Why I am Co-Op’ing as an Environmental Graphic Designer this Summer
By Kat Pence, Environmental Graphic Design Co-Op
As a student studying interior design at the University of Kentucky, why did I choose to co-op this summer as an environmental graphic designer?
Interiors and graphics have a lot of overlaps. Both use similar software like the Adobe Suite and SketchUp, they both can be used to represent a company’s brand within their environment, and both require iterating and creativity to meet a client’s needs. From my perspective, the main difference between the two is that interiors focuses on 3D functionality of a space, whereas graphics lean more towards the 2D and visual experiences. Oftentimes, skills in one design discipline are applicable to another, and the disciplines are never that far removed from each other.
Focusing on environmental graphic design allows me to further my skills as a designer and learn about a discipline and possible career path that differs from what I learn in school. I can use software in a different way than I have been, learning new techniques and skills that I can apply to my interior designs. I am also learning the importance of branding, and how to use existing branding packages and colors to create new designs that are both artistic and represent the goals and philosophies of a company. By focusing on new elements of design, I am broadening my knowledge within the field and building my skills for future projects.