Rywake Design

USF Youth Experiences Logo Designs

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:34:05 GMT

The Assistant Director of USF’s Youth Experiences (YXP) program reached out to me to develop new logo designs for three of their high school summer programs. These camps give students in Grades 9–12 hands‑on experiences in STEM, entrepreneurship, and other career‑focused pathways, helping them explore future professions, build leadership skills, and prepare for college across USF’s campuses.

The three programs titled Anatomy of a Roller Coaster , USF Aerospace Engineering , and Aqua Bulls Ocean Exploration, each have distinct themes and learning outcomes. As shown in the examples below, my design process begins with researching the subject matter of each program. Once I understand what students will be studying, I move into concept sketching. This stage helps me visualize potential directions and identify the strongest symbolic elements for each logo.

Because pictorial marks resonate especially well with youth audiences, each design incorporates imagery tied directly to the program’s focus, creating logos that are both engaging and immediately recognizable. You'll also notice changes from the initial sketch to the refined vector look created with Adobe Illustrator. Everything you design, including logos, will evolve into something both you and the client will like.

USF College of Engineering Mascot

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:07:10 GMT

I recently had the opportunity to design a mascot for the USF College of Engineering. The goal was to create a friendly, approachable robot that could be featured in social media posts and other outreach materials. I developed three illustrations showing the mascot in action such as running, flashing the Go‑Gulls sign, and carving a turkey dinner.

I later transformed the design into a 3D‑printed model, which now makes occasional appearances in the college’s social media content.

3D-Printed Halloween Pumpkin

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:53:40 GMT

My department was discussing ideas for a social media Halloween post, and I proposed 3D-printing a pumpkin with the USF logo cut out in place of a typical scary face. I got to work building the pumpkin with a program called Adobe Substance and proceeded to cut out the USF logo. Once printing was completed, I attached two battery-powered LED lights that glowed green, creating an eerie and creative look.

Journey to Jumbalot Book Reel

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:44:39 GMT

My book, Journey to Jumbalot, was long overdue for an updated trailer - especially for social media. I had already created more than a dozen character illustrations for ads and promotional posts, but none of them were animated. Using AI tools, I uploaded my illustrations to use as a reference to generate new character animations that could bring the world of Jumbalot to life across social platforms and beyond.

Below is the latest reel showcasing some of those new animations.

Holiday Animated Message

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:34:10 GMT

I was recently tasked with designing an animated holiday greeting for the dean of the USF College of Engineering. Like many of my projects, the process began with a simple pencil sketch, a step that helps me visualize the idea before refining it digitally on the computer (usually Adobe Illustrator).

The reindeer illustration originated as a vector file for a laser-cut ornament, but I thought it could also be used in an animated format. To adapt it, I enhanced the details of the design and then brought the artwork into Premiere and After Effects, where I built out the animation.

Commencement Video

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:27:52 GMT

Commencement marks a meaningful rite of passage for every college student. To honor that moment, the University of South Florida asked the College of Engineering to record raw footage of the dean delivering an inspiring message to its students. I captured the video inside one of the college’s labs, where various pieces of mechanical equipment were running in the background.

After submitting the footage to the university, I realized the message could have an even greater impact if enhanced with animation and music, making it ideal for sharing through email and social media.

Medical Engineering Capstone Video

Fri, 16 May 2025 13:45:37 GMT

This is my latest video project for the University of South Florida's Department of Medical Engineering. In this video, we explore the significance of the Medical Capstone program, showcasing how it equips aspiring medical engineers with the essential skills and knowledge needed for their future careers. The program emphasizes the development and execution of research projects, which are crucial for addressing real-world medical challenges. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, students learn to navigate the complexities of medical engineering, preparing them to innovate and excel in a field that is constantly changing.

Electrical Engineering T-Shirt Design

Sun, 04 May 2025 23:07:47 GMT

The USF Department of Electrical Engineering asked for a sleek and contemporary t-shirt design for their graduating class of 2025 seniors. This eye-catching shirt prominently features a large, dynamic bolt of electricity on the front, symbolizing the power and innovation inherent in the field of electrical engineering. Surrounding the bolt are intricate technical circuits, representing the complexity and precision of the work these students have mastered.

On the back of the shirt, you'll find a detailed list of various research areas that highlight the diverse applications of electrical engineering. These areas include renewable energy systems, robotics, telecommunications, and microelectronics, among others. Each research area underscores the critical knowledge and expertise that electrical engineers bring to advancing technology and solving real-world problems.

This t-shirt not only celebrates the achievements of the class of 2025 but also serves as a proud emblem of their journey and the impactful contributions they are poised to make in the field of electrical engineering.

USF Mascot AR Poster

Sat, 03 May 2025 22:18:34 GMT

Augmented reality (AR) has proven to be incredibly entertaining. I envisioned transforming a new poster design that showcases the University of South Florida's mascot, Rocky the Bull, into a superhero akin to Iron Man. Having recently started learning an AR-related program, I decided to make the poster interactive. Now, by scanning the QR code with a smartphone, one can activate a 3D animated version of the poster complete with music and a video backdrop.

USF Aerospace Program Information Video

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 17:17:14 GMT

The USF Department of Mechanical Engineering approached me with an exciting project: transforming a PowerPoint presentation into a dynamic and engaging animated information video. This video is designed to showcase crucial details about the new Aerospace Engineering program, which is set to launch in Fall 2025.

To bring this vision to life, I utilized a variety of motion graphics that are closely related to the aerospace industry. The video features sleek animations of jets soaring through the skies, drones maneuvering with precision, and satellites orbiting the Earth. These elements not only add visual appeal but also effectively illustrate the advanced technologies and concepts that students will explore in the Aerospace Engineering program.

Throughout the video, viewers are presented with comprehensive information about the program's curriculum, research opportunities, and the cutting-edge facilities available to students. The animations help to highlight the innovative nature of the program and the exciting career prospects in the aerospace field.

Book Presentation at Belmont Elementary

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 20:32:20 GMT

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Belmont Elementary for inviting me to speak about my preteen fantasy novel, Journey to Jumbalot, on January 30! It was a joy to meet so many enthusiastic elementary students who were eager to learn about my book and my writing process. We had a great time discussing how I used to draw animal hybrids with crayons and markers when I was their age, and how some of those early creations inspired characters in my novel.

Additionally, I shared insights about my role as a multimedia designer at the USF College of Engineering. The students were particularly excited about two projects I showcased: the COE Sizzle Reel video and the Rocky mascot augmented reality Poster!

COE Sizzle Reel: https://youtu.be/SLgICHgGa3I

Rocky AR Poster: https://youtube.com/shorts/KMProROL7hQ?si=QwEkPs7rS2yoVvTE

Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Video

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 23:16:49 GMT

Dr. Daniel Yeh, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida, was in need of a videographer to record and edit a video to be played at the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Ceremony . Dr. Yeh was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his creation of the NEWgenerator water filtration device. The NEWgenerator works by using a novel bioreactor to break down waste organic matter using microorganisms, followed by a fine-pore microscopic membrane filter that traps bacteria and viruses. Clean water that passes through is then disinfected with chlorine, similar to municipal drinking water. The recycled water can also be used for toilet flushing in the sanitation facilities and for irrigation, allowing plants to grow, even in a drought.

Congratulations to Dr. Yeh for winning this prestigious award!

Sizzle Reel

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 15:21:11 GMT

I was recently tasked with creating a sizzle reel for the USF College of Engineering. The video featured action shots of faculty and students working in various labs. I shot most of the footage and synchronized each scene to the beat of an uplifting music track. It's incredible to see engineering students building and improving robots, drones, automated vehicles, and even a small satellite that was launched by NASA.

Face-in-Hole Board

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 14:28:14 GMT

I had the opportunity to generate new ideas for social media graphics and I envisioned a USF engineering student flying in a futuristic mechanical-drone suit. My supervisor liked the graphic and recommended converting it into a face-in-hole board. This new board will be used for photo opportunities at upcoming USF College of Engineering events. My niece was recently in town and posed for a quick photo.

Social Media Reels

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 22:59:12 GMT

Each year, I’ve had the pleasure of crafting social media graphics to promote events, holidays, and various updates for the USF College of Engineering. Here are three examples of reels I’ve created using Photoshop AI, enhanced with a touch of animation via video software. AI + animation + music = creative magic!

TECO CERC Website Design

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:11:35 GMT

It's been a while since I dived into the world of web design, and I recently had the pleasure of creating a new digital home for the TECO Clean Energy Research Center (CERC). Specializing in solar and hydrothermal energy research, CERC wanted to update their outdated site with a modern, clean look using USF’s preferred CMS, Omni Update. They also requested new photos of faculty and students working within their lab, so I organized a photoshoot and captured those images myself. The CERC team was thrilled with the new look, and it was wonderful to return to web design, a field I used to work in regularly.

View site: TECO Clean Energy Research Center | University of South Florida (usf.edu)

Fulfilling a Dream Illustration

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:14:10 GMT

When I was a boy, my mom told me that my grandfather was a great baseball player (pitcher). Scouts from the majors wanted him to play, but WW2 forever changed those plans. He lived in Chicago most of his life and he was a devoted Cubs fan. I'm sure that he imagined himself standing on that pitcher's mound whenever he watched his beloved team play.

I created the illustration below in Adobe Photoshop as a gift to my mom for her birthday.

Social Media Animation

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 13:36:16 GMT

This is a New Year's social media animation created for the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR). Since CUTR's logo is circular in shape, I thought it would be interesting to somehow add it to a moving car. The moving car represents driving into the new year and Adobe After Effects enabled me to track CUTR's logo to a moving wheel in the video background.

Happy Holidays Video Message

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 19:58:42 GMT

During the last few years at the USF College of Engineering, I've been tasked with creating animated holiday video messages for Dean Robert H. Bishop. This year's theme is the combination of an illuminated holiday tree built from computer circuits and a hologram delivering Dean Bishop's message. I filmed the dean in front of a green screen and dropped in amazing special effects with the use of Adobe After Effects. The result is a fun, creative video message that adds a touch of engineering to the holidays.

Readers' Favorite Book Award Ceremony

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:59:29 GMT

It was a wonderful experience accepting my book’s gold medal on stage at the annual Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. Journey to Jumbalot won a gold medal within the preteen fantasy category last year, but I was unable to attend since my wife and I were both sick with pneumonia.

I’d like to thank the event organizers at Readers’ Favorite for allowing me to accept my award this year on stage - it meant a lot to us both! We also attended the massive Miami Book Fair and enjoyed chatting with several fellow authors. Please visit http://www.jumbalot.com to learn more about my first award-winning fantasy novel!

Laser Cut Holiday Ornament

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:55:23 GMT

The Gift that Keeps on Giving!

During the last 4 years, I've been tasked with designing holiday ornaments for the USF College of Engineering. This year, I decided to try a look that better represents engineering with a robotic arm, mechanical gears, and circuitry elements. This vector graphic is created within Adobe Illustrator and the file is sent to one of the college's labs that is home to multiple laser cutters. These ornaments are given to college alumni and guests every December.

Student Success Coaching Video

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 01:01:31 GMT

This is one of my latest video projects I filmed/edited for the USF Department of Computer Science and Engineering. This video features the department's new Student Success Coach Stacey Sepulveda. In the video, she discusses her position and the importance of assisting students in need. I don't have access to the greatest video equipment, but I do my best to give these college information videos a professional look.

3D Design

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:27:30 GMT

I'm currently exploring the world of 3D and this is a preview of a new USF-themed table vase and pencil holder I created for the USF College of Engineering. These promotional items will be 3D printed and displayed on information tables at upcoming conferences.

Visit the links below to view rotatable 3D previews of both models (click and drag to rotate):

USF Twisted Vase

USF Pencil Holder

USF Rockybot Toy

Scientific Discovery Using Immersive Virtual Reality Video

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 14:13:40 GMT

USF professor of medical engineering, George Spirou, was in need of an information video highlighting his amazing research. Dr. Spirou's research utilizes virtual reality to allow viewers to explore a 3D representation of scientific data. It was a great experience filming students as they immersed themselves into VR and explore Dr. Spirou's 3D data.

Jet-Powered Sleigh Illustration

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:28:32 GMT

Quite a few of my illustrations are still created by pencil sketch. Every year, I'm asked to create an animated holiday video message for Dean Robert H. Bishop at the USF College of Engineering.

This year, I had the idea of placing the dean within a mechanical sleigh equipped with a jet engine that drops down. Once the illustration was completed in Adobe Illustrator, different versions of the jet-powered sleigh were imported into Adobe After Effects and animated.

You can view the final video message below.

Event Photography

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 15:47:34 GMT

One of many events I have taken photos of during my tenure at the USF College of Engineering is the Induction into the Profession Ceremony. This ceremony recognizes graduating engineering students and inducts them into the Order of the Engineer or the Pledge of the Computing Professional.

Visit the following link to all of the event photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzNHUu

Rocky the Bull gets a New Suit

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:20:48 GMT

USF's mascot, Rocky the Bull, has joined the Avengers! This is a new illustration I created with Adobe Illustrator. I love superheroes and thought that Rocky was in need of his very own super suit equipped with impenetrable armor and flight capabilities :)

TerriBULL Robotics Logo

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 12:30:00 GMT

I was recently asked to design a new logo for a student group titled TerriBULL Robotics. I love anything related to robots and I knew immediately that this would give me the chance to illustrate a robotic bull. This logo design was well received by members of TerriBull, and it will be used on all of their printed / digital materials.

Engineering Honors Award Videos

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:24:58 GMT

Nine months ago, and I was asked to film and edit award acceptance videos for the USF College of Engineering's annual Engineering Honors event. Engineering Honors is an important event that highlights the remarkable achievements of college alums, friends, and donors. Previously, the college hired outside videography companies to film and edit these videos, but that was a huge expense. This project gave me the opportunity to not only save the college money ($25,000), but I found myself traveling to Washington DC, Raleigh, and Palm Beach for the first time to meet and film honorees. Overall, it was a great experience for me and a project I'm extremely proud of.

USF College of Engineering Hologram

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 16:22:55 GMT

Dr. Robert H. Bishop, dean of the USF College of Engineering, asked me if I knew how to set up a hologram for an upcoming meeting he was unable to attend. This is when I discovered the beauty of holofans and how they create the illustion of a hologram. This was a fun project and very few graphic/multimedia designers can say they have experience setting up a hologram. The USF Communications/Marketing Department wrote an interesting story about this exciting project:

Two places at once? USF leader-turned-hologram proves it’s possible

MPOAC Annual Report

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:06:14 GMT

The Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council (MPOAC) required a new, modernized design for their 2021-2022 annual report. Once I received the required text information and desired photos, I began creating a layout that leads the eye from one page to the other. I use the elements of design such as color, line, shape, type, and texture and combine those elements to create the structure of design: symmetry, asymmetry, balance, and contrast. They were pleased with the result, and I have yet another print/digital project I can add to my portfolio.

Click Here to view the digital version of the annual report.

Wearable Technology Information Video

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 14:40:36 GMT

I was responsible for filming and editing a new video highlighting an important wearable technology research project. USF Professor Arash Takshi and a few of his students all discussed hydrogen evolution assisted electroplating and its potential use in future wearable products.

New Book Trailer

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Tue, 31 May 2022 12:01:56 GMT

I love video editing and I thought it was time my book, Journey to Jumbalot, was in need of a new book trailer. This new version showcases different illustrations, sound effects, and literary award information. Visit http://www.jumbalot.com to learn more about this award-winning book!

Photography Class

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 18:07:45 GMT

I was recently looking through old family pictures when I spotted something I created for a photography class many years ago. During my first year of college, we were asked to shoot a photo that looked as if it was taken during a different decade. My grandfather served in the US Army during WWII and fought in the European campaign. I remembered my mother showing me his photo and thought it would be great to use for this project.

I carefully placed his photo in front of what looked like an antique radio and Coca-Cola can. I also draped my stepfather's dog tags across the photo and added my great grandfather's pocket watch in the bottom right-hand corner for the final touch. All of those elements helped create a photo that looked as if it was taken during the height of WWII.

My mom also enjoys displaying this photo on social media to honor my grandfather's service every Veterans Day.

Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee Video

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 17:50:20 GMT

I filmed and edited an awardee informational video for the annual Florida Inventor’s Hall of Fame event. This video features inductee Dr. Norma Alcantar discussing her water purification with cactus mucilage research. In addition to filming Dr. Alcantar, I had the pleasure of recording the former USF System President, Dr. Judy Genshaft.

Literary Awards

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:38:52 GMT

I'm happy to announce that my first novel, Journey to Jumbalot, is the recipient of multiple literary awards! Below is a complete list of each award:

2021 Royal Palm Literary Award Competition: Gold Award for Published Fantasy
Mom's Choice Awards: Gold Recipient for excellence in family-friendly media, products, and services.
Global Book Awards: Silver Medal for Children's Action and Adventure Category
Purple Dragonfly Book Awards: Honorable Mention for New Author (Fiction Category)

It's a wonderful feeling to receive numerous awards from prestigious organizations. I started writing this book soon after I lost my cat and best friend, Albert, to poor health. He inspired me to follow my dream to write a children's book and I felt compelled to base the main character on his memory. Albert will live on through this book and many others I plan to write in the future.

If you'd like to learn more or purchase a copy of Journey to Jumbalot, please visit the book's promotional site today: http://www.jumbalot.com

Department Flyer Designs

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:32:50 GMT

The USF College of Engineering's Development team requested informational brochures highlighting each department at the college. I chose a clean, modern look that is eye-catching and easily read. All flyers display a common look since consistency is important while showcasing various departments from the same college and university.

College of Engineering Virtual Tour

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 16:24:25 GMT

Last summer, I was given the responsibility of filming and editing a new virtual tour video for the USF College of Engineering. This video features Dean Robert H. Bishop as he introduces viewers to various important locations at the college. These locations include the following: Hall of Flags, Design for X Lab, and several research facilities.

Cybersecurity Billboard

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 15:31:06 GMT

A decade ago, I was tasked with designing large format graphics in the form of bus wraps for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). Since that time, I rarely had the opportunity to design anything with such large dimensions. It was refreshing to be challenged with the design of an attractive billboard for the USF College of Engineering.

I knew it was important to keep the amount of text at a minimum on such a large platform. In addition, an eye-catching design that breaks out of the box was implemented to catch the eye of commuters. This billboard was installed within the downtown Tampa Bay area and could be seen from Interstate 4.

Engineering is Everywhere Video Series

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 19:31:52 GMT

The Engineering is Everywhere video series was a fun, creative project that allowed me to enhance my video editing skills. Each video features Dean Robert H. Bishop answering common questions such as how does a plane fly? Select a video from the gallery above to view each project.

Journey to Jumbalot

rywakewolf@gmail.com (Ryan Wakefield) — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:53:02 GMT

Breathing Life into a New World

Since I was in grade school, I was fascinated with animal hybrids. I loved the idea of blending two or three animals together to create a magnificent new species. This fascination and the love for fantasy inspired me to fulfill my lifelong dream to breathe life into a new world middle grade readers can explore - Jumbalot. I discovered that publishers prefer first-time authors that already have an online presence. Therefore, I set up my first author/blog to help promote my new book: http://www.jumbalot.com

USF College of Engineering Holiday Ornament

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 16:51:34 GMT

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

USF Engineering's Development team asked me to design a new holiday ornament for current donors to thank them for their generosity. As a result, I designed a festive holiday ornament that includes the USF logo. Once the design was approved, the ornament was laser cut into wood within the college's Design for X Laboratory.

Great American Teach-In

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 16:08:53 GMT

Encouraging the Next Generation

I had a great time presenting at Carollwood Elementary for this year's #GreatAmericanTeachIn . We discussed the world of graphic design and the types of projects I've had the opportunity to work on at the University of South Florida. It's always fun speaking with the next generation about the importance of creativity and how that alone can open doors for them in the future!