Degree Name
MFA (Master of Fine Arts)
Program
Digital Media
Date of Award
12-2025
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Jonathan Hounshell
Committee Members
Jacy Richardson, Sarit Somasa
Abstract
This culminating experience project tells the story of Ayo, an original cereal mascot developed through the intersection of advertising strategy, personal storytelling, and 3D modeling. Rooted in my professional background as an art director, this project represents my transition from 2D print design to digital sculpting, blending branding principles with character-driven visual storytelling.
Ayo and the fictional cereal brand Surf ’n’ Crunch serve as a portfolio-ready advertising pitch, built through reflective practice. My creative evolution at ETSU: first attempting animation, discovering its limitations for my skillset and timeframe, and ultimately embracing 3D modeling as a medium that aligns more naturally with my artistic voice.
The result is a cohesive brand world that includes Ayo’s sculpt, supporting 3D assets, logo system, cereal packaging, and a narrative identity shaped by emotional branding. This project demonstrates how a character concept can bridge culture, personal experience, and artistic growth, marking my transition into a multidisciplinary designer prepared for contemporary advertising environments.
Document Type
Culminating Experience
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Recommended Citation
Okonkwo, Onyedika, "Ayo: A Creative Fusion of Advertising and 3D Modeling" (2025). Master of Fine Arts in Digital Media Culminating Experience. Paper 23. https://dc.etsu.edu/digitalmedia-culminating-experience/23
