Campus Currents

Extreme Makeover: Graphic Design Lab Edition

Graphic design students are getting a professional head start with a new reception area and remodeled graphic design lab that enable them to work with clients while building their portfolios. The remodel was the brainchild of 2004 graphic design graduates Mindy Botimer and Andrea Christiansen. Shane Hinshaw, assistant professor of graphics, designed the space in collaboration with his wife, Elaine, a designer and 1988 graduate.

“The number one inspiration on this project was that the students all submitted ideas,” says Elaine. The Hinshaws looked at all of the students’ plans, found the common themes, and created three 3-dimensional models for students to provide feedback on.

“We wanted something that would work efficiently for teaching, but would have a professional veneer and some amount of privacy,” says Shane. The space will allow students doing freelance work to meet with their clients for project consultations in an area that closely mirrors a professional work environment, he says.

When the entire project is complete it will include a library area for professional journals, and an area dedicated to materials such as work samples and design trends. The remodel also includes new paint, carpet, lighting, workstations, and architectural details such as soffits and non-structural columns. There will also eventually be walls separating the computer area from the production area.

“Student reactions have been outstanding,” says Linda Nelson, chair of the Technology Department, “They love it. There is a greater sense of respect for the environment, and a stronger camaraderie, because they have this special place now.”

Major funding came from an anonymous alumnus who will also build the workstations for the computers. Awareness for the project and additional funds were raised by Botimer and Christiansen, along with other members of the graphic design club, Design In Style Today Always (dista). W

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