From left (bottom row): Jessica Wilson, Chloe Woods, Sydney Bennett, Alexis Irvin; (top row): Carly Jochumsen, Miranda Pelicano, Elizabeth Pabst, Lucas Fauble and Kylie Woyat are ready to help with their design skills.

Practice makes perfect and senior graphic design majors at West Liberty University are ready to practice their skills and offer their talents to non-profit groups and startup companies in the Ohio Valley.

“This as an outreach to the community that we’ve offered in the past, helping organizations with limited budgets receive the services of our highly motivated, energetic, and creative students,” said James Haizlett, associate professor of art and communications. Haizlett coordinates the community service work.

Student Carly Jochumsen of St. Clairsville, Ohio, sees the community outreach as a chance to get real world experience.

“It’s amazing we have this chance to work with real clients, especially with professors like Mr. Haizlett helping us handle these situations and make sure we all get the best experience, student and client alike,” Jochumsen said.

For the past 15 years, WLU students have designed community projects including logos and identity systems, posters, brochures, billboards, book covers, presentations, signage and websites.

Haizlett is most interested in helping non-profit organizations and groups who do not have the funds to hire professional design services. The students form design “companies” and learn how to deal with clients on a professional level, setting budgets, timelines and following a design brief to completion.

“The experience is invaluable to the students because they learn how to deal with real world clients. In turn, organizations throughout the Ohio Valley receive excellent design work to help market their organizations,” he said.

“I love the idea of working for non-profit agencies that I want to see flourish. Whether it’s an animal rights campaign, mission work, or a simple startup business that needs help, I want to see businesses succeed and grow. I believe that begins with a brand and an identity that defines the organization,” said Chloe Woods of Weirton.

The program depends on local involvement and Professor Haizlett is asking that interested organizations contact him to receive an application via email at, jhaizlett@westliberty.edu. Project applications must be received by Sept. 5, 2014.

For more information on the graphic arts program, please visit the College of Arts and Communication webpage or contact Haizlett at 304-336-8077.