Stop 2 | University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

The University of Wyoming is known for its research-­rich heritage and attracts 13,000 students from all 50 states and 94 countries to its campus in Laramie. When their design students heard about the Road Show stop in Durango, they asked if AIGA CO if their campus could be the next stop. So, as any good #roadwarrior would, I decided to “go for the gold” and hit the road to meet the students of our newest group, the UWyo AIGA Student Group.

The day started with a discussion on Personal Brand + Portfolio with a small group of graduating Graphic Design seniors who were excited but nervous to be graduating. We shared ideas on how a designer should present themselves, how to elevate their personal brand through creative community, networking, mentorship, and internships. It was awesome to spend some time with such a focused group of thinkers who have a lot of creative ideas on how to pursue their passions.

Two of the seniors have taken on the challenge of building an internship between the Visual Arts department and the Shell 3­D Visualization Center and are creating some pretty amazing collaborative products with the other programs involved with the University’s Energy Innovation Center. The University of Wyoming is recognized as one of the leading public research universities in the country and I was amazed to see how they have integrated their design thinkers into the research process. Its impact is already felt around the campus with two of the newest facilities being dedicated to the Visual Arts.

My afternoon was inspiring as I lead a workshop with students studying typography where we brought more designer-like verbs to life. Once we wrapped up the workshop, the students volunteered to help me set up for a screening of Sign Painters that AIGA Colorado sponsored for free for the students, faculty, and community to enjoy in the Visual Arts building.

After a long day of meeting some pretty amazing budding designers, I said goodbye to Laramie and the University of Wyoming campus to drive the 130 miles home to Denver. It was bittersweet in that I was bummed to say “see you later” to these magical students but I couldn’t wait to get back and share all that I learned from the UWyo AIGA Student Group.

Soon the UWyo group will be heading to Denver to present their work at The Review this April. Fair warning to the design students on the Front Range: These students want it bad and they plan to show up in numbers!

Thank you to Peter Fine and the UWyo AIGA Student Group. It was awesome to kick it with you for a day, can’t wait to host you in Denver soon!