The 2025 Senior Showcase, held on May 6, in the McKernan Center offered a personal look into the work of SMCC’s communications and new media graduating class. Among the talented students presenting their portfolios, Ezra Williams,  with a focus in Graphic Design, stood out with his  powerful and authentic collection

Williams’s display featured a bold series of poster designs, each one capturing his interest in graphic arts and analog media. There was no centerpiece, but rather a timeline of work from this year, representing growth, and experimentation. “My senior showcase is just the posters I’ve made,” he explained. “I’m really into poster design and graphic arts, it kind of represents the art I like.”

Williams was more than happy to talk about his process. “I could have put more time in for sure. A lot of my stuff is old work because that’s just how it is. But I’m pretty proud of it.” Procrastination was his biggest challenge. Still, the final result of blending hand-drawn illustrations and digital design was something he was proud to share. “I always have ideas going on in my head, and when I need to make something, I just sit down and do the first thing that comes to mind.” While he had some help with the technical elements, the creative inspirations were entirely his own. Williams prefers drawing by hand first, and then transitions his work into digital form. “I try to use analog media as much as possible, things in my hands, because I enjoy that side of art more.”

When asked about his future, Williams’s goals are as direct as his designs, “To make art, make money.” His dream job? “Anything creative, helping people solve problems, and having fun.” The showcase, he says, was a small but important step toward that future. “It’s all just practice for what I want to do.” Through this process Williams says it has solidified what he had already known. “That I love art.” His work has progressed in the past year, not just in technique, but in confidence as well. “I’m more happy with it now. I can make what I want to make.”

Williams left the showcase with no regrets. “I think it’s great, it’s perfect. It’s exactly how I want it to be.” And for next year’s seniors, his advice is simple: “Have fun! Hang out with people you like.” In the end, Williams’ contribution to the 2025 Senior Showcase reminds us all that it isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence and dedication.