HSU Student Showcases Artistic Talent in Range Rider Magazine

Bonnie VanDer Schaaf poses with the Spring 2025 edition of the Range Rider. Bonnie created this year’s “Find the Difference” illustration.

Bonnie VanDer Schaaf ’27, a junior Bachelor of Fine Arts major with an Honors minor from Quitman, Texas, is making her mark as a published artist. Bonnie, a student worker in the university marketing office, created a feature illustration for Hardin-Simmons University’s Range Rider magazine for the most recent Spring 2025 issue.

Her “Find the Difference” illustration showcases her creativity and attention to detail. Bonnie began the piece by brainstorming ideas with pencil sketches on paper and sticky notes, initially considering incorporating the iconic Six White Horses or HSU’s beloved mascot, Gilbert. However, after exploring reference images, she pivoted to a composition that captured students’ everyday life on campus.

“I made Gilbert the centerpiece,” Bonnie explained, “then figured out which pictures I would use for the people around him—especially those who could have things added or subtracted from what they were wearing or holding to incorporate the ‘find the difference’ idea behind the illustration.”

Bonnie shared that the most challenging aspect of the project was selecting reference images that balanced the scene, aiming for a diverse representation of HSU students engaging in daily activities rather than focusing solely on recognizable organizations.

“I didn’t want everyone just walking to class or looking at their phone, so I included a mix of action and casual moments,” she shared. “Figuring out where each color went also took a bit of time and a lot of thought so that I would hopefully end up with a relatively balanced piece despite all of its asymmetry.”

Bonnie described her artistic style as highly detailed, often struggling to know when to stop adding elements. This project allowed her to embrace those details, using them to subtly conceal differences in the illustration. Her love for line work was another defining feature of the piece.

Illustration variations from Bonnie’s “Find the Difference” graphic.

Seeing her work in print was a thrilling moment for Bonnie.

“I was excited to have a more complex project with the freedom to design within a set of parameters—and to have it featured in a magazine!” she said.

As Bonnie looks toward the future, her career aspirations remain broad and creative. She has considered teaching art, coaching track and field, working as a professional painter specializing in murals or portraits, or even stepping into the graphic design field.

Throughout the project, Bonnie received valuable guidance from members of the HSU marketing team, Fernando Hernandez and Todd Clower, particularly in color differentiation and refining her final design.

HSU takes pride in providing students with hands-on experiences that translate into real-world opportunities. To view her illustration in the Spring 2025 issue, click here.