This project was completed as part of my duties as Student Graphic Designer for Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University.

All Barrett events are promoted through the following deliverables:

-Four Winds screen slide (TV or desktop)

-Instagram post

-Instagram story

-Printed flyer

In order to stay within the bounds of the ASU Barrett branding guide, all deliverables must include:

-the Barrett logo

-all text in Barrett's approved typeface, Neue Haas Grotesk

-the Pillars of Engagement applicable to the event

-ASU approved colors must be present in at least 75% of the graphic (primary, secondary, and tertiary ASU brand colors)

My process for my Barrett designs all follow a similar path.

After reading the design brief and understanding what the event is about, I search online for visuals or graphics that could work with the theme of the event. I typically find my images and illustrations from Adobe Stock, Unsplash, or Pexels.

I then take my chosen image(s) into Adobe Illustrator, where I have a file template for each of the deliverables and their dimensions. I conceptualize some possilbe arrangements of image, event title, and text either within the file itself or on sketch paper.

After finding an ideal arrangement of the key elements of the design, I then add in the smaller details, such as color changes, the Barrett logo, the Pillars of Engagement, and the registration code (if applicable).

Finally, I fine-tune as necessary and make any changes the lead designer for Barrett suggests.

Finding the right image for the background was the most difficult part of this project. The client requested an image-based design, with the feeling of professionalism that this event calls for. Since this networking event is about law alumni, I knew that I wanted to incorporate an image that looked scholarly and fitting of the theme.

There were many free images of Lady Justice online, which narrowed down the subject of the image for me. However, not many of them worked as a background image for text, or fit well within the different dimensions of my delivarables. It took many trial-and-error efforts to find the image I landed on for the final version.

The final image in my deliverables was perfect. After some minor tweaks in Photoshop (blurring the background, lightening the image), I was able to place all of my text and logos in a way that is both legible and eye-catching. Mission accomplished!

Working for Barrett as a Student Graphic Designer this semester has taught me so much about cross-media design.

I have learned how to translate a design idea into multiple arrangements for different deliverables and use cases, while maintaining a seamless look across all forms of media.

I have also gained an understanding of the value of a brand guide. All of the designs I have made for Barrett truly represent Barrett as a brand, even with the creative liberties taken to make each project stand apart from the rest.

As a student designer, I take on about three Barrett projects per week. This high demand for deliverables has forced me to find ways to stay inspired, even when I am struggling to produce original designs so often. I have found that Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram have all been valuable resources to collect design ideas and inspirations.

I feel that I have grown the most as a designer in this semester of college, as this job has given me the opportunity to create high volumes of work on a consistent basis. This gave me the practice and experience I need to start out in the professional world after graduation, for which I am forever grateful!

Designs created in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Mockups created in Figma with the Artboard Studio Mockups plugin.

Lady Justice image from Adobe Stock.