https://www.ucda.com/jamal-collins/
Jamal Collins
2021 UCDA Foundation Krider Prize for Creativity recipient
Photos by Matt Lester and Jamal Collins
The 2021 UCDA Foundation Krider Prize for Creativity was awarded to Jamal Collins—a designer, an educator, a consultant, and a mentor.
As a design and social change design leader Jamal tells designers to ‘specialize in giving back’ because big ideas that make a stand also generate discussion. He teaches at risk youth graphic design throughout the inner city of Cleveland, Ohio. Jamal provides these youth with the beneficial resources to develop the necessary skills that will introduce them into the creative field.
After graduating from Akron University with a bachelor’s in fine arts in 1997, Jamal began his career as a designer in the corporate field, where he remained for 17 years. In 2014, he started working for The Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland as an art instructor, and from 2018 he was an adjunct professor at Cuyahoga Community College, Metro Campus.
Jamal recognized his calling to redirect and focus the energies of ‘at risk’ youth using what he knew—graphic design. He next stepped into the role of an independent consultant, created the After School Graphic Design Program at BGCC, and has since been making a positive difference in the lives of Cleveland’s Creative Kids (jayworking.com/creative-kids).
Left: The award was presented by foundation president David Whaley and foundation board member and Krider Prize Committee chair Jean Bevier.
Right: During the conference, Jamal Collins spent time with conference attendees and fellow designers exploring Denver.
Youth with mentors have higher rates of graduation and are less likely to drop out of school. They have a positive self-image and are able to create big goals for themselves. Mentors help children grow and close the social and/or economic opportunity gap.
Jamal indicates that he purposely reached out to kids living in single-parent homes; in an environment of drug/alcohol abuse, poverty, and education disparity. Echoing the adage, “It takes a village,” Jamal reiterates that children in our society need more than a mother and a father; they need a community. Jamal takes the next logical step and declares himself to be part of that community.
Jamal Collins accepted the award at the UCDA Design Conference in Denver, Colorado, October 3, 2021.