Ben Buchanan

Ben Buchanan

Constructive criticism pushes journalism major to advertising honor

  • Hometown: Rock Hill, S.C.
  • High School: Rock Hill High School
  • Major: Visual communications
  • Video (1:36)

“They believed in me.”

That's what Ben Buchanan said about University of South Carolina journalism professors Van Kornegay and Scott Farrand.

“Van Kornegay pushed me to do well, and Scott Farrand ripped my work apart in order for me to reach a higher level,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan's hard work paid off this spring when he won a student Silver ADDY for a newspaper advertisement in the Daily Gamecock. The ad, “Do It With Your Phone,” promoted TicketReturn athletic-ticket distribution systems.

“People ask me about it all the time,” said Buchanan, a fixture on the university's dean's list the past four years. “I didn't know what to expect that night, but then they called my name. ... I'll never forget it.

Buchanan didn't benefit from an older sibling sharing his or her college experience. The oldest of four, he figured it out on his own.

“I had ideas,” he said. “I thought I knew what college would be like, but it was better. I really learned how to live on my own and be responsible. Living on my own, I really appreciate everything my parents did. Now that I'm done, it feels like a weight has been lifted, but I know I'll be OK because I'm prepared.”

Buchanan, who had a LIFE scholarship and Moss Justice Center Grant, has developed his skills by working with student media. He encourages other journalism students to do the same and to get to know professors and to let them know you want to succeed.

He says his favorite class was advanced visual communications.

“I loved it because it was about me and my art,” said Buchanan. “I made a Web site of my portfolio, which gave me the freedom to express myself and to show off my work.”

He also has worked as an in-house designer for the S.C. Housing Authority, a job he will continue while he looks for a graphic-design position in out-of-state firms.

When it came to choosing a college, Buchanan said it was a toss-up between Clemson and the University of South Carolina.

“My whole family is Clemson, but I'm a Gamecock fan,” Buchanan said. “Clemson didn't have journalism, and USC had one of the top journalism schools in South Carolina and the nation. Also, I liked Columbia.”

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