Two students in VCFA’s MFA in Graphic Design program, Kyla Paolucci and (left) and Rick Heffner (right), have been identified as 2023 Students to Watch by Graphic Design USA magazine. GDUSA publishes a list of graphic design students to watch every year, and as part of the publication it asks the named students to answer a few questions about themselves and their practice. Learn more about all the students on this year’s list on GDUSA’s website.

Both Paolucci and Heffner are in their thesis semester, set to graduate at the July Summer residency in Colorado. Rick Heffner is a design educator based in Virginia. Kyla Paolucci is a graphic designer based in New York City.  They have had exciting careers up to this point, and—as GDUSA wisely notes—their futures are bright. Visit their websites below, and keep your eye on these students to watch!

Visit Kyla Paolucci’s website »

Visit Rick Heffner’s website »