When Miami Ad School instructor Hank Richardson checked his phone that morning, he received a text message that was the perfect start to the weekend:

“Haaaaank,, made it to the NSS. Long day ahead. That’s me on the wall. Feeling great. Zion.”

And yes, the bow tie he was wearing in the photo is exactly right. It tells you almost everything you need to know about him.

Zion was out in Dallas, Texas, at the National Student Show and Conference (NSS). For those who haven’t experienced it, it’s an event where the days are long, the rooms are packed, and the work gets scrutinized hard. It’s a gauntlet of portfolio reviews, studio visits, and conversations that actually matter. It is a stage that puts real stakes behind student work—with $20,000 in cash scholarships on the line, and more importantly, a tangible sense that what you create can actually carry you forward in this industry.

The Work Speaks for Itself

When the NSS organizers initially saw Zion’s magazine design, アイス (AISU), they decided it didn’t just need to be seen—it belonged on the wall. Large, undeniable, and impossible to ignore.

That’s exactly what he was pointing to in his message. It is that incredible moment where something made in a classroom steps out into the real world and completely holds its ground.

A Multidisciplinary Force

Zion Nolan is the kind of student you remember. I had him in two of my classes and pushed him—maybe harder than most. He didn’t just meet the expectations; he leaned in. He rose to the challenge and consistently produced work that made you stop and look again.

While he calls himself an Art Director, there is absolutely no silo for this guy. Design, illustration, photography, tech—it all shows up in his portfolio. Add in his dry wit—the kind that sneaks up on you and stays with you—and you have a true creative force.

Trusting the Process

Just last quarter, we worked heavily on how to tell his story—how to present himself so that the work speaks clearly and carries weight. Seeing him pointing to his piece on that wall in Dallas is exactly what it looks like when all that preparation starts to take hold. You just want him to be your champion.

You root for people like Zion. Not because they need it, but because they’ve undeniably earned it. He goes the extra mile quietly and consistently. He is the kind of person you want in the room, the kind you want on your side, and definitely the kind you want on your softball team.

We couldn’t be prouder.