Graphic designers were given the opportunity to perform their craft in front of a crowd Thursday. The American Advertising Federation of the Black Hills hosted the 3rd annual student Design Jam at Black Hills State University. Several students competed in the event showing viewers what goes on behind their computer screen.
Nearly 70 students and faculty gathered on the Black Hills State University, or BHSU, campus for the student Design Jam Thursday evening. Judges gave 9 BHSU student competitors 10 minutes to create an assigned graphic design project.
The work was projected in front of the crowd and judged by a 3 local artists. Dustin Hinson is the President of the American Advertising Federation of the Black Hills. He says this competition is a good experience for the students.
“It’s really sort of a casual event where the students get to practice graphic design in a less formal way. So rather than sitting down in a cubical like most designers end up having to, they’re actually in front of the audience and getting projects done really fast. And the other thing that’s happening is aside from just moving in program and getting designs done, they’re really having ideas faster which is a lot of what we can’t exactly train them to do in in classes. It’s sort of a thing that you just have to do after habit. And I think this is good exercise for them to sort of do that,” says Hinson.
The students competed in three rounds where one winner was chosen from each. Three finalists designed a poster for a wheelbarrow race in the final showdown. Prize packages from BHSU and local marketing company Jackalope were awarded for the top three contestants.
BHSU junior, Bailey Sadowsky, won first place.
The student Design Jam is expected to be held again next fall.