A Maverick is an individualist, nonconformist, free spirit, unorthodox, eccentric person who shows independent thought or action, causing them to stand out from the crowd.
What does being a Maverick mean to you?
2021 Installment
Title: New Beginnings
Lot: 001
Size: 3"x5" rectangle sticker
Quantity printed: 250
Release date: September 20, 2021
Artist: Jeremy Smith, 05' and current staff member at CMU
Hometown: Montrose, Colorado
Concept: The written word was a consent struggle for Jeremy Smith, who grew up with dyslexia. Confused by the mixed-up letters, he struggled in high school, and the possibility of higher education seemed unattainable for the western Colorado native. So, instead, he found other methods to gather information and comprehend the complex theories from his lessons.
Showing an aptitude for drawing and layout design, Smith focused on the visual arts, especially graphic design, as a tool to compensate for the disconnect from writing. His notebooks became sketchbooks, and his infographic notes became an unconventional learning method for him.
The art-based thought process gave Smith a platform to grow his design skills, and graphics became a lifelong passion for him. This approach opened the door to continuing his education and his new beginning. Smith enrolled in college in 2000 and earned a Bachelor of Art in Graphic Design from Colorado Mesa University, then Mesa State College in 2005. After graduation, Smith accepted a job with the school’s marketing and communication office as a graphic artist and eventually became the school’s brand manager.
He still serves in this position today and is proud that his graphics and designs help build the amazing culture CMU fosters for the Mavily.
This concept uses an image of Rowdy at his first appearance after establishing the new mascot program in 2021. The mascot was there to listen to the first welcome from President John Marshall following his investiture ceremony; the president spoke to hundreds of students entering their first semester during new student orientation. New Beginnings was suitable as the title for the piece, with all these first concurrencies captured in this picture. The finished sticker became the inaugural installment of the Spirit of Rowdy Sticker Collection when Smith became the coordinator of the Mascot Program in 2021 and wanted to be able to hand something out with Rowdy at performances.
2022 Installment
Titles Chillin' (pink), Mav Up (green), and Inner Peace (blue)
Lot: 002, 003, and 004
Size: 3" round sticker
Quantity printed: 300, 100 of each design
Release date: September 27, 2022
Artist: Kendall Bessette, CMU Visual Art major
Hometown: Littleton, Colorado
Growing up, Kendall was shy and struggled to connect with her peers. She always enjoyed making art, which allowed her to connect with fellow creative people. Kendall struggled to figure out what career to pursue but discovered graphic design during her junior year of high school. It combined her love of art with her organizational skills and a keen eye for layout. Kendall applied for Colorado Mesa University because of its design program, and the atmosphere and attitude of campus spoke to her. Since starting at CMU, she has made close friends within the design program and has grown into the person she wants to be.
Concept: The 2022 installment into the Spirit of Rowdy Sticker Collection was the first series added to the collection. The concept by Bessette features three adorable Rowdy characters representing inner qualities that can enhance the college experience and inspire every Maverick. Kendall enjoyed many cartoons and comics, which influence her art today. She believes that fun characters have much power and can impact people positively.
Lot 002: The series begins with a pink sticker called Chillin’. It reminds us that even though you work hard in class or maintain a job, you should find time to relax after playing hard. Finding time for activities you enjoy allows you to reset your mood so you can prepare for any new challenges ahead. Colorado Mesa University provides students with many avenues for having fun and relaxing during their free time.
Lot 003: Mav Up is the title of the green sticker and speaks to the importance of school spirit. Having school spirit brings Mavericks of all ages, genders, and nationalities together with a common belief. As Mavericks work hard to prepare themselves for the future, they bond with each other as part of one Mavily. When you’re involved in a group, you develop pride in your accomplishments — showing that satisfaction also positively impacts the CMU community. In addition, it sparks motivation in others to get involved.
Lot 004: The last sticker is set on a teal background and is entitled Inner Peace and represents the importance of focusing on the spiritual and mental side of one’s well-being. Inner Peace calms our minds and lets us see the direction our choices are taking us much clearer. It brings focus to your intentions that keep your goals on track. It can recast challenges as obstacles that can be overcome rather than intimidating threats. Inner Peace encourages Mavericks to be patient and tolerant of the views of others while helping solidify one’s own beliefs.
2023 Installment
Title: Skiing Rowdy
Lot: 005
Size: Polygon shape, 3"x3"
Quantity printed: 500
Release date: February 29, 2024
Artist: Brenna Langfield, expected to graduate in 2026
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado
Brenna Langfield, a junior at Colorado Mesa University, is pursuing a degree in graphic design with a complementary minor in drawing and painting. Originally from Lakewood, Colorado, Langfield discovered her passion for creativity in high school. Initially a leisure pursuit, art unfolded as a pathway to a future career, leading her to the thriving design community at CMU. Here, she continues to refine her artistic talents with a particular fondness for illustration — shaping her vision for contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the design world.
Concept: For Langfield, the Maverick ethos is about exploration and an earnest desire for diverse experiences. The spirit found in Skiing Rowdy heralds a commitment to experimentation and a freedom to delve into new ventures.
Langfield has been skiing with her family for years and initially approached it hesitantly but now pursues it with anticipation and vigor. Her collegiate journey brought self-discovery and newfound pleasures in academia and recreation, particularly on the snowy slopes and trails surrounding campus. College life for Langfield is punctuated by weekends in the mountains, an idyllic complement to her academic passions.
Colorado Mesa University’s proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities, like the Frying Pan River and Powderhorn Mountain Resort, profoundly influenced Langfield's decision to enroll at CMU. For Langfield, the Maverick identity also embodies a dedication to self-enhancement — a continuous journey of refining her skills and strengthening her character.
These adventures, the lessons learned and the cultivated spirit of adventure are enduring treasures for Langfield. She vows to uphold the Maverick spirit as an eternal personal commitment, carrying it forward into every future endeavor.
Questions:
Email [email protected] with any questions. If you want to discuss the competition and how to get involved with the Mascot Program, please get in touch with Jeremy Smith, Mascot Program Coordinator and Senior Graphic Artist and Brand Manager in the Marketing and Communication Office at 970.234.1371.
