The SFCC Graphic Design Club is an all-volunteer organization that connects students in the graphic design program to industry professionals in the design community.

The Graphic Design Club has two advisers who share the responsibility of supervising students and all club activities.

“I am co-adviser for the graphic design club, along with Greg Stiles,” June Roys said. “I have been an adviser to the club for five years.”

The club provides a place for students to be around like-minded individuals who are passionate about the same topic.

“This is a great program and there is a tremendous amount of comradery that goes on between students,” Roys said. “These students are together for two years. They get very close to each other, as well as to us as advisers. The students spend all their time in classes together. They become very tight and learn to help each other, which is incredible. Students outside the program don’t realize just how much sharing of knowledge and sharing of skills can happen.”

The club’s success is due largely in part to student involvement and participation from the business community.

“All of the students who are part of the graphic design program are part of the club,” Roys said. “There are about 65 students in the program.”

Tessa Vlaar is the current graphic design club president and helps to keep the club members accountable.

“I have been a member of the club for a year and change now,” Vlaar said. “As club president, I organize meetings and work in events planning.”

The graphic design club provides events, brings in guest speakers and provides resources in the areas of professional development, networking, education, inspiration and community engagement.

We hold a lot of different events,” said Vlaar. “This year we started doing an event called ‘Alumnus,’ which is a student event that connects graphic design students with professionals in the graphic design industry. That is great for our students.”

Club members will visit Seattle where they will gain valuable knowledge and experience.

“We also have the Seattle trip where we go to Seattle and tour graphic design agencies,” Vlaar said. “That has been very rewarding for our students in the past. I love the collaboration between all of our club members. I love all of the value we are able to add not only to our community, but to give to the members of the Graphic Design Club, as well.”

Roys said 18 students and two advisers will attend an upcoming Seattle trip.

“The event in Seattle is called Reality Check and it is put on by the AIGA, which is the American Institute of Graphic Arts. The AIGA is the largest graphic design organization in the country,” Roys said.

Students say they are in the club for many reasons.

“I was attracted to the club due to the programming we are able to provide for the students,” Vlaar said. “This program is very well connected within our industry and within Spokane in the graphic design field. Having the ability to get real world experience and work hands-on with professionals in our industry is really a great part of this club.”

Sam Pearson has been a club member for about a year and is looking forward to the Grad Show.

“The Grad Show is a place where we are able to showcase our work for members of the industry professionals,” Pearson said. It is one of the tools in finding a job after we have completed the program.”

The Grad Show will be held 5-8 p.m. June 13.

Roys said the Graphic Design Club offers something that others cannot.

“I have been a member of the Graphic Design Club for over a year and a half,” said Natasha Moore. “I joined the club for the creativity and the collaboration. This club is different from most others on campus. I believe it is one of the largest clubs. We can really connect with each other in this club. Some of the other clubs are on a come and go basis. With the Graphic Design Club there is more outreach. It is a positive thing.”

Reality Check will be a positive experience for everyone, club members say.

“I am most excited for the Reality Check Seattle trip,” Moore said. “I heard some really good things about the trip from last year. I’m excited for this year because we have a lot more things planned this time around. We will take a small group to Seattle and we will visit industry professionals to see how they do things. There will also be a portfolio review for us to showcase our work to and receive feedback on what we can improve upon.”

Both first-year students and second-year students belong to the club.

“The Graphic Design Club is a really cool way to connect with students that might not normally want to get involved with a club,” said club member Sommer Colvin. “I joined a little bit later than everyone else. I’ve only been involved for five or six months.”

Colvin agrees with Pearson and believes the Grad Show is the best activity the Graphic Design Club participates in.

“It’s a really fun way for us to show our work at a professional event,” Colvin said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

The Graphic Design Club, as well as the SFCC graphic design program, offers a creative outlet for students.

“If you are interested in art and want a way to apply it in the business industry look into graphic design,” Vlaar said. “It is a very rewarding career.”

If you are interested in joining the graphic design club, meetings are held every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 19, Rm. 217.

Students who are interested in the graphic design program must apply for entry into the program. More information can be found at: http://graphicdesign.spokanefalls.edu/default.htm