Columbus College of Art & Design alum lands her own national product line at Target

In 2019, artist Yiffy Gu graduated from Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) with a major in illustration, which is a highly ranked undergraduate program. 

Now, only four years later, Gu’s past experience at CCAD has propelled her to create her own product line at Target, which is now sold nationally. “This education gave her a range in skills and perspective that helped kickstart her design career and influences her work today,” said a press release by CCAD.

Gu’s Target holiday product line celebrates art, culture, and just being festive in general. Target was thoroughly impressed by her unique use of color, pattern, and character exploration, according to CCAD. 

“I was absolutely thrilled when Target reached out,” Gu told CCAD. “This collection, which features 14 of my original illustrations, is inspired by my own Christmas memories with a dash of magic.”

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In this collaboration, Gu first created her initial illustrations, “then worked with Target designer Glorie Forliti to adapt her cheerful, colorful designs into a holiday product line that includes ornaments, dishware, gift wrap, and more,” said CCAD. And now, it’s a national product line that’s incredibly popular. 

“It’s amazing to hear people have my work in their homes,” says Gu. “I hope this product line will help bring a larger audience to my personal brand, so more people can see my work.”

For anyone else looking to get their work out there, Gu encourages students to work hard on their portfolios, collaborate and partner with others, and chase what you want to achieve. “I encourage students to stay ambitious,” she told CCAD.

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