USF graphic arts students work with clients to elevate their brand

By Cliff McBride, University Communications and Marketing

A senior research course is giving graphic arts students the opportunity to produce real-world design work for local clients.

This semester, students in the class collaborated with the USF College of Marine Science to design branding for the Tampa Bay Surveillance Project. The project combines skills and knowledge of the region's fishing captains with scientists from the University of South Florida and Eckerd College to investigate contaminants in local waterways for human and environmental health.

Students became immersed in the project's work, witnessing fish dissections and joining research expeditions to explore the marine environment. They used that knowledge to develop a brand identity that was applied to infographics, social media posts, brochures and even a website enhancement plan. Students then presented their work to the client, which for many was the first time doing such a presentation.

Last year, the class developed branding and design work for ALPHA House of Pinellas County, which provides a safe residence and supportive services to homeless pregnant women and babies.

"Since starting this course, we have been getting more and more requests for client work - from non-profits to for-profit business - that we are going to open a student-run design firm next fall to do more of these projects," said Jenny Yucus, associate professor of graphic design at USF St. Petersburg.