Anthony Moore surrounded by some of his graphic design work. Josh Mehay and Varden Sargsyan | Washtenaw Voice
By Nicholas Ketchum
Staff Writer
WCC graphic-design student Anthony Moore will compete in Abu Dhabi this month as the sole graphic design representative for the United States in the WorldSkills International Asia competition.
After Abu Dhabi, Moore is also scheduled to compete at the main event, which will be held next August in Kazan, Russia.
“It’s really an honor to represent the United States in graphic design. I’m very excited. It’s probably the best chance of life,” said Moore, 19.
When asked to speculate why he was chosen to represent the United States, Moore offered, “I think [the contest judges] saw potential. They also emphasize technical ability, and I think they saw I can learn those.”
Moore found his start in graphic design at his high school, while experimenting by manipulating photos of his friends. He discovered he had a knack for it.
“I started making funny pictures of my friends, and then ‘I thought this is kind of fun,’” Moore said.
“In my high school, I took a graphic design class. I didn’t really know what that was, when I started, but I eventually started to find out that it’s a lot cooler than I thought,” Moore said.
Moore’s high school technology center, at his home district in Lenawee County, encouraged him to compete and helped sign him up for the competition. Then, he competed in regional, state and national events before earning his place on the international team.
Moore is no stranger to travel, however this will be his first “serious” trip overseas.
Moore said the Asian competition in Abu Dhabi partly intends to provide international experience before the main event next summer in Russia.
Moore is ready for his long flight to the United Arab Emirates, which lies alongside the Persian Gulf in the Middle East.
“The flight is about 12 hours, with a five hour layover in D.C.. Hopefully I’ll sleep through most of it,” Moore said.
Eventually, Moore would like to gain more experience, either as an independent contractor or within an agency.
“I’d like to do freelance work, but I also think it’d be nice to get into a design firm and work with other creative minds,” Moore said.
Some of Moore’s design work can be viewed at his Instagram profile @anthonymooredesigns.
