Some Parkland College students recently put their talents and educational training to good use, to make life a little better for some furry, four-footed friends in need.
The Hands 4 Paws nonprofit organization recently went live with new promotional materials created and donated by students in two of Professor Paul Young’s graphic/web design classes, namely, a new look, brochure, and website located at
http://www.hands-4-paws.org/ that went live in February.
“They just did a beautiful job! We are so pleased,” said Billie Mitchell, Parkland Adult Re-entry director and advisory board member of Hands 4 Paws. A founding board chair for the group, Mitchell worked with Young and his students to complete an integrated branding campaign for Hands 4 Paws. The campaign was executed across two classes: GDS 122, Graphic Design II, and GDS 220, Graphic Design for the Web.
The Tuscola-based Hands 4 Paws works to humanely protect domestic companion animals in Douglas County. This includes “providing protective shelter care for animals in need, as well as promoting responsible pet ownership through outreach, education, and training; and protecting people from animals and animals from people,” according to its website.
Young’s Graphic Design II class worked on the logo and brochure as class projects; the same was done for the website through GDS 220. The final products created by print design students Jason Marshall and Cristy Gillespie were selected for the logo and brochure, respectively, while the website was designed by GDS 220 student Ivan Salazar.
“Service learning is an integral part of Parkland’s graphic design program,” said Young. “All the students went through a creative process that involves first doing research and sketches before even turning on a computer. Each student then presented their final design to the client with a verbal presentation justifying their design decisions. The students were able to gain some real-world experience by solving a realistic marketing problem. The client was able to choose from a variety of solutions. This was a win-win experience for both the client and the students at Parkland College.”
“Working with Jason's logo—which represents Hands 4 Paws’ mission beautifully—I sought to design a brochure continuing that spirit while also effectively communicating the group's message with bold colors, appealing photography, and clear, concise language,” said Gillespie, an Urbana resident.
Gillespie added that she was “honored to be part of this campaign. The volunteers at Hands 4 Paws work enthusiastically and tirelessly to make life better for animals—and it can be tough physically and emotionally. They deserve to have engaging marketing material that highlights their wonderful efforts, and encourages others to help, too!”