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Graphic Design

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  • ItemOpen Access
    Sydnie Scruggs: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Scruggs, Sydnie, artist
    The artist's statement: I am a graphic design artist who works primarily with digital media and occasional printing/packaging design. While many of my class projects have had little creative restrictions, I also work strongly within set rules and guidelines of branding and marketing projects. I take special interest in branding identity and typographic work, which includes advertising and communication in posters, catalogs, pamphlets, and social media content. My recent work in my upper division classes shows my ability to produce clean and finished designs that meet deadlines, as well as show my proficiency in digital applications such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Procreate. To me, my work is a way to solve design problems in a creative and visually pleasing way for a specific audience. My process includes an initial client meeting, plenty of thumbnail sketches, and finally, bringing the design into the digital landscape to further refine. These projects not only represent the brand or solution I work towards, but also my style as a designer in the creative field. Looking at each completed project inspires me to expand my experience further by learning from both my peers and clients. I’m currently working towards experimenting with new forms of analog and digital media to diversify my portfolio and design work.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Emily Pfanstiel: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Pfanstiel, Emily, artist
    The artist's statement: I am inspired by storytelling, craftsmanship, and history. My designs often work with these three features, guiding the viewer through complex and often unknown stories in history. My approach to design includes vibrant color palettes, hand-drawn illustrations, and attention to detail in my subject matter. I work this way to embrace a passionate approach to design, mixing digital media and traditional style to make thoughtfully crafted designs.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Grace Williams: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Williams, Grace, artist
    The artist's statement: As a graphic designer Grace Williams tries to promote change and awareness in her work. Her work is made to stimulate a change in the way people think. To either bring awareness about a specific issue or bring people together to create change in our world. Grace believes that she can use her work in a positive way to help better the world. The mediums used to create Grace's work are mostly digital. She uses a verity of adobe programs, along with an app called procreate. However, there is also a wide verity of mixed mediums, media, and materials used to create her work. In her work she has used many different analogue drawing mediums, fabrics, many different papers, and surfaces. There is no limit to what a project could need. The process of making her work is thorough and efficient. She first starts with an inquiry about the project. She uses this first step to gather information, requirements, and restrictions about the project. This goes for both personal projects and client-based projects. After the guides are set, she can begin her research and start sketching out the preliminary ideas. Then a first render of the project is made. This first render is the first look at what the project could become. There are usually a few options to choose from as well. Grace then runs a Q & A with the client or other colleagues to ask what is working, what's not, and what design is the most successful. This process of creation and following check points are the meat of what makes her work successful. After these initial first steps the project is fulling underway. The process in short repeats these steps as many times as need throughout the different paths of the project. Every project is different and will require a different way of working each time. This procedure was designed to be flexible and can repeat or shuffle to the needs of the individual project. Grace has worked on many different types and styles of projects in her studies. She has designed a layout for a magazine, illustrated a children's book, designed a brand from scratch, and much more. However, throughout her work there are similar inspirations and themes. These inspirations come from nature, history, and current issues. Nature has a chaotic systematic order for life that she can use as blueprint to create. History holds lessons that she can learn from and use in her work. While the current issues of the world provide her with a compass in which to guide her morals and subject matter. This inspiration comes from her own life experiences and what she holds most important to her. Each of these topics builds the backbone of why Grace became an artist. Grace's work is a representation of the world as she sees it and how she sees it could be. She sees her work as an avenue for people to come together. This avenue then being a stimulus for change. She wants to show the world through her work how life could be and how life is. Through her work she wants to represent a better world for everyone. She wants her work to give voice to those that have none, rally the people together, and show people the reality of our world.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Jackson Fojut: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Fojut, Jackson, artist
    The artist's statement: As a designer, my role and designs should go beyond just function and visual aesthetics but to create lasting impressions. I see and use design as a communicative tool with the ability to inspire people and elicit innovation. As such, process, progress, and creativity are key ideas in my work. I want to be able to go beyond just making "pretty pictures" but to go further and create pieces that can convey important and deeper messages to a greater audience. And be it through brand identity, illustration, photoshop, indesign, or other creative outputs I want people to learn and understand the important and amazing work people are doing today and inspire others to go out and create. For me, people and design go hand-in-hand. Where without an audience design doesn’t have a platform to speak to, and without design, or another artistic practice, people won’t get that creative uplift to enact change. Design is all around us, from our vehicles, devices, and the buildings we occupy design is a both subtle and outwardly driving force in society. And as graphic designers, we play a vital role in society through the visual experiences and languages we create, participating in a ripple effect that shapes our culture and the digital language we communicate in. This mode of thinking was largely influenced from my parents and greatly influences the work I make today. Both therapists by trade, they've dedicated their lives to encouraging and improving the wellbeing of others, whether it be through their professional practice, volunteering, or small gestures of kindness. Additionally, they've instilled in me a mindset of being dedicated, motivated, and the idea of if you're going to do, then do it right. I've adopted this mindset, both in my personal life and design work, seeking to create pieces that can spur on conversations and spark creative thinking. My process usually begins with multiple sketches on paper, at least 10, playing around with different ideas in form, color, and other elements, spewing if you will any idea I can think of onto paper. Finally after narrowing down which sketches/ideas are working best I'll transfer them digitally and begin the process of making sure the message I'm relaying is coming through properly. This step takes the longest as new ideas and attention to detail are constantly being revised and corrected. Lastly, I'll ask people about my design, getting input on what they think from an outside perspective is crucial to making sure everything is working conjunction, of course after a few more revisions.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Jenna Broomhead: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Broomhead, Jenna, artist
    The artist's statement: In my work, I delve into the interplay between patterns and representational images, aiming to create visually striking and lively scenes through the use of strong colors and repetition. I juxtapose bold colors with softer, more subdued hues to achieve a balanced and harmonious composition. My ultimate goal is to elicit powerful emotional responses from the viewer by employing simple shapes to express complex ideas and emotions and limiting my color palette to highlight the narrative of my work. I often incorporate patterns or abstract concepts to communicate a range of ideas and messages, working closely with clients to refine their vision and create thoughtful and evocative pieces.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Tanner Holbrook: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Holbrook, Tanner, artist
    The artist's statement: My work tends to emphasize illustration, as I am majoring in graphic design and drawing, and like to utilize my skill sets from both disciplines whenever possible. I am a huge appreciator of hand drawn work, and almost always draw things on paper before transferring them to a digital context. I typically prefer to use bold lines, colors, typefaces, etc. in the work that I do, as I want the things that I make to stand out in visually crowded environments. My work is heavily influenced by the urban environment, as I spend quite a bit of time exploring it by myself to find places to skateboard. I am fascinated by the idea of my work existing within the urban environment, whether it be on a t-shirt, a wall, a sticker on a post, or just about anything else that could potentially be seen on a walk through an urban area. My practice usually gravitates towards the use of a Sharpie when sketching and generating ideas. I believe a tool without an eraser is more conducive to the flow of ideas, as it eliminates the possibility of getting too focused on fixing small mistakes that can be fixed at a later point in my process. Once I have an idea that I am happy with I take it into a digital context, where I can refine it into a finished product.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Maddie Christian: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Christian, Maddie, artist
    The artist's statement: Both my design and art practices are inspired by the little things: moss, shadows and light, mold, the microscopic, cracks in a sidewalk, etc. While my art usually draws specifically on natural imagery and experimentation with abstraction, in design, this manifests as an interest in pattern, collage, attention to fine detail, and exploration of stark positive and negative space. Constantly growing in my artistic practice, I apply a wide spectrum of experience and techniques to design. In my work, digital processes are extensions of physical mediums. Process proofs from my film photography work were useful in collage elements for a vinyl packaging design, while a lithograph layer became the base for a book cover. Most recently, my workflow includes creating digital designs, replicating them as paper cutouts, and scanning the physical copy back into Photoshop and Illustrator to achieve a real tangible quality. Medium supports the validity of a design choice by adding an additional layer of meaning, which I embrace often in my work. I bridge multiple processes, creating a conversation between mediums and translating artistic practices into communicable designs, through poster, editorial, and illustrative design.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Carlos Torres Anariba: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Torres Anariba, Carlos, artist
    The artist's statement: My name is Carlos Torres; a graphic designer, I am driven by a passion for transforming ideas into visually compelling narratives. My creative journey is guided by a commitment to seamless communication through design, where every element serves a purpose in conveying the intended message. I believe that design is not just about aesthetics but is a powerful tool for shaping perceptions and fostering connections. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of visual hierarchy, I strive to create designs that not only captivate the audience but also guide them through a meaningful visual experience. Whether it's branding, print materials, or digital assets, my goal is to craft designs that resonate, leaving a lasting impression and contributing to a visual language that transcends the ordinary. In my practice, I find inspiration in the intersection of art and functionality, blending creativity with strategic thinking. Each project is an opportunity to explore new concepts, experiment with diverse design elements, and ultimately deliver solutions that exceed expectations. I am dedicated to staying abreast of evolving design trends and technologies, ensuring that my work remains innovative and relevant in an ever-changing visual landscape. Through my commitment to excellence and a holistic approach to design, I aim to not only meet the client's objectives but also to elevate their brand and message through the impactful use of visual storytelling.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Liam Pollenz: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Pierce, Liam, artist
    The artist's statement: My work as a graphic designer is a continuous journey of creativity and innovation. I strive to create captivating and visually striking designs that not only meet project requirements but also leave a lasting impression. Whether it's a personal project or a client's vision, my goal is to push the boundaries of design, seeking fresh perspectives, and exploring new techniques. My commitment is to crafting visually engaging and meaningful experiences through my work. I look forward to every opportunity that allows me to bring ideas to life through design. Every project is a fresh opportunity to create new work that challenges me to learn and expand my skill set. I look forward to future possibilities that lie ahead. Design has become valuable to my life and pushes me to become more creative in many aspects. It's important to be creative and I am always eager to bring my ideas to life, making a mark on the world.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Jackson Pierce: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Pierce, Jackson, artist
    The artist's statement: As a Graphic Designer, my goal is to design something that stands out and pleases everyone involved in the project, including myself. This brings up the question of what I am looking for in a project personally. I prefer minimalist designs that are straight to the point, yet avoiding crossing the line between simple and bland. I am not shy to utilize color to my potential, and a lot of that inspiration comes from contemporary art as well as art in the psychedelic scene. All of my work is done digitally, I am experienced in Adobe products such as Photoshop and Illustrator, and I am also proficient in video editing software such as Premiere Pro and After Effects. These tools are necessary for creating, but one of the most important things that I have learned in this field of study is that the creative mind is far preferred over knowledge of the digital tool, and I aim to prove my creative mind through my work. With most projects being collaborative, communication is another major factor in the design field, not just technical skill and creative ability. I aim to gather ideas from my clients and hope to reach a finished product that meets all of the requirements and beyond, and the only way to reach that goal is through communication. I am constantly learning how to be a better designer by communicating effectively, utilizing my creativity and research with my technical skills that will be represented in my work.
  • ItemOpen Access
    RayAnn Garcia: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Garcia, RayAnn, artist
    The artist's statement: I always find it a bit typical when people say, "I was born to do this," yet, I never felt more inclined to proclaim this statement then within my present situations. I feel that I was born to be an artist, a designer, a sister, a friend, a daughter, a student, and this list is constantly evolving and growing. I am passionate about who I am and who I aim to be. As a designer I am able to be expressive, compassionate, and providing. From a young age, I always found a purpose and love for the arts, and after taking my first multimedia technology course, the artistic passion within me grew, I became a sponge to the digital design world, soaking in everything that felt like I was merely blinded by from before. I was born to be a graphic designer, I found purpose and passion within the digital world of arts. Everything my eyes presently consume, I am called to attention by its design, justifications, typefaces, the color palettes, alignments, its identity and aesthetic, and the overall presence it contributes to the visual world. As a graphic designer, I am a perfectionist and an intentionalist. Everything I produce is built upon the proposition of intentional and meaningful characteristics, a quality standard, and innovative perspectives. My strengths are typographic formulations and brand identities. I am fascinated with package design and how products interact with its graphic design counterparts. Creating a brand package that includes identity, logo explorations, color schemes, typography, social media toolkits, and product packaging is what I identify as my deepest passion. Design is not a cosmetic addition, rather, it is an essential to survival. There will always be a need and appreciation for good design, and I strive to fulfill that need.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Sophia Tangora: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Tangora, Sophia, artist
    The artist's statement: My name is Sophia Tangora. I am inspired by my travel experiences, ancient mythology, and the adjective 'slime'. As a graphic design major, I am expected to strive to be the best at the traditional design softwares. Unlike Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Procreate stands out as a dynamic and intuitive platform that seamlessly integrates power with accessibility. As an artist navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital creativity, I have found a transformative ally in Procreate. Procreate's fluidity is a revelation, empowering me to channel my artistic impulses with unparalleled spontaneity. Its natural brush engine mimics traditional mediums, fostering an organic connection between imagination and creation. The user-friendly interface liberates my creative process, enabling me to explore without constraint. Although the traditional Adobe design software can be helpful in creating the smooth images I would like to have for some of my projects, with the limited resources for specific mockups, I like to use Procreate so that I may design what I had in mind, with no limitations.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Peyton Anderson: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Anderson, Peyton, artist
    The artist's statement: Many of us are asked what we want to do when we grow up. I thought about how I want to help people be happy. If I make someone's day a little better through what I do, I am successful. My clients happiness is especially important, for it will further reflect to their audience. Design allows me to anchor in these core values. I strive to create works that balance a fun subject with sophisticated, clean designs, or a serious subject with animated, organized imagery. Colors are one of my most reliable assets for hooking the audience and upholding the mood of the piece. I often add a clever element to my works, whether it be subject, font, or a tagline to be a feature that lighten the composition. A picture is worth a thousand words, while a thousand words can paint a picture, so I often begin taking note of an idea in sketch or letter form. From there the idea is brought to a digital arena; Adobe Creative Suite. I intermingle several programs to achieve optimal results. After review, I translate the feedback into the original design to best suit the vision of the client. Through pleasing them, I establish more confidence in my practice.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Jiuchen Dong: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Dong, Jiuchen, artist
    The artist's statement: My works are expressions of myself as a human being, drawing positive inspiration from the world and my daily life. As an emerging artist, my brand encompasses a fusion of bright and bold colors, typography, sleek textures, and modern design elements to engage and captivate audiences of all age groups and cultural backgrounds. These elements are my passions and sources of inspiration. My goal is to create art that is not only enjoyable but also reflective of a deeper, more meaningful aspect of life. Every day, I strive to expand on my own visions and share them lovingly with the world.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Chloe Leline: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Leline, Chloe artist
    The artist's statement: I grew up hearing people tell my mother "You've got a great eye" as they would walk through whatever space was currently our home. I grew up seeing my dad draw on the back of the receipt at every restaurant we'd go to. As time passed I saw myself in them. Doodling on my math tests and helping my friends hang posters and paintings up in their room because they liked the way I worked with the layout. Now I'm a graphic designer. I used to feel like I couldn't call myself an artist because there's not one solid theme in my artwork or one specific style that shines through in my design. What I once saw as a weakness, I realize now is what makes me good at my craft. I am able to mold myself and my art to fit the job that needs to be done. One of my professors once told me "Everything you make is your style of art because you are the one that made it. " One thing that stays true to each project I do is my process. Even if the work I'm doing will result in a digital product, I always start with pen to paper. I like to treat my sketchbook as a scrapbook, filling it with bits and pieces of anything and everything, glued and taped in alongside my sketches to bring the whole thing to life. That's how I like to work, and now I understand that the process holds just as much artistry as the designs that result from it. I wasn't one of those people who always knew what they wanted to be when they grew up, it changed often, jumping from chef to fashion designer. Still, all of my interests have revolved around the act of creation. Even though graphic design can be more technical, there's still creative freedom to it. I believe that the key to a good designer is to be able to find a balance between them. If I'm not pushing myself and growing as a designer with each chance I get, I'm doing it wrong.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Karinganire Umutesi: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Umutesi, Karinganire, artist
    The artist's statement: My name is Karinganire Umutesi, but I go by Umutesi. Growing up, I have always been interested in storytelling and business. I am a graphic designer, an illustrator, and a storyteller, and an entrepreneur who's also passionate about African Cultures. Growing up, I always found myself buying hundreds of sketchbooks and exploring my surroundings through drawing and illustration. What I love about Graphic Design is the power you get from it, for design can communicate to a large mass even if there are cultural, linguistic, or geographic differences. My goal is to use design as a gateway for people without a voice, to show their stories and their truth.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Brian Raftery: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Raftery, Brian, artist
    The artist's statement: My design practice revolves around finding fresh unique ways to communicate, whether it be through experimental typographic placements or combining very different mediums within my compositions. My favorite part about the design process is the ability to work from a basic set of rules and then bend those rules in order to creatively express oneself. In my practice, I insure that there is a personal touch seen in my work that you wouldn't see in anyone elses work. While many people can create work that "does the job," I put in the effort to create work that stands out among the rest. With the experience I have had working with clients, I have put in the effort to exceed the set expectations. Having extensive knowledge of the Adobe Suite, especially Photoshop, has allowed me to be able to succeed when working in professional and non-professional environments. Taking time to properly research and brainstorm before diving into any programs is an important part of my process as well. Being able to show potential clients the effort I put into making sure that the designs I create are the best they can be at representing them is something I take pride in. Outside of professional environments, I create work that relates to causes I care about. I have designed multiple posters, as well as a full mock-exhibition, touching on LGBTQ+ topics. As a queer designer, these works mean a lot to me personally. Not only do I learn new techniques and build on my skill set, I get to work on something that I'm truly passionate about. These are the works that I believe best represent my design practice, as they are the perfect display of my current skill set and well as the type of work I like to create aesthetically.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Olivia Klein: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Klein, Olivia, artist
    The artist's statement: My name is Olivia and I am a graphic designer. I have been interested in art my entire life. The artwork that I create does not seem like a job or an assignment because it is something that I love to do. For the graphics that I create I normally use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I have recently been using Procreate on my iPad more and more. Since I have realized I want to go into sports graphics, I got an internship within the athletic department here at Colorado State. I love the internship because it is not just for one specific team on campus, it is for all of them. Doing graphics for different teams means every time I go into the office, it is a different thing every day. This also gives me the opportunity to work on different things and use different styles. I have created social graphics, a t-shirt design as well as ticket designs. While working at this internship, I also get to create for many different people and work with different people in different departments. The designs I create represent pride for the different sports teams on campus as well as pride in myself and my art style. The graphics and illustrations I make mean so much to me when I see them being posted, used or worn. It is something that is so surreal to see that I am so proud of myself every time I see them. Seeing them also just makes me that much more motivated to keep doing what I want and I will get to where I want to go.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Parker Albin: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Albin, Parker, artist
    The artist's statement: I am a communicator, problem-solver, storytelling graphic designer based in Northern Colorado. My work primarily focuses on corporate branding, concentrating on sports. From designing with CSU Athletics for three years, I have been able to take on sports marketing projects, social media content, and environmental designs in Canvas Stadium. Alongside this, I've worked for Colorado State's Rec Center as a graphic designer within the MacComm team. I've been able to elevate the Rec's brand through stickers, posters, facility signage, digital screens, and apparel material all while staying within Colorado State University's brand guidelines. My mission is to give athletes a platform, tell their stories, and contribute to the love of the game. I'm able to do so through the Adobe Creative Suite programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Premier Pro. I've been inspired by real-world textures and materials when designing a brand for a sport. For example, I led CSU Women's Basketball brand this season and was inspired by hardwood floor textures and retro typographic treatments. I've been able to incorporate these assets and concentrate on overall "corporate" branding. Throughout my work, I emphasize the importance of telling stories in sport through design while providing teams or athletes a visual branding identity.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Rongxian Xu: capstone
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Xu, Rongxian, artist
    The artist's statement: As a graphic designer, I am inspired by the events that occur in our lives and the impact they have on us. My work focuses on creating designs that capture the essence of these events and bring them to life. Through my designs, I aim to convey the emotions and messages of these events in a visually compelling way that resonates with the viewer. Whether it is a social movement, a political movement or a cultural phenomenon, my designs seek to highlight the importance of these events and encourage people to engage with them. I believe that design has the power to shape how people view the world around them, and I strive to harness this power to create designs that inspire, inform and entertain. As a graphic designer, my passion for storytelling and desire to create designs that change people's lives drives my work. I am excited to continue exploring new ways to bring what happens in our lives to the forefront of our concerns through design.