Featured Artist: Manifest 2026 Creative Director Sara-Beth Ramsey
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MEET THE ARTIST
Sara-Beth Ramsey
She/Her
Illustration Major | Film Minor, 2026
Each Manifest ShopColumbia works with the Manifest Creative Director to design a limited edition line of Manifest Merchandise. Learn more about Manifest 2026 Creative Director, Sara-Beth Ramsey and her inspiration for the designs.
What was your inspiration for the designs?
When the 2026 theme was initially announced, I crashed out, to put it lightly. I ran to Target, straight to the small 5 dollar section and bought a Kaleidoscope.
It was simple: a cardboard tube with mirrors, with its only function being to look through it and see pretty shapes and colors. I had been completely, and utterly, stumped. But, when I put it in the hands of my roommates, they all had something different to say. The painter talked about the colors’ contrast, the interpreter considered the shapes’ designs, and the cinematographer tore the thing apart just to figure out how it worked.
It was seeing all of these different creatives come together, each finding easily what about a Kaleidoscope most interested them, that led me to what Manifest meant to me. Columbia is this amazing culmination of all creative types coming together to create beautiful things, with Manifest as our showcase. But more than that, it’s our opportunity to connect with our peers and show each other what we’re made of, what we love, and what we each strive to accomplish. Manifest is how Columbia introduces itself to Columbia. I’m sure at Manifest people will meet their next great coloration, or their new favorite artist, and I know for sure that you’re gonna meet me!
So, I did everything in my power to ensure the design represented as many corners of Columbia’s community as possible. In every piece of the star, someone’s major makes its mark. A collision of dozens of practices, passions, and dreams that make up the creatives that make this school what it is.
Columbia Logo T-Shirt in Black, Design by Sara-Beth Ramsey - $25
How have you benefited from being the Manifest Creative Director and designing this year's Columbia Merch for Manifest?
Manifest has been a once in a lifetime opportunity to work essentially as an in-house designer and as a full-time student! It’s been the perfect way to transition from one stage of my career to another! Beyond that, I never thought I would get to see my work at this scale! I feel like I’m everywhere right now. Not only has it been so rewarding, it’s also helped me make so many connections! I’m so grateful to everyone I’ve met through this process!
Columbia Logo Crewneck in Sweet Cream Heather, Design by Sara-Beth Ramsey - $44
What are you most looking forward to during Manifest?
I’m so excited for the Columbia community to see what we’ve been working on for the past year! So much love, time, and care has gone into this year's Manifest to make it one to remember. I can’t wait to see how people react! On a much more personal level, I’m looking forward to the music! The line up this year is amazing and I’m gonna get my groove on. 
Columbia Logo Hooded Sweatshirt in Jet Black, Design by Sara-Beth Ramsey - $48
Give us an update on any recent projects/artistic life events; what's next for you?
I’m very excited to announce that I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to be doing after manifest. If I’ve learned anything at Columbia, and I like to think I’ve learned quite a bit, it’s that I’m capable of making absolutely anything I put my mind to. I have no idea what my next project is. It could be a comic, it could be a billboard, it could be a puppet, for all I know! But I'm so excited to find out!
Kaleidoscope Notebook (blank), Design by Sara-Beth Ramsey - $8
Manifest Lavender Embroidered Hat, Design by Sara-Beth Ramsey - $18
Sara-Beth Ramsey is a dedicated illustrator, filmmaker, and art director, born and raised in Cook County, Illinois. As the oldest of seven, she grew up in an unpredictable and boisterous environment. The relentless energy of her home life has fueled her playful art style, and her experience wrangling her family has honed her eye for intricate details. The people she has met while attending Columbia College Chicago have also shaped and expanded her creative perspective. Her motivation for creation is defined by the people around her. As she graduates and begins her career, she hopes to help others appreciate the colorful chaos of their lives through her art and
event-planning work.