Students help design logo for nonprofit

Visual arts students at the University of North Georgia (UNG) had the opportunity to help create a new logo for the Beyond Dementia Coalition, a nonprofit organization that is based in Gainesville, Georgia.

Tiffany Prater, associate professor of visual arts, divided her class into three groups, led by her student interns: Sofia Cancel, Nathalie Garrido and Rosa Ramos. They helped their fellow students collaborate on ideas.

BDC selected Robb Daniel's logo design, and Emma Cheek's design was runner-up. Daniel is a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in graphic design.

"The more I researched, the more I learned about dementia," Daniel said. "That helped a lot in coming up with the design, and it also gave me a greater appreciation for what we were doing."

Prater said she was proud of how her students participated in the project and learned more about the experience of those who serve as caregivers for dementia patients.

"It was a way for them to develop some empathy and share the client's message with some tools they already had," Prater said. "The new brand identity helps show the students' creativity and the organization's support for caregivers helping family members who have dementia."

Cheek, a senior from Flowery Branch, Georgia, is also pursuing a B.A. in graphic design. She appreciated the chance to learn from BDC board members about the group's mission and then come up with ideas of how to market its work. As she approaches graduation in May, Cheek is ready to see how her time at UNG translates into logo and brand management work.

"I feel really confident, especially after this experience," Cheek said. "We hear what it's like in the graphic design world, but getting to experience it firsthand helps me feel very prepared."

Garrido, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in visual arts with a focus in graphic design, was grateful for the collaborative process both among students and with BDC.

"We each had our own individual ideas," Garrido said. "But we had to figure out what worked for the brand and the target audience."

Ramos, a senior from Oakwood, Georgia, pursuing a B.F.A. in visual arts with a focus in graphic design, is thankful for the way faculty and students work so well together in giving each other feedback at UNG. Leading one of the BDC logo design teams allowed even further professional development for Ramos.

"It got me out of my own bubble. I'm very introverted," Ramos said. "I was able to use that leadership role to help me grow."

Cancel, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a B.A. in graphic design, was excited to work in a team environment since most class projects are more individualized.

"That was a valuable learning experience that will help me in the future," Cancel said. "It helps me know more of what to expect when working with clients and meeting their needs."