WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Sept. 5, 2018 — West Liberty University seniors in the Visual Communication Design major are once again outreaching to the community and offering their time and talent to assist non-profits.
“This is the 20thyear that we’ve put out the call to area non-profits and start-ups that are looking for a little bit of help in branding or web design. Our seniors benefit from the experience of working with real clients and these companies benefit by gaining design work that they could not otherwise afford,” explained Associate Professor of Art James Haizlett.
Everything from conceptualization to final product is included in the offer.
“West Liberty University design students have assisted hundreds of non-profits and startups with logos, posters, brochures, billboards, book covers, presentations, signage and websites. Many local businesses have benefitted over the years and it really means a lot to our seniors as they prepare to enter the professional world,” said Haizlett, who coordinates the program and teaches the senior design class.
Haizlett wants to help non-profit groups who do not have the funds to hire professional designers.
“It is totally free and the only cost to participants is for the actual production of the work, such as print materials, and website hosting. This project allows us to better teach students that they can use their talents to help the community and represent the very place that they live and work,” he said.
Seniors this year include Mimi Albon, Charles Town, W.Va.; Emily Artimez, Moundsville, W.Va.; Matthew Layton, Dallas, W.Va.; Shelby Moore, Martins Ferry, Ohio; and Isabella Pozell, Glen Dale, W.Va.
“It is surprising what our students come up with every fall — the variety of brand design is amazing. Nothing prepares our seniors better in becoming skilled visual problem solvers in a variety of ways than this class and we are grateful to the community for helping,” Haizlett added.
Professor Haizlett asks that interested organizations contact him to receive an application via email at jhaizlett@westliberty.edu as soon as possible since applications are now being reviewed and work will begin soon.