KSU School of VCD

Associate Professor Valora Renicker will move from her position as creative director of Glyphix into a full-time instructional role beginning in the Fall 2013 semester.

In her eight years as creative director, Renicker has impacted the professional careers and personal lives of several hundred students and represented the School of Visual Communication Design (VCD) in the greater Akron and Cleveland communities.

Renicker has lead 16 groups of Glyphix students to earn 38 ADDY awards since 2007. During her tenure, teams of Glyphix students have also earned the Silver Educational Advertising Award, a national competition conducted by Higher Education Marketing Report; three Interactive Media Awards including two Best in Class and one Outstanding Achievement; and the Award of Excellence at the University & College Designers Association’s 40th Annual Design Competition, among others.

“I love to watch the learning process,” Renicker says in her biography, “to be able to help enlighten and advance students’ understanding. It is amazing and gratifying to see what students in the VCD program can produce in upper level classes, with our strong core program as the foundation for their education in design.” In 2012, Renicker oversaw the Glyphix move to a downtown Kent studio shared with The Tannery Communications and the ScanPath Usability Lab.

Glyphix has worked with clients from the Kent State community and northeast Ohio region such as the Kent State Alumni Association, Hudson Montessori School and the College of Communication and Information (CCI) at Kent State.

"The best part of using Glyphix designs for our recruiting materials is that I can say to prospective students, “Not only did our students design the brochure you’re holding, but they won an award for it," said LuEtt Hanson, associate dean of CCI.

Renicker has been instrumental in connecting with alumni and often keeps in contact with former Glyphix students. Glyphix alumnus Lee A. Zelenak visited VCD in the fall of 2012 to share his experiences as a designer on the 2012 Obama Campaign.

"Rarely has any other class or internship been able to match the amount of responsibility and exposure students gain in working with clients, setting up files for production, creating specification documents, supervising press checks and photo shoots,” Zelenak said of his semesters at Glyphix. “Having this experience sets students apart from their competition and primes them for success as they go into their first design job," he added.

School Director, AnnMarie LeBlanc, said that she looks forward to Renicker’s increased ability to influence a greater number of VCD students in junior and senior level studio classes. LeBlanc said, “I am also very pleased to announce that Renicker has just been informed that she has been promoted to the rank of associate professor, a well-deserved honor that speaks to her outstanding performance as an educator.”

Renicker is a member of AIGA, the professional association of design, and the Akron chapter of the American Advertising Federation. She holds an MFA from Kent State, where her thesis project won the Graduate Student Senate Thesis Award for Academic Excellence for the School of Art. She enjoyed a varied design experience at SCK Design, where individual account responsibilities included work for Weatherhead School of Management, Cleveland Clinic, Great Lakes Theater Festival, DANCECleveland, Oberlin College, Federal Reserve Bank/Cleveland, and Allen Tellecom Corporation, among others.

Adina Feigenbaum, MFA candidate in the School of Visual Communication Design received an Outstanding Oral Presentation Award at the 28th Annual Graduate Research Symposium for her presentation, “Social Media as a Means of Promoting Peer-Based Learning in Design Education,” which is part of Feigenbaum’s thesis work.

The Graduate Research Symposium is a celebration of scholarship and an opportunity for students of all disciplines to present their research. The annual event is sponsored by the Graduate Student Senate. Oral presentations were judged based on content, organization, contribution, verbal and nonverbal communication.

Feigenbaum’s research explored critique as “an integral part of design education whereby students review and evaluate projects in order to learn design principles and develop skills such as self-evaluation and giving constructive feedback to others.”

Her study “sought to determine points of struggle for students and explore potential benefits of an online design network” using design students and instructors from four Ohio universities and design professionals from Northeast Ohio as participants. She conducted ethnographic research including observations of design courses, surveys and interviews with students, instructors, and professionals, journal exercises, and a card sort and mock critique with students, and applied personas to experience models.

Feigenbaum found that students experience difficulty with communication and time-management skills, working with peers and motivation to learn independently primarily during the initial and final stages of a project. According to her research, critique becomes a crutch for some students lacking confidence who often wait for instructor approval, fail to take initiative, self-evaluate, or request feedback.

As a result, Feigenbaum created Crit-Chat, an online community of practice for design students, which the study proposes to help in skill-building, stress reduction, and confidence-boosting to enhance students' learning and motivation. This study outlines the components of Crit-Chat and explores wire-frames requiring testing and further development. Crit-Chat can benefit students throughout their education and career development.

Andrew Schwanbeck, MFA candidate in the School of Visual Communication Design, will present his thesis research at the Society of Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD) annual conference, Above the Fog, in San Francisco on June 6-8. Schwanbeck’s research “explores the value that environmental graphic design elements can create to help promote and improve the perceptions of a neighborhood within a segregated urban landscape.”

Using a case-study project in East Liberty, which is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Scwhwanbeck combined research tactics and design prototypes to produce design elements to improve the experience in East Liberty and reconnect it with the greater Pittsburgh population.

The SEGD annual conference “is the only international design event focused on design for the built environment,” according to the conference website. The conference targets “the global community of designers, industry professionals, educators and design clients who strive to create compelling, emotive and information-rich environments; it is an invaluable source of inspiration, education and networking.”

According to Schwanbeck’s research, “urban segregation occurs when a city’s diversities create perceived barriers around concentrated clusters of social groups. In extreme cases, communities can become shut off from the rest of the city and often fall into a perpetual cycle struggle and degradation.”

Schwanbeck writes that environmental graphic design has the opportunity to use design elements to improve the perception of a divided neighborhood and reconnect it to the greater population, in turn impacting community’s ability to operate both socially and economically.

I wanted to make a symposium but all I could come up with was a revolution.
--- James Victore

James Victore, a self-taught, independent artist and designer, visited Kent State University on Thursday, April 4 to share insight into his career and the design profession.

As an American art director, designer, and author, Victore lectures regularly around the world and is a professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. His clients include Moet & Chandon, Aveda, Esquire and TIME magazines, Yohji Yamamoto, Bobbi Brown cosmetics, the New York Times, and the School of Visual Arts. He has earned an Emmy award for television animation, and gold and silver medals from the New York Art Director's Club. In 2010 Victore's monograph “Victore or, Who Died and Made You Boss?” was published. His work has been exhibited in The Museum of Modern Art in 2010 and 2012.

“Although it sounds more likely to target designers, his themes were generally broad and could be related to any profession and major,” said Eric Courtney, the president of AIGA Kent, the student chapter of the professional design association, who brought Victore to Kent State. “That is why students from any major and background enjoyed attending his lecture. He is known for preaching that ' your work is a gift,' and that no matter what you do, you should love your work.”

Victore reaches a large audience online through his weekly question and answer video series. According to his website, he is now running a design studio independently and striving to make his work sexy, strong and memorable.

“What impressed me the most was how down-to-earth James was in person and how much that reflected in both his interactions with students and his presentation,” said Anne Dudley, marketing coordinator in the School of Visual Communication Design. “In his lecture, he gave useful advice earned from years of experience, failure and his constant drive to learn. I think he helped students think more about their future plans and how to approach their career decisions in a positive way, reflecting on who they are as a person, and where they want to go.”

“Hopefully, we will take away some confidence from his speech to pursue our passions in our lives,” Courtney said.

The School of Visual Communication Design is celebrating the 23 accomplished students who will soon be earning their diplomas. Graduates have journeyed through the rigorous program for four or more years, assembled their portfolios, and are now planning for their future endeavors.

‘In Transit,’ VCD's 2013 Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition, will be on display April 9-12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in the Main Art Gallery of the Art Building on Kent State’s main campus. The exhibition will highlight the hard work of students studying two-dimensional, three-dimensional, package, information, and interaction design, motion graphics, illustration, and photography. A public reception and awards presentation on Friday, April 12 will be held from 6 to 8 p.m, following a retirement reception for Professor Kalback starting at 5 p.m. Area professionals are invited to review portfolios and meet with seniors prior to the public reception.
In Transit has been made possible thanks to its sponsors: All Media Art Supply, Genie Repros, Jason Bacher & Brian Buirge, and AIGA/Kent. For more information about the event and links to students’ online professional portfolios, please visit http://www.VCDSeniorShow.com.

Kent State University's School of Visual Communication Design (VCD) will host its ninth annual Summer Program in Environmental Graphic Design (EGD), Go Chicago!, at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois this May. The four-credit on-site workshop will focus on a wayfinding, mapping and interpretation at Northwestern and will be based at Hostel International Chicago, conveniently located in the South Loop, from May 20-31. This program features instruction by leading communication, planning and design experts as well as resident VCD faculty, Associate Professor David Middleton.

The program’s visiting lecturers are positioned to provide specific expertise about the design process. Speakers will include the following (or representatives from their firms, and are subject to change): John Lutz of Selbert Perkins; Gary Stemler of Archetype, Minneapolis; Kim Cardosi of Cardosi Kiper Design; and representatives from Perkins+Will, Studio/Lab, Mode Design. Go Chicago! is open to 24 students who will work in teams, each jointly producing a final design proposal and documentation of the workshop.

Over the course of two weeks, students will study specific issues of analysis, strategy, planning, mapping, schematic design, design development, interpretive storytelling and design intent documentation. The first week of the program will pursue research, strategy and conceptual design while the second week will focus on design development and design intent documentation. Students will use software (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, SketchUp and Excel), employ hand drawing and basic model-making. The summer program will result in the development of a comprehensive document of the overall conceptual design process.

Along with project proposal, several tours are scheduled including a studio tour, public art walk, architecture tours and a visit to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. This course may be substituted for VCD 5/43006 Environmental Graphic Design or VCD 40192 Internship 2.

The deadline for applications and the $200 Program Fee deposit are due March 31, 2013. For more information, program fees and payment deadlines, contact David Middleton at damiddle@kent.edu. For samples of previous programs, go to: http://vcd.kent.edu/special-programs/summer-program

In a letter expressing her gratitude, Director of the School of Visual Communication Design AnnMarie LeBlanc, announced the retirement and distinguished service of Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator Jerry A. Kalback, who will retire this May after nearly thirty years in the Schools of Art and of Visual Communication Design at Kent State University. During his tenure, Kalback has served as a professor, undergraduate coordinator, associate director, assistant to the director and academic advisor.

Kalback has earned numerous accolades and awards, including the Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA) in 2001.

"For those of you fortunate to have been taught by him, you certainly know the many reasons for [the DTA award] and will recognize the enormity of his positive influence on our students and its curricula," LeBlanc states.

"Over the years he has taught more than a dozen unique courses in illustration ranging from sophomore through graduate levels. As a long time faculty advisor, he has given countless hours of service, providing academic counsel and career advice to several generations of Kent State University students," she added.

Many Kent State alumni credit their successes to Kalback, LeBlanc states, and reflect upon the impact he had as a professor and advisor.

Read the entire letter by downloading the attached PDF.

Kent State's chapter of AIGA presents An Evening with Design Unicorn, James Victore on Thursday, April 4 at 8:00 p.m. in the Kiva. The event is open to the public. The Kiva is located on Risman Drive, and is part of the Kent State Student Center located on Summit Street in Kent, Ohio. Paid parking is available. Visit the university website for maps and directions.

James Victore is a self-taught, independent artist and designer. His clients include Moet & Chandon, Aveda, Esquire and TIME Magazines, Yohji Yamamoto, Bobbi Brown cosmetics, The New York Times, and the School of Visual Arts. His awards include an Emmy for television animation, and Gold and Silver Medals from the New York Art Director’s Club. Victore lectures regularly around the world and is a professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. His book “Victore or, Who Died and Made You Boss?” was released by Abrams in 2010. Visit his website www.jamesvictore.com to learn more and watch his weekly Question and Answer Tuesdays.

Download the poster

Posted March 18, 2013 | Monique Zappa and Shannen Laur

Four Kent State University creative groups won awards at the 2013 Akron ADDY Award competition. The competition was hosted by the American Advertising Federation-Akron (AAF-Akron). Kent State’s University Communications and Marketing department; The Tannery, the student run creative agency and integrated marketing firm of the College of Communication and Information; and Glyphix, the student design and illustration studio within the School of Visual Communication Design, all received multiple awards. University Communications and Marketing won five awards, including two Gold ADDYs. The Tannery won two ADDYs, including one Gold, and Glyphix won four Silver ADDYs. In addition, The Burr, a student-run magazine, won a Silver ADDY. Winners of the awards include a mix of faculty, staff and students.

Also, Kent State student Ryan Sprowl entered a project that he and Kent State student Kimberly Smolkowicz made together under the Student Category and won a Gold ADDY and the People's Choice Award.

The AAF-Akron is the local chapter for the national AAF Trade Association. The trade association recognizes incredible creativity, writing, design and project management in all forms of advertising across various types of media. There are three levels of the AAF’s ADDY Awards competition — local, district and national.

Dan Karp, executive director of creative services at University Communications and Marketing, believes it is very important to share these awards with the schools and groups that the department does creative work for.

“These university departments share their creativity and input throughout the entire process,” says Karp. “They should share this award with us.”

Many of the University Communications and Marketing ADDY winners are no strangers to the award, but this is Graphic Designer Jason Zehner’s first ADDY. Zehner had a hand in each University Communications and Marketing winning project this year.

“I was surprised,” says Zehner. “It felt great to have my work recognized.”

The Tannery is also new to the ADDY scene. The Tannery opened just a few years ago, and this was its first year competing in the Akron ADDY Awards. Evan Bailey, Tannery operations manager, says he was very pleased with the outcome.

“It was very exciting to be recognized alongside the area’s best marketing and advertising firms,” says Bailey. “When we found out we won a Gold ADDY in the professional category, we were especially thrilled.”

Assistant Professor Valora Renicker, the creative director for Glyphix, was also happy with the studio’s accomplishments.

“Regardless of whether they are awarded to students or practicing professionals, the ADDY Awards are a well-respected competition in the advertising, marketing and design community,” says Renicker.

The Burr received a Student ADDY in the Collateral Material category. The magazine won silver for its publication design of the Spring 2012, Issue 1 cover.

“It is our goal to ensure The Burr remains a standard of excellence in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication,” says Anthony Dominic, editor-in-chief of The Burr. “This award is not only a reminder that our students are succeeding at that, but it’s an inspiration to continue in our efforts.”

All of the Gold ADDY winners will advance to the regional competition. From there, any winners have a chance to win a national award.

Akron ADDY Award winners from Kent State are:

University Communications and Marketing
Gold ADDY
Title IX Sexual Assault Response Team Poster

Phil Soencksen – Writer
Jason Zehner – Designer
Kevin Brosien – Account Executive
Dan Karp – Creative Director
Jody Kovolyan – Project Coordinator
Susan Menassa – Editor

Judge's Choice Award
Title IX Sexual Assault Response Team Poster

Phil Soencksen – Writer
Jason Zehner – Designer
Kevin Brosien – Account Executive
Dan Karp – Creative Director
Jody Kovolyan – Project Coordinator
Susan Menassa – Editor

Gold ADDY, Best of Printing and Judge’s Choice Award
Advertising for the Arts and Sciences
Mobius Fashion Show Book (Three Awards)

Jason Zehner – Designer
Liz Henry – Account Executive
Dan Karp – Creative Director
Jody Kovolyan – Project Coordinator
Ramona Stamm – Editor
Oliver Printing - Printer

The Tannery
Gold ADDY Award
Advertising for the Arts and Sciences
Curriculum Brochure:

Brian Buirge - Creative Director
Jordan Kasten - Krause, Art Director
Alyssa DeGeorge - Art Director
Farin Blackburn - Art Director

Silver ADDY Award
Advertising for the Arts and Sciences
College of Communication and Information 10th Anniversary brochure

Brian Buirge - Creative Director
Flannery Haas - Art Director
Nate Cordwell - Art Director

Glyphix
Three Silver ADDYs
Public Service
Traveling Stanzas Bus Posters:

Lindsay Alberts
Benjamin Durflinger
Bridget Elchert
Blake Ferguson
Casey Sandala
Devon Skunta-Helmink
Kimberly Smolkowicz
Ryan Sprowl
Ivan Sugarman
Jason Tiberio
Cody Wallis
Terran Washington

Silver ADDY for Logo Design
Elements of Advertising
Fruit Grower's Association, EverCrisp Apple Logo:

Jason Tiberio - Designer
Ryan Sprowl - Designer
Diego Brito Telles – Designer

The Burr
Student ADDY Categories
Publication Design of Cover
The Burr Magazine, Spring 2012, Issue 1

Anthony Dominic- Editor-in-chief
Kelly Lipovich - Art Director
Thomas Song - Photo Editor

Kent State Students (Individual Submission)
Student Gold ADDY and People’s Choice Award
Student ADDY Categories
2013 Letterpress Calendar

Ryan Sprowl
Kimberly Smolkowicz

Daniel Echeverri will present a paper at the Designing Design Education for India (DDEI) conference taking place from March 13-15 in Pune, India. Echeverri’s paper focuses on students of difference design disciplines, like fashion, architecture, urban, working together in the same class.

According to the website, the conference is “a unique opportunity for educators, practitioners, researchers and students in design-related areas to meet and exchange thoughts and research in design education and its future manifestations.” The conference is hosted by India Design Council, a national strategic body for multi-disciplinary design.

Echeverri is a Colombian international student who earned his undergraduate degree in Graphic Design at Colegiatura Colombiana in 2006. He has studied Art Direction in Madrid, Spain and Photography and Journalism in New Delhi, India. Echeverri said he is very excited to travel to India and have the opportunity to present a paper. His long-term plan is to move to India to teach, as he hopes to contribute to the growing design community in the nation.