Some people set out to make history, some design their way there.

When SFCC’s class of 2017 graduated last year, a banner with a logo for the college’s 50th Anniversary decorated the stage. The logo’s also on faculty email signatures, buttons, balloons and even was on a sheet cake for the commencement. Little did they know that, Sarah Surface, one of their fellow classmates, designed that logo.

Every Spring Quarter first year students in the Graphic Design Program are assigned a design project for the college. Spring 2017, Sarah Surface was in Alicia Wimmer’s Computer Drawing class when they were told to design a logo for the college’s 50th Anniversary.

“They weren’t super clear with what they wanted initially,” said Surface. “A lot of our logos were a little off base but we worked with the school and came to a little agreement using school colors and school fonts, but still having a fun logo to celebrate 50 years of Spokane Falls.”

Sarah Surface’s finished product showcases her signature style in its typography and shape.

“I’m a Minimalist by nature,” said Surface. “Most of my Design work is minimal in style. One thing I like about Minimalism is that it’s so simple but it gets the point across.”

When the college decided to adopt Sarah Surface’s logo and use it for the 50th Anniversary celebrations, she was surprised. She only learned that they were using her logo when her classmate, ASG’s Director of Marketing Yashuel Campos, texted her pictures of the logo from the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2017.

“I personally feel like she wasn’t credited enough,” said Campos. “Sarah had no idea any of that was happening until I sent her pictures of it. I really hope that she gets more recognition because she is a very talented designer. When I saw that her logo was picked, I was like ‘Yay Sarah!’”

Both Campos and Surface will be graduating with a Graphic Design Major this year.

“It’s like a stamp, or a badge,” said Surface about her logo. “After five decades, we’re established and made it this far and at the same time, we’ve got lots to look forward to.”

Surface almost didn’t go through with the Graphic Design program, but says she overcame the intimidating tasks and developed her skills as a designer.

“I think if you keep pressing on, you keep learning these skills, and learning from your instructors and by not comparing yourself to other people,” she said. “Just stick with it, one day at a time you’ll get there. It was not until this year that I felt like ‘Wow, I’m a designer now!’”

Greg Stiles, Chair of The Applied Visual Arts at SFCC shares Surface and Campos’ excitement over the 50th Anniversary logo.

Title:Student Spotlight: Sarah Surface Designs History
Sub Header: The face behind SFCC’s 50th anniversary logo

“It’s fabulous to see student work out there, and even the level of it,” said Stiles. “This project was a team effort between the students and Spokane Falls Community College and it makes me feel proud. This is great for Sarah’s portfolio and it shows that people have trust in her professional work.”

Each year Graphic Design Students also design the commencement ceremony covers, and every Fall Quarter they design a multi platform advertisement for the Music Department’s concert series. The winning student designer gets their name put out there and bragging rights.

Under Greg Stiles’ leadership, the Applied Visual Arts Department has developed an annual grad show for not only Graphic Design Students, but also Interior Design and Photography Students. They will be showcasing the students’ work, including Sarah Surface’s portfolio, at the Riverside Plaza on Friday, June 9th from 5-8pm. It will be free and open to the public.

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SFCC Applied Visual Arts Grad Show

Friday, June 9th, 2018
5-8pm
Free Public Admission

Riverside Place (Old Masonic Temple) 1110 W Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201