Today we’d like to introduce you to Gianna Rankin.
Hi Gianna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a creative spirit—in fact, there’s a whole folder somewhere that holds my childhood work, some of which was displayed at my first art club showcase at 5 years old, and looking back, I realize I incorporated elements of collage work, which remains my favorite. I was also involved with music, playing the violin from age 7, wrote songs (that were pretty good) and very creative stories, and even hosted my own at-home talk show at age 10 (purely for my enjoyment), where I designed my own logo. Earlier in high school, I was introduced to Photoshop and instantly fell in love, creating my first album cover, which I’m still proud of today. If you had asked me back then, I would’ve said that design is something I’m good at, but I would love to pursue something in the medical field. I like to think of it as design, and I have always been a great pair—I just had to see that it was there all along.
I’m 22 now and proud to have grown into the person I’ve always known I could be. Born and raised in the Cayman Islands and of Jamaican descent, my heritage inspires my work, which is colorful, expressive, and purposeful.
I started my undergraduate degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), first virtually in September 2021 and then in person at the Atlanta campus in September 2022, as an international student. After four years of hard work, late nights, and early mornings, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, with minors in Business Management & Entrepreneurship and Motion Media Design. I truly loved the experience, especially the opportunities to mingle with other creatives at brand events, such as Culture Con in April 2024, and to be constantly inspired by the creativity that Atlanta holds. SCAD provided me with a strong foundation in branding, typography, visual identity, and motion graphics—one that I continue to build upon.
Professionally, I’ve worked across corporate, governmental, and creative environments, and I’m now part of an amazing Global Creative Services team at Walkers as a Global Junior Graphic Designer. In 2022, I also launched Sunshine by G, a space to share my artistry and collaborate on projects that truly shine.
My work has been recognized on multiple occasions, most notably in 2025. In early November, I received four awards from the Creative Communication Awards, and in early December, the International Design Awards (IDA) named me Emerging Graphic Designer of the Year, in addition to awarding Gold for my DesignStudio Promotional Book. This February, I will be attending the 19th Annual IDA Awards in Bangkok—an exciting milestone in my creative journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe life will always have bumps in the road, but they’re part of the journey and opportunities to grow. I’ve stayed consistent with my prayer while putting in endless hours of work, and it’s been so rewarding to see that effort pay off. Sometimes the simplest projects take the longest, but I’m incredibly grateful to have a family that celebrates me wholeheartedly and values the time and care I put into my work. Coming from a small, finance-focused island, there wasn’t always a clear understanding of creative paths, but over time, I’ve seen more people recognize the impact and value of design, which is inspiring.
Along the way, I’ve had amazing opportunities that have helped me grow and see the bigger picture. Every accomplishment, big or small, feels meaningful, and I hope it shows the younger generation that there are so many possibilities, even coming from a small island. Moving to Atlanta for university gave me confidence in myself as a creative, and now being recognized for my second Atlanta article feels even more heartwarming, as Atlanta will forever be another home of mine. Overall, it has been an incredible journey; every project and experience has helped me grow into the person I am today, and it’s not over yet.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always been instilled with the mantra that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. With this mantra in mind, I have considered myself to be a diligent person who strives to achieve everything—and more—than my loved ones and I have dreamed of.
What sets me apart is my diligence, multifaceted background, and the journey that has shaped me. I am always willing to connect with others to encourage and support them—especially the younger generation, who, like myself, are still figuring it all out. What I want the world to know about me and my work is that everything I create is rooted in intentionality and meaning, driven by passion and self-expression. My work comes from a genuine love for what I do, and I hope my creative endeavors continue to reflect that depth and purpose.
I’ve had several accomplishments over the years that I’m proud of—some of which still amaze me. I’ve always believed that everyone has their own definition of success. For me, success comes in both big and small moments, and I make it a point to appreciate, celebrate, and fully soak in each accomplishment—whether scholastic, personal, or professional.
Right now, I’m most proud of my progression. At just 22, being named Emerging Graphic Designer out of more than 70 countries has been an incredible milestone. These achievements have opened doors for me to represent my island and the Caribbean.
Overall, I’m truly grateful for every win and every loss, because each one is part of God’s bigger plan for my life.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was an only child who loved spending time with my family, especially my mom and my grandmother, who visited from Jamaica often. It was mostly the three of us growing up, and we traveled a lot, which gave me an early sense of independence and curiosity about the world. I also loved hanging out with friends. Personality-wise, I’d say I was pretty mature for my age, but also imaginative and playful. I loved playing with Barbies, singing, dancing, baking, and making at-home music videos (referring to myself as superstar gg), which were my favorite—always finding ways to create and express myself, even in small, everyday moments.
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and performance, whether through music, dance, or just playing pretend, and I think that curiosity and creativity really shaped who I am today. Even as a child, I had a strong sense of purpose and loved exploring new ideas, which eventually led me down the path to design and the creative career I’m passionate about now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://giannarankin.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshine.byg/ Personal: https://www.instagram.com/giannazrankin/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-rankin
- Other: https://linktr.ee/gianna.rankin
Image Credits
Graduation Photoshoot: Alexa Carmona
DesignStudio Promotional Book Photo: Erkan Cetin
