Meet Gianna Rankin | Graphic Designer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Gianna Rankin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gianna, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I have had several accomplishments over the years, which I am proud of, some of which I am still amazed at, as I have only just turned 22 this July. I have always believed that everyone has a different definition of success and what it means to be successful, so I am happy to share my point of view and the important factors behind my success.
To start, I define successful moments in both small and big ways, making an effort to appreciate, celebrate, and soak in every accomplishment—whether it be scholastically, personally, or professionally.
I was on a totally different track before enrolling at SCAD, for many years looking to follow a path in medicine, aligning myself with scientific extracurriculars and internship opportunities in my early teenage years. I was introduced to the Photoshop software in my early high school years and fell in love with it instantly. As I recall, my first task was to create an album cover, and to this day, I am still proud of what I created.
Looking further back, I’ve always had a creative spirit—from playing the violin at age 7 until heading off to college, to writing my own songs and stories, hosting my own ‘talk show’ called Talking with GG and the Stars (where I even created my show logo at age 10), making at-home music videos, to coding my website in high school, and working on design projects for family members.
I would typically explain that my switch of career paths truly happened overnight, but now I see it was there all along. Although I cannot recall the details, the story of my overnight switch stems from having a dream and waking up the next day, sharing with my loved ones that I wanted to pursue a degree in graphic design, something I knew I loved and had been good at.
As a point to create a brand with a personal meaning and a way to share my passion with the world, I created Sunshine by G in 2022. Sunshine by G came about from my love for graphic design and marketing, as well as wanting to share my talents. The name “Sunshine” pays homage to my childhood nickname given to me by my mother, who is truly my greatest inspiration and a person who always encourages me to shine bright.
From posters to logo and book design, I’ve watched myself create work I’m truly proud of while conducting my small business in a professional manner over the years. It’s a true testament to how time flies—now in 2025, I’ve seen my brand evolve alongside me. Although there is more I would love to do, I always want to make sure I give whatever I’m doing my best foot forward and my full focus.
As I enter a new chapter of my life, I am interested to see where my professional career goes and feel optimistic about bringing Sunshine by G with me through it all.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Growing up, I always saw the world through my own lens. I’ve always been drawn to how design allows you to express yourself. What sets me apart is the intention I bring to everything I create—whether it’s branding, motion graphics, marketing materials, or collage work. For those who truly know me, they know how deep my love for collage runs. It’s the one medium that feels the most like me.
I’m originally from the Cayman Islands, proudly of Jamaican descent, and my Caribbean roots constantly inform how I see and create. My work is often colorful, expressive, and grounded in purpose. My heritage plays a huge role in shaping my perspective as a designer. I find myself constantly drawn to the bold, joyful colors of the Caribbean, the layered textures of island life, and the storytelling rooted in culture and connection. Collage has become my specialty and one of the most exciting ways I express both who I am and where I come from.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come—not just in terms of skill, but in the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced over the last few years. Recently graduating from SCAD Atlanta with a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, as well as Motion Media Design, I’ve grown tremendously both creatively and personally. I believe that my studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) have provided me with a strong foundation. SCAD’s rigorous quarterly curriculum integrated design principles, technology, branding, and visual communication, giving me a deep and adaptable skill set.
Over the past four years, I’ve also had the privilege of interning with a range of companies—from boutique marketing firms to large organizations such as KPMG Cayman Islands and the Cayman Islands Government Cabinet Office. Apart from my scholastic experiences, these opportunities allowed me to understand and implement corporate brand identity, schedule content using platforms like Agorapulse, design visual assets with Adobe Creative Suite, and even develop banner graphics for Actionable Messages in Outlook. Each project I’ve worked on, whether in class or professionally, has helped reinforce just how powerful and impactful design can be when it’s anchored in purpose.
Beyond technical experience, I’d describe myself as kind, organized, and diligent. Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, cooking, baking, organizing my calendar, watching the sunset, and traveling. Each of these pastimes fuels my creativity and keeps me grounded.
While I’ve had the privilege of studying at an amazing creative school and working on a variety of professional projects, like most creatives and college students, I’m still learning how to navigate the intensity of the creative field—especially the long working hours. At times, like many students experiencing college for the first time, it felt like there simply weren’t enough hours in the day. Balancing school, work, and personal growth was challenging at times. But I’ve learned to protect my creativity by setting boundaries, staying rooted in my “why,” and giving myself the space to rest and refuel. Sometimes, it takes stepping back for a moment—to take a breath, process all of the accomplishments, live in those moments, appreciate them—then get back to it.
What I want the world to know about me and my work is that everything I create comes from a place of intentionality with meaning, rooted in passion and expression—creating something rooted in deep meaning, coming from a place of love for what I do, and that’s what I hope my work and creative endeavors continue to do.
I’m excited for what’s next and remain committed to learning, growing, and making meaningful contributions wherever I go.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an international student who has called Atlanta another home for the last 3 years, there are so many places that I want to show my visitors! To start the week, I’d do something more relaxing, like walking around Midtown, stopping by the High Museum of Art, and ending up at Colony Square, which has been a place I’ve frequented for both work and leisure.
As a girl from the islands, I’ve always loved working outside, and I think Colony is one of the top places to do just that. It has something to offer at any time of day—from daytime lounging to evening hangs with photo booth memories and lively late-night vibes, it’s the kind of spot worth spending an entire day (or two, or three) at.
Another place I’d have to take them—for lunch, dinner, and everything in between—is Yebo Beach Haus, a spot that truly reminds me a bit of the tropical feel of home. From there, we’d head over to Buckhead Village, take a stroll around, and maybe relax with something from Boba Craze or grab a sweet treat from Saint Germain.
Another go-to place is Ponce City Market. There’s nothing better than having so many things in one place! I love exposing my visitors to the wide range of food options, but I enjoy showing them the BeltLine even more. It’s a great mix of culinary options and activities—whether it’s a slow walk or riding scooters up and down—the people I love always have a great time.
As a foodie, most of my itineraries when people visit have been food-centered, because I think Atlanta has so much to offer in that area. However, there are also so many cute and creative things happening around the city. As someone passionate about marketing, I have attended some amazing events and always try to keep an eye out for any pop-ups or installations to visit—and the free goodie bags don’t hurt either!
I truly could go on and on about the things I’d plan because there’s so much to offer and always something happening in the city. But if I were to end the trip right, I’d wrap it up with an evening at Your 3rd Spot—an experience with good food, drinks, laughter, and unapologetically revealing our inner child—and a nightcap at the infamous Café Intermezzo, personally indulging in their amazing mussels.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Growing up in a Caribbean household, I have always felt an outpouring of love—whether through words, physical affection, or, most importantly, prayer. I truly believe that I am who I am not only because of my hard work but also because of all that outpouring of love and the prayers I receive, which truly mean the world to me.
My Caribbean heritage and upbringing are a strong guiding force in my life, shaping my values, perspectives, and ambitions. As a result of growing up surrounded by the warmth of my culture and the support of my community, I have always been instilled with the mantra that you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
With this mantra in mind, I have considered myself to be a diligent person who strives to achieve everything—and more—than my loved ones and I have dreamed of. So, undoubtedly, my shoutout goes to everyone who has poured into me, especially my mom, who has influenced me from the days I learned to walk. She taught me what to say, what not to say, what to do, and what not to do; she is my living GPS—my best friend. She has, and will always be, my biggest supporter, cheerleader, and the person who unequivocally pours into me the most—never discouraging me from trying new activities and never failing to remind me that I can do anything I put my mind to.
Separately—and more important than anything—are the blessings, coverage, and the goodness of God that I have witnessed throughout my life—a goodness that shows through in every step I take and in every challenge I overcome. My relationship with God is, and forever will be, so precious to me and one that lasts beyond my lifetime. If there were ever a time to show how blessed and truly favored I am, it would be now, as I proudly graduate from an amazing school, reflect on my growth, and look forward to the rest of my journey with graciousness and optimism.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-rankin
Other: Creative Instagram page: @sunshine.byg
Image Credits
Brooklyn Jones
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