43
Design pop-up shop gives students real experience
By Kalea Hall
WARREN
Leaving college with a portfolio filled with real-world experience is vital for the aspiring graphic and interactive designers at Youngstown State University.
That’s why some of them volunteered their time as members of the Youngstown Design Works at the Pop-Up Shop on Monday for businesses and startups in need of design work.
“I am jealous that the younger people are going to get involved with YDW,” said Alex Pasula, a senior majoring in graphic and interactive design at YSU, who will graduate at the end of this year.
Pasula was happy to be at the Pop-Up Shop to gain experience with real clients.
The Pop-Up Shop will continue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Friday at 124 N. Park Ave. in Warren. The Warren Business Exchange, a program of Warren Redevelopment and Planning, collaborated with YDW to assist small businesses, nonprofits and startups with a variety of creative needs.
For a range of prices from $50 to $400, businesses throughout the Valley are invited to attend the shop for guidance on logos, banners, catalogs, postcards, stickers, websites or even overall company branding.
The businesses “either don’t have access to design or cannot afford the local service providers,” said RJ Thompson, assistant professor in graphic and interactive design at YSU’s Department of Art.
The YDW was launched this spring by the department to get students involved with real clients. The first client was the Salem Public Library. The Pop-Up Shop is a way to expand the client list for students.
“We are trying to utilize our students,” Thompson said.
A wide variety of businesses already set up appointments to meet with YDW including Big Cricket Farms, the Junior League of Youngstown and a local fashion boutique.
Thompson hoped to have 25 registered consults, but that number already was achieved Monday.
“Now, I want 40,” he said.
There are a-la-carte services that are $50 an hour and packaged services from $150 to $400.
The funds go toward any YDW initiative including the purchase of technology or going on a trip. Walk-ins are welcome, or go to youngstowndesignworks.com.