Young Caymanian Gianna Zoe Rankin recently received global recognition and several awards for her creative work and accomplishments, setting an example for other young people who may want to pursue careers in creative industries.
Rankin was recognised by the International Design Awards as the 2025 ‘Emerging Graphic Designer of the Year’ and awarded gold in the ‘Print/Books’ category for her work, ‘DesignStudio Promotional Book’, which was a project she completed in her senior year at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Rankin, an undergraduate government scholarship recipient, graduated in 2025 from the SCAD, Atlanta campus, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design with minors in motion media design and business management and entrepreneurship.
Her work was selected from entries spanning over 70 countries and was selected for the Emerging Graphic Designer of the Year award for demonstrating devotion to elevating the art of graphic design.
Rankin said, “Coming from a small island and only being 22, moments like this remind me that there is no limit to what you can do once you are driven and dedicated.
“For me, this recognition validates years of long nights, early mornings, growth and persistence. It reinforces that talent, diligence and dedication can travel far beyond geographic borders.”
As part of the award, Rankin’s work will be published in the IDA Book of Designs and distributed to museum bookstores across the US. She will also receive promotion in a newsletter to 100,000 design professionals and potential clients worldwide; year-long coverage on the IDA website; and be critically acclaimed by the IDA panel of judges.
Rankin travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, to receive her awards at an awards ceremony on 8 Feb., and her work was displayed at the event.
“The ceremony was held at ICONSIAM along the riverfront and was a black-tie evening filled with creatives from all over the world,” she said. “The atmosphere was elegant and inspiring, providing a space to connect with the designers representing over 70 countries across architecture, interior design, product design, fashion and graphic design.”
She added, “Standing on that global stage, representing the Caribbean and the Cayman Islands, felt incredibly special and surreal, and like the ‘I made it’ moment.”
Rankin was also interviewed with Shoutout Atlanta in July 2025 and featured in Voyage Atlanta. Her work was also recognised by the Creative Communication Awards, where she emerged as the winner in four categories in November 2025, including her DesignStudio Promotional Book, ‘Sea Beneath the Surface’, ‘Red Strip mock ad’ and ‘Guo Pei: Couture Fantasy’.
Rankin hopes that through her accomplishments, she will encourage other young Caymanians who dream of pursuing creative careers.
“A main goal of mine is to inspire people, especially the younger generation, to know that you can do anything you dream of once you are dedicated and driven,” she said. “Big dreams can grow from small places, and I hope this moment shows that it is absolutely possible to build a successful career in what you are passionate about.”
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