After countless hours of demanding work, thinking creatively, and using their design skills, Graphic Design students at the Whitewater Career Center did their final presentation this month on their News Examiner re-brand project.
Students presented their ideas through a PowerPoint presentation, designed marketing pieces such as business cards, letterheads, envelopes, t-shirts, and more, to show what the new News Examiner logo could look like.
Graphic Designs Instructor Kyle Pryor said her students had a great time doing the projects even through the challenges.
“I am thrilled that our surrounding communities are willing to take a chance on my students, especially the News Examiner. With each client project we’ve completed, the clients (News Examiner) are impressed with the quality of work, attention to detail, dedication, and professionalism these students strive for in completing a project like this,” Pryor said. “I’ve heard others say that this generation is different from the older generations in terms of work ethic, quality of work and passion, but I think WCC students, not just my designers, continue to prove that they are more than capable. They are innovative, creative, problem-solvers that when given the opportunity and guidance they shine.”
Designing a new logo and working on a project this large is quite a task for the students but they delivered their presentations well and many were pleased with their final product.
Pryor said her students have expressed that this project pushed them outside of their comfort-zone more than what they are used to.
“It was a lengthy process that involved research, sketching, critiques, that led to the final brand development. Students not only had to create a clever design but develop a branding manual and create a sales pitch presentation that would convince the client to choose their design. Even though one will be the winner, each of them have developed not only a great portfolio piece, but they have learned valuable lessons throughout this process. A project like this has provided an insight to life as a designer but has provided other skills that they can take with them on any career path.”
When students were told that this was going to be their project, some were excited and others shocked.
“I was honestly shocked that they were changing their logo, but thought it was a great opportunity,” student Avery D said.
Dustin K said, “I was excited to start a new project and get to present to a client that represents the community.”
While it was a trying project, after the presentation, students were relieved to have it finished but felt well with how they did.
“I feel very fortunate that I had this experience. I got to learn more about my community and try new things that I don’t think a typical high school class would get to do,” student Elixir W. Said.
For Esther G, she was glad to get the experience and prep for the future.
“I enjoyed the experience and now I feel like I have a better understanding of what I will be going into for my future job.”
News Examiner Editor Kate Thurston was extremely pleased with the effort the students put forth to complete the project.
“I thought the students did very well with creating new logos and designing something that was simple but eye-catching. The first time we saw the designs we were able to do a critique and let students know what we liked and what we didn’t like. We helped guide them on what improvements to make and let them get creative and move forward. This month they did their final presentations and many students dressed for the part, were professional about their presentation. You could tell they had worked hard on preparing for the presentation by going through it many times and some worked on their public speaking. I asked many students if they were nervous and all replied, yes,” Thurston said. “I simply told them to relax and there was nothing to be nervous about, be excited. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to highlight their work and have a chance to have their new logo be the face of the News Examiner.”
Thurston and her staff will be sorting through the top logos and going over them with the layout and design team who puts the paper together. Once she gets the green light that certain designs will work, the community will have a chance to vote on their favorite logo online.
“Once we get to the last step, I will put the logos online and allow a week for people to pick their favorite logo/design. I think it is vital that the community plays a role in this. While I am editor, this is also the community’s newspaper. I want them to choose what they would like to see when they get their daily paper and also recognize the students’ hard work that was put into the new design. I think everyone will be surprised with the talent these students have and will have a tough time choosing their favorite logo.”
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