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The Learning Factory
Executive Designer - CommAgency | Print, Digital
Illustrator
Photoshop
Teams
Slack
What's This?
The Learning Factory is a place where Penn State students, faculty, and staff–particularly those from Engineering although all are welcome–can “learn by doing”. We provide the equipment and training for visitors to have amazing hands-on learning experiences from metal and wood shop work to CNC embroidery, additive manufacturing, and blacksmithing. During my time as the account manager for The Learning Factory's design projects through CommAgency, I worked solely on 4 different projects and helped facilitate at least 2 others.
The Vending Machine.
On the top floor of The Learning Factory there is a "Swag" Vending Machine that provides graphic tees, stickers, and snacks for hard working engineers.
The Task: Design a vinyl wrap for the vending machine that aligns with our fractal motifs and that promotes the idea of growth and exploration.
The Process.
After measuring the dimensions of each panel, I worked with our copywriter, Georgia Curtis, to come up with 5 "themes" to design off of:
Oasis of Opportunity, 24/7 Essentials, What's Inside?, Essentials on The Go, and Spark Your Curiosity
Vending Machine Pre-Wrap
Options Presented
Chosen Design
The Final Product.
After the client chose the Spark Your Curiosity design, there were a few edits. The main being that the light bulb rocket needed to be on both sides of the machine. Though it looked cohesive in a flat lay, if you were only looking at one end of the machine, it wouldn't make sense. The second being one added myself. I noticed that there was a taped paper with a QR code to report errors in the machine. To fill up empty space in the design and make the machine look the best it possibly can, I added another panel with a QR code to report malfunctions that read "Got a Problem?" and ended up with this final design.
The Scavenger Hunt.
In order to use the facilities, each student has to complete a safety scavenger hunt throughout the building. I noticed in the process of designing the Vending Machine Wrap, that the QR codes themselves were taped on the wall without any indication of what it was.
The Task: Design a cohesive set of posters that streamline the safety scavenger hunt process for prospective Learning Factory Students.
The Process.
There were about 16 different hunt locations I needed to design 11x17 posters for. So, I took previously designed LF characters (illustrated by Lauren Cifelli), modified some, illustrated some objects myself in the same style, and created a first draft. Utilizing the fractal pattern motif (suggested and designed by me), I drew from the colors of the space and created the set of posters to present to the client. Luckily, (and this never happens) they were approved with no edits!
Previous Scavenger Hunt Posters
The Final Product.
Since there were no edits, I only had to make sure all of the posters were set up correctly for print on 11" x 17" black foam core. Once they were printed, the client loved them, and requested more be created and printed.
The Pamphlet.
The Digital Signage.
One of the most popular marketing tactics for Penn State on Campus organizations is utilizing the digital signage around campus. From The Pattee & Paterno Library to Findlay Commons to the HUB, these are very easy ways to get a message out to the PSU community.
The Task: Design two digital signage Adobe Illustrator templates for the client to reuse for monthly/weekly updates for the general organization and for LF BUILD Nights.
The Process.
The client gave a rough sketch of what they wanted, and I was able to bring it to life. They have a proficient knowledge of Illustrator, so I didn't have to oversimplify anything. This was a very collaborative process, and was quick and simple, but effective.
The Final Product.
The final product were two digital signage templates that could potentially be interchanged in terms of design. They effectively get information across and were used in the '23-'24 school year.
