SCAD Alumni Pitch Winning Ideas in Sports Design and Athletics

Successful graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design share their creative journeys in the sports industry.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:30pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of bright red, navy blue, and gold, conceptually representing the diverse creative talents of SCAD alumni working in the sports industry.SCAD alumni leverage their unique artistic visions to shape the dynamic world of sports design and innovation.Atlanta Today

A panel of SCAD alumni, including Benny Gold, Shirley Zhang-Hamlin, Benny Goldberg, and Jose Hadathy, will share their experiences navigating creative careers in the sports industry. The discussion, moderated by SCAD alum and professor Q Williams, will highlight how these graduates have leveraged their unique artistic visions to contribute to major sports teams and events, from the Golden State Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Why it matters

This event showcases the diverse creative talents of SCAD alumni and demonstrates how a design-focused education can lead to dynamic careers in the lucrative sports and athletics sectors. It also highlights Atlanta's growing prominence as a hub for sports innovation and design.

The details

The panel will feature SCAD graduates who have found success in various sports-related creative roles, including graphic design, footwear design, and event poster creation. They will share insights into their career paths, the challenges they've faced, and the strategies they've used to maintain their artistic vision while working with major sports organizations.

  • The event will take place on April 15, 2026.

The players

Benny Gold

A 1998 graduate of SCAD's graphic design program, Benny Gold is a visual hype man and freelance artist for the Golden State Warriors, developing digital media and vibrant collateral from his eponymous studio.

Shirley Zhang-Hamlin

A 2010 graduate of SCAD's graphic design program, Shirley Zhang-Hamlin is the vice president of brand creative for the Atlanta Hawks, overseeing innovative decisions across the Hawks, College Park Skyhawks, Hawks Talon GC, and State Farm Arena.

Benny Goldberg

A 2023 graduate of SCAD's industrial design program, Benny Goldberg is a freelance footwear designer who has contributed to the functional and aesthetic flow of fellow athletes, owning several award-winning designs and a former role with The Shoe Surgeon.

Jose Hadathy

A 2013 graduate of SCAD's painting program, Jose Hadathy is the creator of Atlanta's official FIFA World Cup 2026 poster and manages creative design for Atlanta United, embracing his soccer fanaticism and penchant for visual innovation.

Q Williams

A SCAD alum and professor who will moderate the panel discussion.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to network with the panelists and learn more about the creative career paths available in the sports industry.

The takeaway

This event showcases the versatility and impact of a SCAD education, highlighting how the college's alumni are shaping the world of sports design and innovation. It also underscores Atlanta's growing reputation as a hub for creative talent in the athletic and entertainment sectors.