Graphic design student Gabrielle Brown chooses an illustrative career

Gabrielle Erin Brown knew she wanted to pursue a career in the arts, but she wasn’t sure which direction she wanted to go. This exploration led her to HFC.

“I decided to take classes here to see if I would figure it out, and luckily, I did!” said Brown. “I started as a studio arts major because it seemed the best way to take a variety of art classes. After I took illustration and graphic design classes, I switched to the graphic design program. Illustration is my passion, so I decided to work toward a graphic design associate degree and then transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree in illustration.”

Brown has made the most of her time at HFC. She is a member of the Henry Ford II Honors Program. She has worked at The Mirror News, HFC’s student-run newspaper, for three semesters. This semester, she is the layout editor.

“It's been incredibly fun and rewarding!” she said.

First place in the LAND contest

This winter, Brown won first place in the LAND Conference Program Cover Contest. Her design was the cover of the program booklet of this year’s LAND Conference, which was held at HFC for the second consecutive year.

“My LAND piece was on the cover of the program and some merchandise,” she recalled. “When I found out I won, I was genuinely shocked, and I had to reread the email a couple times to make sure it was addressed to me and not someone else. I was really happy and honored! I'm excited to see my design be the face of an event. It's kind of crazy to think about.”

The inspiration for her LAND cover was video games and how they can be a source of common ground for people all over the world.

“I originally wanted to depict a concert or a club and how that environment is a common space where you can forget everything and just be in the moment with people who share an interest with you,” explained Brown. “I couldn't find any good pictures for that, but I liked the idea of depicting a common interest and how you can set differences aside, even if it's just for that event. Eventually I landed on video games, as I have made many friends based on our interest in games. Playing video games can also be a good method for escapism if you're going through a lot, so that was an added layer. Whether you're young or old, escaping into a game with a friend or stranger can bring you together and make you forget problems and differences.”

HFC made it possible for her to attend CCS

The youngest of two, Brown was born in Livonia and lives in Dearborn Heights. Her mother, Kristina Brown, took some classes at HFC (then Henry Ford Community College).

Brown is an alumna of Annapolis High School in Dearborn Heights. She will graduate from HFC in May, earning her associate degree in graphic design. This fall, she will transfer to the College for Creative Studies’ illustration program.

“My passion for illustration started very early,” said Brown. “My uncle is a freelance artist. My grandparents are painters, and my dad is very artistic. I’ve always loved drawing, and it's something that everyone around me encouraged from a young age. As I've gotten older, I've become fascinated with all things illustrative, especially posters. I find it so fun and satisfying to create things! I love the process and the feeling of making something. Seeing the end result is an added bonus. I also love learning the technical side of things and practicing different techniques in my work.”

HFC English instructor Dr. John Rietz encouraged Brown to apply for the Honors Program.

“One of the reasons he said I should join the program was that I'd get more scholarships for my transfer school. This made me realize that going to CCS might actually be doable!” recalled Brown. “I've been wanting to go there since I was 11, even taking summer classes there a few times. But when I graduated high school, I ruled it out. The cost just seemed too high, and I didn't want it to be financially strenuous on me or my family. Now, here I am, newly admitted and attending in the fall of 2026!”

Ambition, talent, leadership

Brown counts Rietz, HFC English instructor Dr. Peter Kim, HFC graphic design instructor Vicki Shepherd, and HFC drawing instructor Kevin Ewing as influential teachers during her time at the College.

“Gabby is an ambitious student,” said Shepherd. “Both inquisitive and creative, her work is thoughtfully developed. With plans to continue her studies, I suspect Gabby will find herself successfully ensconced in the creative industry.”

Brown’s career goal is to go into publishing illustration, which includes posters, cover art, and more. She credits HFC for helping her grow as an artist and paving the way for her to attend CCS.

“I think the best part of attending HFC is that I love having the same professors and classmates for multiple classes. It feels much more intimate than a big college. While I'm excited to transfer to CCS, I will miss this campus and its faculty a lot. HFC has prepared me as much as I need to be prepared,” she said.

Kim has great confidence in Brown.

“Gabby is an amazing talent, leader, and wonderful person,” said Kim. “In the spaces I have had the opportunity to engage with Gabby, I have observed a thoughtful, analytical, and creative individual who gives as much as she receives. She has demonstrated growth and leadership as the layout editor for The Mirror News. I have been impressed with how well she facilitates and encourages her fellow graphic artists, and how organized and forward-thinking she is. I know she will do incredible work wherever she goes, because she has already done such great work at HFC."