YBI launches new workshop series

By Brandon Klein | March 27, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Business owners learned about the basic techniques involving graphic design at the Youngstown Business Incubator.

The YBI, 241 W. Federal St., had the first session of its Smart Start Series on Thursday. The series contains three separate sessions that take place in consecutive months. The next two sessions will take place in April and May.

“This is going to be completely focused on design,” said Brittany Housel, client-development coordinator of YBI.

She said the series is a new take on the incubator’s monthly learning labs, which will take place between Smart Start Series events.

All three sessions will feature R.J. Thompson, an assistant professor of graphic and interactive design at Youngstown State University.

Thursday’s session focused on the basics of graphic design with the following sessions focused on how “to employ that into their respective businesses,” Thompson said.

Business owners learned about color, value, line, texture and other forms that graphic designers use in their work.

“It’s certainly a tremendous asset to the business community,” he said.

Brian Alvarico, co-owner of ACES 180, which develops software for higher- education institutions, attended the session.

“I need really good designers,” he said.

He said he attended the session to gain tips to improve his business, which uses a great deal of design. “It’s going to help a lot,” Alvarico said.