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Studio 208, a senior level graphic design studio class, will host an open house Friday evening featuring student work. Graphic design student Beth Kerrigan gives Lindsay Mansel feedback on her open house poster.

Studio 208 takes students to professional level

Year-long competitive class of ten students collaborates to make real graphic design products for professional clients

By: Makenna Bishop

Posted: 1/6/09

The graphic design program at OSU is recognized as being one of the most competitive design programs in the state.

The program has also gained recognition as one of the top undergraduate programs in the Northwest.

Students in the program with senior standing have the opportunity to apply for Studio 208, which is a fully-functional, student-run graphic design studio located in Fairbanks Hall.

Studio 208 is a year-long class with only ten students. The women outnumber the men in the studio seven to three.

In the spring of their junior year, students involved in the graphic design program can submit a portfolio with various pieces of work from previous classes. Students applying are also required to write a statement of intent where they describe what they think they can offer the Studio 208 class.

Beth Kerrigan, a senior in graphic design, said she decided to apply for the class because it was a great opportunity to challenge herself and gain real world experience while still in the comfort of the university setting.

"We meet twice a week for three hours at a time, but we always have access to the studio so there is almost always people in the studio hanging out and working," Kerrigan said. "We have a lot of fun together."

At the beginning of the year, the class is divided into two-person teams in order to learn and carry out the administrative side of the design process such as bookkeeping, technical support, promotions and supplies.

The students work with real clients in order to create a finished product for the client's professional use.

"At the start of each project, we meet with the client to go over the contract, fees, expectations and a timeline," said Caitlin O'Shea, a senior in Studio 208.

"The class is a great opportunity to gain experience with working with real clients in conjunction with collaboration with my peers."

At the start of a typical class, the students check in with Christine Gallagher, an adjunct assistant graphic design professor.

This is a time where students can ask questions, receive feedback and advice for current projects and discuss ideas and opinions of upcoming business with everyone in the class. The rest of the scheduled class time is reserved for work.

"Having a studio space away from the normal computer labs is really nice, especially not having to fight for a computer or spend all night in a basement," said Lindsay Nansel, a senior in the class.

Nansel said working with clients has taught her time management beyond her own schedule.

"It's interesting to experience (the client's) viewpoint because sometimes we get used to working in a close-knit group of designers who all "speak the language." It's good practice having to explain concepts and design in different ways," Nansel said.

According to Kerrigan, it is vital for a designer to be able to communicate and collaborate with other designers. She said being in Studio 208 and working with and around other designers has helped her strengthen her own process and work.

"We all know each other fairly well, so we are really familiar with the competition," Nansel said. "However, because we know each other, we do want everyone to succeed. But it can be a little nerve-wracking."

Collaborating with other designers, however, isn't always easy.

Students in Studio 208 have to learn ways to work through disagreements in many situations and projects.

"It's always a challenge working with everyone in a way that fits with the group and the particular project," Nansel said.

"It is also nice to have those same people and the same ultimate goal."

Studio 208 will hold an open house on Friday where students can go and check out the designers' current projects and learn more about the competitive graphic design program at OSU.

The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. in Fairbanks 208.

"We are all learning together, so there is a great support system. We have a ton of fun together, and a lot of the time, you forget that you're in a class," Kerrigan said.

Makenna Bishop, staff writer

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