An award-winning designer

A native of Athens, Alabama, Ryan Murphy first developed his interest in art as a kid, always drawing on things wherever he went. As a high school student he enrolled in art classes as well as a drafting course. After graduating, he studied architecture for two years at Mississippi State University where he developed his drawing abilities, problem solving skills, model construction techniques as well as generating 2 and 3d computer designs that would serve him well in his design career. Murphy later transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he graduated at the top of his design class with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Photography with a minor in Art History.

A well-rounded designer and photographer, Murphy was awarded the Senior Scholarship by the UAB Department of Art and Art History, based on his submission of a strong portfolio to the Faculty Review Board. His work was displayed at UAB's Visual Arts Gallery, and later garnered three Addy Awards from the Birmingham Advertising Federation. His photographic work has also been shown at the Birmingham Art Association's gallery as part of the "artistic i" competition sponsored by the professional chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA).

Throughout his years at UAB, Murphy not only maintained a high grade point average, but also played an active role on campus as president of the student chapter of AIGA. Under his leadership, the chapter undertook a series of successful events including tours of design studios, advertising agencies, and professional printers, as well as out-of-town trips to regional design centers.

Since joining Hodges & Associates in 2004, Murphy has created print and Web designs, 3D signage, and handled photography assignments for such clients as Alluriam Stone, Birmingham Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-Birmingham), Bradley Arant Rose & White LLP, Confederate Motorcycles, Daniel Corporation, Davis Architects,Inc., McWane, Inc. and Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW). The Birmingham Advertising Federation has also recognized his professional work in 2007. He currently serves as a board member of the Birmingham chapter of AIGA offering assistance in print and Web campaigns.