xaviermwhitney@gmail.com

LinkedIn

Art has always been an essential part of my life, shaping my identity, perspective, and aspirations. From an early age, I discovered a deep connection to visual expression, one that has continued to grow and evolve with me. My creative journey began in elementary school when I was accepted into the Gifted Visual Arts Program at the Old Dominion Center. There, I developed a strong foundation in artistic techniques while learning to explore my creativity through both structured and imaginative approaches. As I continued my education at Virginia Beach Middle School, I refined my skills and began to see the world through an increasingly artistic lens. However, it was during high school that my creative perspective shifted, leading me to discover digital design as my primary medium.

High school marked a defining moment in my artistic development. Driven by my growing interest in digital media and design, I enrolled at the Advanced Technology Center, where I was introduced to professional programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and InDesign. These tools became integral to my creative process, giving me the freedom to experiment with new techniques and develop a deeper understanding of visual storytelling. Through this experience, I came to recognize graphic design as more than a form of artistic expression. It is a powerful medium for communicating ideas, emotions, and experiences. This realization ultimately led me to pursue a degree in Graphic Design at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in May 2025.

At VCU, my understanding of design grew into a more intentional and personal artistic practice. My work is deeply influenced by Black expressionism and activism, exploring both the beauty of Black identity and the complexities of being Black in America. I draw inspiration from the vibrancy of my culture, the resilience of my community, and the stories that have shaped our collective experience. At the same time, I remain conscious of the systemic inequities and prejudices that continue to affect Black communities. These realities inform my creative perspective and motivate me to produce work that provokes thought, evokes emotion, and encourages meaningful dialogue.

Through my art, I seek to offer viewers a glimpse into my perspective while creating space for conversations surrounding race, identity, culture, social justice and innovation. Some of my work challenges familiar narratives, while other pieces explore more intimate and personal experiences. Regardless of the subject, I strive to create work that encourages connection, reflection, and a deeper understanding of experiences beyond one’s own.

Beyond my academic background, I am eager to continue expanding my creative practice through professional opportunities, freelance projects, and collaborative work. I am particularly interested in opportunities that allow me to apply my skills while contributing to projects with purpose and cultural significance. For me, graphic design is more than a profession. It is a platform for storytelling, advocacy, and meaningful expression.

As I continue to grow as an artist and designer, I remain committed to pushing creative boundaries, challenging conventional perspectives, and using my voice to amplify stories that deserve to be seen and heard. I believe art is not simply about aesthetics. It is about perspective, emotion, connection, and the ability to inspire meaningful change. My goal is to create work that resonates with others, reflects the richness of my experiences, and leaves a lasting impression.

Curriculum Vitae

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Education

Kempsville High School
September 2017 - June 2021

Advanced Technology Center
September 2019 - June 2021

Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree - Graphic Design
2021 - 2025

Employment

Marshalls - Mens Merchandise Associate
Virginia Beach, VA
May 2020 - August 2023

Grimalkin Records - Graphic Design Intern Richmond, VA
June 2024 - August 2025

ART 180 - Multi-Media & Branding Intern
Richmond, VA
January 2025 - August 2025

Freelance Graphic Designer
Remote
Present Day

Referrals

Sherrelle Rodgers-Jackson / Proffesional
SHCRJ@proton.me

Mecca Harris / Professional
meccamade9@gmail.com

Maurice Leoni-Osion / Professional
mauriceleoniosion@gmail.com

Tanesha Powell / Proffessional
powelltnw@gmail.com

Nicole Killian / Professor
nicole@nylondip.com

HH Hiaasen / Professor
hmhiaasen@gmail.com

Skills

Creative & Design: Creativity, Innovation, Typography & Layout, Branding & Identity, Visual Communication, Color Theory, Digital Illustration, Vector Graphics, Sketching

Branding & Marketing: Brand Strategy, Logo Design, Marketing Design, Social Media Design, Product Design, Copywriting

Photography & Imaging: Photography, Photo Editing, Image Retouching, Lightroom

Production & Technical: Print Production, Generative AI, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud — Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, Lightroom

Professional & Collaboration: Attention to Detail, Adaptability, Flexibility, Time Management, Multitasking, Team Collaboration, Problem Solving, Deadline Management

Exhibitions

Overbooked Senior Capstone Exhibition
Untelevised Installation
May 2025

Hol’On We Stay Here Exhibition
Curator & Identity Designer
August 2025 - September 2025

Role Reversal Exhibition
Untelevised Installation
October 2025 - Novemeber 2025

Certifications

NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute) 2021

Awards

VCU Black History in the Making Reward
February 2024

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