By Imani Young
As I stand on the threshold of opening a new chapter and closing another, I am filled with anticipation and excitement that I will be graduating from Tri-C in the spring of 2025. My education at Tri-C has been a comprehensive and all-inclusive launchpad that blends academic theory and critical thinking with real-world application.
Tri-C has given me two internship opportunities to not only understand and learn more about design, but how it translates to tailoring each message to the client’s needs or the desired audience. I’m learning during my journey that design is meant to convey a compelling message through visual storytelling and problem solving.
I’ve learned that promotional marketing is vital in attracting the attention of various stakeholders to come and speak at the event. With each project and course, I have learned the importance of being a contributor to society in a creative space.
My graphic studies and professors have taught me the foundations and mechanics to create a compelling message. George Kopec, assistant professor visual communication and design explained “the importance of placing text and image together to create a design that is well thought out and appeals to a certain style.”
“The crux of graphic design is methodically using text and image together while posing a solution to a problem that exists visually. That principle was also thoroughly explained by the word gestalt”. This is something so astounding to my peers and myself during our first few classes and has stuck with me.
Tri-C has also provided me with the opportunity to work with Engage Cleveland for my internship. Engage Cleveland’s main mission of interacting and engaging professionals from different pedigrees and backgrounds to introduce others who are working in Cleveland. Thanks to Tri-C, I am part of this organization that fosters community.
My engagement with Engage Cleveland has led me to be a part the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) which is a volunteer-led non-profit organization and diverse community of passionate creatives who are united by a shared belief in the power of design. One of my professors participates in AIGA Cleveland chapter and has asked me to help with designing some of their social media graphics, which I find to be amazing.
