Graphic Design Students Design Book Covers with Publishing Company

Five Wichita State graphic design seniors worked with Dzanc Publishing to help create paperback covers. Joshua Smith, Assistant Director of Graphic Design, assisted students when It came to crafting the covers. The group worked with authors and those at Dzanc Publishing to help create visually unique covers. The seniors reflected on their journey of the project. Through the State of Kansas Applied Learning Fund, these graphic designs students were able to pull the knowledge of what they have been learning in the classroom and adapt it to a real-world project, while also being compensated for their work.

I faced challenge in using my own design to create a cover visually representitive of another's creative vision. I enjoyed creating a high number of variations to see what worked best for the team. It was fun to see what slight changes could completely change the end result.
Zayden Tomson, Senior
Graphic Design
Being able to work directly with the publisher and author was a fantastic experience, and seeing the result is definitely my favorite part. It’s what brings it all together. The Applied Learning Fund made it possible to provide resources to Dzanc Books, a non-profit, at no cost to them, but still be compensated for the work accomplished.
Meaghan Roths, Senior
Graphic Design
Seeing my design become an actual published cover was incredibly rewarding. It gave me confidence in my skills and showed me that my work has real impact beyond the classroom.
Shelby Duvall, Senior
Graphic Design
Designing a book cover for a real client pushed me beyond classroom assignments. I had to balance creativity with clear communication and deadlines—just like I will in my career.
Haley Nelson, Senior
Graphic Design
This project helped me understand how much strategy goes into design. Every color, font, and layout choice had to connect with the audience and reflect the story inside.
Madelyn Ramsey, Senior
Graphic Design
I am personally thrilled with how their work turned out!
Joshua Smith, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
College of Fine Arts

 


Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.

For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.