time here, I have built strong connections with peers and staff that will continue to be valuable resources after graduation,” she said. “I’ve also formed close friendships with fellow Graphic Design students who have become far more than just classmates. Having such a supportive, creative community has made coming to class every day genuinely enjoyable and has pushed me to grow both as a designer and as a person.”
As an out-of-state student who arrived at MSU from Medina, Ohio, without knowing anyone, Sesock says her greatest growth during her time at MSU has been personal. She arrived at MSU without any existing relationships, which immediately pushed her out of her comfort zone.
“MSU has prepared me by helping me discover the working methods and creative environments where I thrive while also giving me opportunities to develop both my technical and strategic skills.”
“Through that experience, I learned how to be independent and open to new opportunities,” Sesock said. “By putting myself out there, I gained so much in return — lifelong friendships, meaningful connections, and experiences I never would have had if I hadn’t taken that initial leap. This personal growth has shaped not only who I am today, but also the way I approach challenges and opportunities moving forward.”
She is proud to have balanced early graduation with a perfect GPA and substantial creative work through internships, freelance projects, and personal pursuits.
“I’m proud of the skills, relationships, and growth I’ve developed along the way,” she said.
As she looks ahead, Sesock is seeking full-time opportunities where she can continue growing as a designer, with long-term plans to pursue a master’s degree in marketing.
“MSU has prepared me by helping me discover the working methods and creative environments where I thrive,” she said, “while also giving me opportunities to develop both my technical and strategic skills.”
