A group of design-minded high school students got a head start on a creative career this summer at Summer Studio, a free graphic design course whose goal is to provide opportunity while diversifying the creative industry of tomorrow.
Meeting on Southern’s campus for the first time this year, Summer Studio explores design challenges like typography, composition, and animation, while giving students hands-on Adobe Creative Suite experience. Led by educators and industry professionals, the course takes place during the month of July and is open to rising high school juniors and seniors.
Summer Studio was created in 2021, the brainchild of DJ Haddad, from marketing and technology company PureRed, in partnership with AIGA Connecticut, the professional organization for design. Melanie Uribe, assistant professor of art and design and president of AIGA Connecticut, led and organized the course this summer and taught it for one week. Other instructors were Ramona Hylton, Alex Girard, Gerrit DeVries, and Kim Lewis, all of the graphic design area of the Department of Art and Design.
Uribe said, “As an active participant in the Summer Studio program since it was created, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact this initiative has on our students. Each year, I see students enter the program with curiosity and leave with a newfound confidence in their abilities and a clearer vision of their future careers. The excitement and engagement in the classroom are palpable as students tackle design challenges, explore their creativity, and develop new skills.”
Uribe explains that the activities the class engages in are diverse and immersive. From mastering typography and composition to exploring animation and marketing, students get a taste of various facets of graphic design. The portfolio projects they create are often a testament to their growth, showcasing their ability to think creatively and solve problems effectively.
Summer Studio takes into consideration that accessibility to tools and education in design is limited for high school students in many metropolitan areas and provides these resources free of charge. As a bonus, students who graduate from Summer Studio receive a Microsoft Surface laptop and a one-year subscription to Adobe Creative Suite.
During the course, students: 
- Receive hands-on experience in a college setting
- Are part of SCSU’s Early College program and earn 3 college credits
- Hone art skills to prepare them for future graphic design
- Network with design professors and industry leaders
- Explore design principles, animation, editing, marketing
- Craft portfolio-ready art projects in a fun, creative atmosphere
“One of the most rewarding aspects is watching students realize that a career in graphic design is not only possible but also lucrative and fulfilling,” said Uribe. “The hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like the Adobe Creative Suite, combined with mentorship from professionals, provides students with a comprehensive understanding of what a career in design entails.”
Ultimately, Uribe said, “Our mission to ignite a greater appreciation for the arts and graphic design, and this is evident in the enthusiasm and commitment of our students. The support from our partners and the community ensures that we can continue to offer this transformative experience year after year.”
This summer’s program culminated in a graduation ceremony with a showcase of student work in the Earl Hall gallery space. “This event is a celebration of our students’ hard work and achievements,” said Uribe, “and it serves to encourage them to continue their educational journey with us.”
