It is not just a portfolio exhibition. It is a display of students' comprehension and application of graphic design within marketing principles.
- Professional Practices challenges each student with aspects of design, communication, copywriting, packaging, and social media strategy to understand and grow his/her/their own brand.
- They do this from the first project of a brand positioning statement, through visual identity development including resumés and cover letters, and all the way through to a functioning website, social media plans, and other self-promotion.
- Students also learn how to network and find jobs in the field. Creating comprehensive "Job Hunt Journals", lectures about interviewing and professional communication, and tours of Memphis shops have all prepared students how to apply the theories discussed in the class.
- Beginning in 2018, students create comprehensive business plans and financial forms like estimates and invoices. This is in addition to learning about taxes and how to begin (and stay in) business. These skills are important because some students will want to be completely self-employed and others who will work for a larger company should always have a side hustle.
- Prof. Leslie Parker began a new elective course called Design Entrepreneurship in 2020. In this class, each student develops a side business and sells work at a Pop-Up Shop in town. This adds even more experience with profits, taxes, and professional networking. The high-quality work developed went directly into his/her/their professional portfolio!
The following are links to each of the two Spring 2023 classes, including syllabi, calendars, all project sheets, lecture slides/links, and other helpful information.