As the first Open Studios event for MiraCosta’s Media Arts & Technology Department, the primary goals were to inform audiences about the program’s creative and career opportunities, advertise the simultaneous opening of the MAT department building, and celebrate student success through event displays.
My design aimed to target MiraCosta’s college community and prospective students by emanating a bright, welcoming atmosphere that excites viewers and inspires curiosity in those who don’t know what graphic design is or how it serves them in the greater environment. I used geometric shapes, rounded typography, and a bright, summery color palette to draw attention and present graphic design in its most minimalist form constructed from point, lines, and planes.
Three icons were created to represent the three sub-departments of Media Arts & Technologies: the square, for Web Design & Development; the circle, for Graphic Design; and the triangle, for Animation & Video.
By using these elements, my intent was to capture the passing viewer’s attention and spark curiosity to investigate the department and Open Studios event. The free merchandise available at the event would then serve as advertising for future renditions and inspire positive feelings about graphic design, the department, and potential career options.
Ultimately, I wanted to inspire the same emotions that graphic design has offered me: excitement, joy, curiosity, creativity, and optimism for the future. This was my first attempt at branding an event from start to finish, and a lesson in creating my own guidelines and learning how to navigate within them. The branding guide served as both my biggest challenge and the most gratifying: though I opted for a non-traditional guide layout, seeing months of work laid out before me felt like a major accomplishment in my design journey.
