"We DID That" Senior Showcase
University of North Texas ComDes Class of 2024
University of North Texas ComDes Class of 2024
The show centers around highlighting each individual's achievements and skills while coming together to create a larger picture of inspiring design. The project scope included branding, exhibition design, layout design, and installation. The 2024 Senior Showcase is the highest attended College of Visual Arts and Design exhibition totaling 350 attendees on the day of the event.
As project leader, I was the point of contact between students and professors, I created the project schedule, assigned tasks to group members, created the show branding, upheld deadlines, and ensured tasks were complete.
As project leader, I was the point of contact between students and professors, I created the project schedule, assigned tasks to group members, created the show branding, upheld deadlines, and ensured tasks were complete.
Senior Studio, Spring 2024
Teammates: Macy Belton, Ella Goldsmith, Max Pius, Craig Smith & Emily Tran
May–August 2024, College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas
Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop
May–August 2024, College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas
Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop
Research
The initial concept focused on how each individual designer could claim their own specific skill or talent. Some students had a passion for illustration whereas others were more at home designing typography or creating animations. The visual identity reflects this culmination of talent through wide, vibrant colors, textures, and shapes.
First concept. Focus on creating a "word bank" to represent students
Branding moodboard
All students in the Communication Design cohort were surveyed for a majority vote on the final showcase direction. The survey measured interest on a one-to-five scale (one being not interested and five being very interested). A total of 46 students responded with "We DID That" holding the majority.
Branding & Exhibition
Branding solidified quickly so all focus could be on designing the main display wall in the gallery space. Considering an interactive aspect, the final wall included 3D elements as well as a signature wall and photo opportunity.
The project templates were designed to accommodate 40 students to fit on 966 inches of of wall space. Since individuality was a strong point of the show, each student chose one of six project template options based on what best accentuated their work, and they could customize the template to fit their projects.
Marketing & Communication
The showcase was marketed through many different channels over the course of three weeks. Students and professors involved in the show received email graphics with the event information as well as invitations to forward to family and friends. Brief "behind-the-scenes" videos were shared on the official cohort's Instagram to promote the event to younger students, alumni, and the general public.
Student & Professor Email Graphic
Instagram Post
Family & Friends Invitation
To inform students and professors about photo and project calls, branded email graphics presented clear and concise information on what and how to send files to the design team.
Takeaways
Creating items that students, parents, and professors could have to commemorate the event were a large focus of the design team. By designing a zine-style yearbook featuring an introduction to the show, a thank-you to the professors, a signature page, and a full poster this allowed for students to have a display piece as well as memorabilia. In addition, tote bags and stickers were given to each senior and professor to display their success day-to-day.
Poster
Inner Yearbook Pages
At the showcase, selected students across all classifications receive scholarship awards for their hard work in the program. The award is designed and branded to match the rest of the show.
