Autumn Graves is a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi. She will graduate in spring with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.

The Hattiesburg native is married to Kyle Graves of Brookhaven, a former member of the band Four Way Stop and former instructor at Downtown Music Academy.

Graves was recently highlighted in Graphic Design USA magazine as a 2024 Student to Watch in the arts field. One of only 97 students nationwide selected for the honor, Graves was homeschooled until college, allowing her to focus on her love of the arts from an early age. She studied painting, classical piano and classical literature, turning her focus to graphic design at Southern Miss.

She is the associate creative director for the USM Design and Marketing Team, and is graphic designer for Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg.

Graves told GDUSA her inspiration comes from music travel and her husband, Kyle.

“With him being a musician, seeing his passion and talent inspires and motivates me,” she said.

“My passion definitely lies in illustration, branding, and publication design,” Graves said. “I would love to pursue those things in a future career, however, I am excited to keep an open mind and see where my career takes me.”