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    Columbus Makes Art Presents CCAD’s Matthew Mohr on Preparing Advertising & Graphic Design Seniors with Real-World Experience


    “Their work isn’t just about splashy logos and clever slogans. It’s about making human connections.”

    — Matthew Mohr, Associate Professor at CCAD

    In addition to maintaining his own creative practice (like the 14-foot human head in the Greater Columbus Convention Center’s North Atrium), Matthew Mohr is an associate professor of Advertising & Graphic Design at Columbus College of Art & Design. His students—as well as CCAD students from each of CCAD’s majors—will share their work with the central Ohio community at Chroma: Best of CCAD on Friday, May 13.

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    Annette: Can you describe the capstone project for your Advertising & Graphic Design seniors?
    Matthew: Students were tasked to create an event about a topic that ignites their passion. After they’ve decided on an event, students are responsible for all aspects of the event, including planning, promotion, execution and post-event follow up.

    Annette: What made this year’s capstone project so special?
    Matthew: Students gained real-world experience in graphic design because they developed the posters, social media posts, Meetup announcements, signage, handouts, websites and any other touchpoint used in the process. Those touchpoints aren’t just homework for display on school walls. Students created pieces used to promote their real event. They identified a target audience and used their skills to interact with the audience.

    Annette: Can you share examples of the projects students created?
    Matthew: Students covered an amazing array of topics, including running, flag making, cooking, archery and diabetes—to name just a few.

    For example, Rachel Nyland created an “I Hate Running Run” for people who really dislike running. On a path near BrewDog’s Canal Winchester headquarters, participants “ran” at a pace that “made them hate running a little less” for one mile. Afterward, they were rewarded with a free beer courtesy of BrewDog. The running course was peppered with Rachel’s signs encouraging participants to make it to the finish line. The event was sponsored by the Columbus Running Company and New Balance was at the ready with sample shoes for trial “runs” but Rachel was the real champ for putting it all together.

    Rachel Nyland’s “I Hate Running Run”

    Another student, Sophie Gorman, wanted to share her love of betta fish. Her event at Aquarium Adventure in Hilliard called “Past the Glass: Fish Have Feelings, Too” educated current and future betta fish owners not only how to care for their aquatic pets, but how to train them, develop a meaningful relationship and gain a new friend. The store was decked out with signage in the parking lot, the front of the store and floor graphics leading to the student’s demonstration which included stickers and brochures on tank prep and fish training. Sophie was on hand through the entire event to enthusiastically answer questions and encourage betta adoption.

    Sophie Gorman’s “Past the Glass: Fish Have Feelings, Too”

    Siani Lopez-Velazquez, a Puerto Rican native, celebrated her heritage by teaching herself Bomba, a traditional dance in which the dancer dictates the drumming through her movement. Her performance was held at Palmas, a local l\Latin club. Siani created an advertising and social media campaign, event signage, branded t-shirts for the band and staff, merchandise and takeaway bags with thank you notes. It was a joy-filled evening attended by more than one-hundred people and Siani’s family were so very welcoming and supportive.

    Siani Lopez-Velazquez, center, performing Bomba dance at Palmas.

    There were 24 projects in all. Each project was unique to the student. All were delightful because the students created them in the spirit of learning and sharing what they know and love, as well as connecting with people.

    Annette: What do you hope the students will take away from this class?
    Matthew: I want students to know that this capstone class wasn’t just about designing pieces. It was about engaging with the community. It was about creating a sense of belonging and making people’s lives more fulfilling. I want them to see that their work isn’t just about splashy logos and clever slogans. It’s about making human connections.

    Annette: Where can the public see these pieces?
    Matthew: I’m excited for students to share their experiences at Chroma: Best of CCAD, our annual exhibition of students’ top work. The Advertising & Graphic Design students will talk about their projects in sizzle reels, as well as share the ephemera they created. Almost every project will be interactive!

    Annette: What’s the best thing about the Columbus art scene right now?
    Matthew: Potential and the seeds of greatness.

    Radical change is underway right now with the Intel investment and influx of supporting businesses. It is our duty to be visible and vocal as contributors to our community and further develop Columbus as a city that values good design and compelling art.

    Matthew Mohr (right) with Marlana Hammond Keynes of Hammond Harkins Galleries.

    Art enthusiasts and employers looking for emerging talent are invited to attend Chroma on Friday, May 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. on CCAD’s campus. Events and exhibitions from students in CCAD’s 12 majors, MFA candidates and first-year CORE studies, as well as young artists from the Saturday Morning Art Classes, will be at Chroma.

    See the work of CCAD students at Chroma: Best of CCAD on Friday, May 13. Learn more at ccad.edu/chroma.

    Columbus Makes Art Presents is a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council – supporting and advancing the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. The column is a project of the Art Makes Columbus campaign, telling the inspiring stories of the people and organizations who create Columbus art. Learn more about local artists, organizations, public art and events at ColumbusMakesArt.com.

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    Annette Witherspoon
    Annette Witherspoonhttps://www.ccad.edu/
    Annette Witherspoon is the interim director of communications at CCAD.
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