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My name is Anna Vanderhoef, I’m currently a senior majoring in social media design management with a minor in computer science at Northern Michigan University. As I prepare to enter the workforce in a few short months, I wanted to reflect on my days as a student employee at Invent@NMU, a program of NMU and Innovate Marquette, that has provided invaluable knowledge and experience prior to graduation.
My day at Invent@NMU as a graphic designer begins with a stroll into the office, coffee in hand, settling in at a table near the windows overlooking downtown Marquette. My schedule varies; some days are filled with meetings, while others are more open. Typically, I have at least one scheduled meeting during the day.
I start my workday by checking my email and Slack. Once I’ve responded to my messages I dive into assigned projects. Lately, I’ve been collaborating with Innovate Marquette clients on projects such as creating marketing materials, developing brand style guides, or designing new logos.
While each project differs, my approach remains consistent. It begins with thorough research, followed by sketching and drafting. I then move on to creating the deliverables, seeking feedback from colleagues to refine my work in the initial editing phase. After presenting my designs to my manager for further input, I proceed with additional rounds of editing. Eventually, I meet with the client to showcase my proposed designs and gather their feedback. Depending on their input, I refine the designs further, iterating through revisions until the final product meets their satisfaction.
As any creative can attest, the design process is dynamic and ever-evolving. Allow me to guide you through my creative workflow.
To begin my design process I research the topic at hand. If I am tasked with creating a poster, I start by searching posters that already exist and look at different layouts to get inspiration. I then organize the information needed on the poster and very roughly sketch out where the necessary information is going to be placed.
After finding inspiration and figuring out what key aspects are needed in the design, I turn to the paper to sketch out my first draft. I usually use a pen and paper to draw. This initial stage is where I capture the essence of the concept. This allows me to experiment with layouts, shapes, and compositions until I find the perfect balance that aligns with the client’s vision.
Once I’ve translated the ideas in my head onto paper, I can begin experimenting with layouts and design elements, refining each detail to create a cohesive product. This is the stage where my initial concept evolves into a fully developed design, blending typography, color palettes, and other design components.
One of the most crucial steps in my design process is seeking peer feedback from my Invent@NMU coworkers. After dedicating hours to crafting a design, I find it essential to have a fresh perspective for an honest critique. After peer review, I send my first draft to my manager at Innovate Marquette and he gives me crucial feedback. Peer review not only helps me enhance the details that I might have overlooked but also provides valuable insights that elevates the quality of my work.
After receiving feedback, I go back to the drawing board, refining and creating new designs for the client. Editing is a collaborative process where I make adjustments based on peer input to ensure the design meets its goals effectively.
Now it’s time to meet with the client who requested the design and hear their thoughts. This step can go in various directions. The client might love the design with just minor tweaks needed, or they might want to completely change direction. Whatever feedback I receive, I typically need to make edits and review the design again. In some cases, this means starting the process over from scratch or in others simply adding a website link.
My journey as a graphic designer is a dynamic process of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. From initial concept to peer review and client feedback, each step shapes the evolution of my designs. Embracing the insights from peers and clients not only refines my work but also strengthens the connection between design and its intended audience.
As I navigate my first job as a graphic designer and my final year at Northern Michigan University, I’m reminded of what great opportunities lay ahead. I’m so grateful for Invent@NMU for giving me a platform to practice my field before I graduate.
Thank you for joining me on this deep dive into my creative journey, I look forward to sharing more insights and discoveries in the future!
About Anna Vanderhoef: Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Anna is a Senior at Northern Michigan University studying Social Media Design Management. She has worked at Invent@NMU as a Graphic Designer since May 2023 and plans to graduate in May 2025.
Invent@NMU is a program of Northern Michigan University, powered by students, led by Innovate Marquette SmartZone professionals.
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