VCD Grad Continues Senior Project After Graduation

By: Emily Horne

Renee Volchko, a December 2011 B.F.A. graduate from Kent State University’s  School of Visual Communication Design (VCD) is continuing her senior project, even after graduation. Volchko’s 2-D concentration with a minor in Web design and programming has gone to good use as she continues to tweak her project for use by the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring organization.

Volchko’s final project consists of three “ad spots” or roughly 30-second videos. In order to create these videos, she interviewed many different kids. From her 25-30 minutes of footage from each kid, she narrowed it down to about 30 seconds for each video.

She says she chose to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters because family has always been important to her, as she has a sister eight years her junior. “I think that everyone deserves to have a sibling relationship,” she said. She also said she believes there is something special about having someone like that in your life.

One of Volchko’s biggest challenges with completing this project was adhering to a strict schedule. Between utilizing a green screen, rendering, animating, filming, setting up lights, and making sure each of the small technicalities were in place, it was a challenge to balance that with executing an overall message to her chosen audience.

“It was such an accomplishment, not only for me to get it done, but to get it done with success,” she said. She began thinking about this project in May 2011 and began executing it in October. She says there was “a lot of thinking and planning” before she began tackling the actual project.

After contacting the Big Brothers Big Sisters headquarters in Philadelphia to show the executives her project, she got in contact with the art director. The organization is now in the process of integrating its logo and an existing slogan into the project so it can be viewed by the public. Volchko said she hopes Big Brothers Big Sisters will use the spots as viral videos or ads on its Youtube channel and website.

“Completing this project gave me a little bit more confidence in my abilities,” Volchko said. She went on to say that receiving responses and praise from people who have viewed her work is a great reward.

A self-proclaimed driven and inspired designer, Volchko said she finds inspiration very easily and very quickly. “Graphic design has been my way to communicate with people,” she said “art is a language everybody speaks.” Volchko said that she has her heart set on “making something happen someday.”

Volchko recently coded and launched a new personal website to showcase her work. View it at www.hellorenee.com.

Farewell CCI

I can remember writing my welcome blog post almost a year ago, and now as I sit and write my farewell the irony seems bittersweet.  This past year at CCI has been the best work experience ever! When I started out here as Practicum student I wasn’t expecting to spend the next semester as a Marketing Assistant and even to come back this past spring semester after graduating in December.

My position here at CCI allowed me to work on a lot of fantastic projects, the coolest being the premiere for Research: The Musical. I served as the head of the movie’s marketing and PR team, which allowed me to gain hand’s on experience in planning a major art’s event like the movie premiere. This project also helped me figure out my career goals.

When I first came to CCI, I had plans on being a journalist. See blog post. However I soon realized that my love of writing would go perfectly with my love for the arts. In other words I decided that I wanted to work on the communications side of the entertainment industry. My ultimate goal would be to start my own arts non-profit for children from low-income families. I believe talent should be nurtured no matter what your financial circumstances are. I plan to work towards this goal by obtaining my Master’s from Akron University in Arts Administration in the fall and continuing to do post-graduate internships within the arts and media industry throughout Norteast Ohio.

Working with the CCI staff truly changed my life. I would recommend to anyone who has the oppurtunity to work here to make your experince count by getting to know the people you’re working with and tailoring your projects to fit your future career plans.

Britany Ruby has been a Marketing Assistant for the College of Communication and Information from May 2011-May 2012 . She graduated with her BA in Communication Studies in December 2011 and will be pursuing her Master’s in Arts Administration beginning Fall 2012.

VCD Graduate Specializes in Clothing and Décor for Children

By Emily Horne

Alex Rodgers

Alex Rodgers, a December 2009 graduate from Kent State University’s Visual Communication Design program, is now a successful business owner, specializing in printing trendy and affordable clothing and décor for children. His company, Lil’ Burritos, is a Northeast Ohio based design boutique that both sells items online and in a few specialty shops in the Cleveland and Columbus areas.

While Rodgers may not have always aspired to start his own business, he did always want the opportunity to work for himself. He began Lil’ Burritos in October of 2010 with his girlfriend Stephanie Rericha, also a Kent State graduate. At the time, Rodgers was working part-time at the American Greetings World Headquarters in Cleveland but unsure if it would result in a full-time position so he decided to start his own “passion project.” Now he works full-time with both companies.

The business stemmed from Rodgers’ passion “for creating cute, whimsical illustrations” and Rericha’s knowledge of kid culture. Though it started as a hobby, the business has turned into so much more and Rodgers says he couldn’t be happier with the result.

The name of the company was inspired by a term of the same name used to describe newborn babies as they were swaddled. Late in the planning stages, however, he had what he calls a “eureka moment” and decided to wrap the onesies in foil, like burritos. He says both he and Rericha have “an unhealthy love of Mexican food” and continued to say that the name fits on multiple levels.

The company began with onesies but has grown to include prints, tote bags, and night-lights, in addition to some adult shirts in their line of Big Burritos and dog shirts in their Doggie Burritos line. Most of the products fit into one of three categories: Regional Pride, Lil’ Animals, and their Swell Series. With Rodgers and Rericha both being from the Stow/Kent area, they admit to having an attachment to Northeast Ohio. Rodgers says the regional items seem to be most popular and are sold to many customers outside of the state.

Lil’ Burritos has grown into something Rodgers and Rericha never anticipated but they are still just a two person team. They love watching it grow and are simply along for the ride.

Look for Lil’ Burritos at the Kent Heritage Festival and Kent’s Art In The Park festivals this summer. For more information on Lil’ Burritos or how to purchase products, visit the Web site at www.LilBurritos.com.

Inspire: A Summer Creative Camp for High School Students

By Emily Horne

Jillian Coorey and Gretchen Rinnert, both Assistant Professors in the School of Visual Communication Design (VCD), have developed a summer creative camp called Inspire that will take place this summer. The day camp is for students who have completed their freshman year of high school, are between the ages of 14 and 19, and have an interest in design, photography, illustration, and creative thinking. There is no requirement of previous experience, transcripts, or a portfolio to attend this program.

Gretchen Rinnert

Taking place the last week in July from Monday through Friday, this camp will provide students with an overview of graphic design disciplines such as 2-D print, 3-D print, image making, motion, and interaction. With covering a different discipline each day, Coorey said they want to keep each session fresh and exciting for the students.

The idea for this camp has been in the making since 2009 when Rinnert began planning it with a former faculty member, but since this past summer, the planning has been in full swing. Coorey and Rinnert have high hopes for the success of this program. With only a handful of similar design camps in the country and nothing similar in the area, the directors hope this camp will become an annual event, eventually turning into an overnight camp with multiple sessions in order to reach out to more than just the local community.

Not only will students in attendance be able to either add to their portfolios or begin creating one, they will also be able to learn about careers in the field.

“So many students come to college and change majors,” Rinnert said, “the earlier students can learn about programs, it’s such an advantage for them.”

Jillian Coorey

Coorey added that the camp will act as both an introduction to the field and serve as a college experience for the students.

“Some people don’t understand the impact that graphic design has,” she said. “The term ‘design’ is an umbrella for so many things.” Rinnert added that the term design is “so overused.”

In addition to the knowledge students will gain, Coorey and Rinnert want to begin creating a community that involves high school students and VCD students and faculty. Helping with the camp is “a great tool for our grad students” as they will lend a hand during the workshops, said Coorey.

For more information on camp details, how to donate or sponsor students, or to register for the program, high school students should download an application on inspirecamp.com. Applications are due March 1, 2012 and are on a first-come first-served basis.

It’s Never Too Late to Spread Your Wings & Get Involved On Campus

By Britany Ruby

It’s less than a month into another busy spring semester. And while  a lot of people would want to hibernate until the sun comes back out, a select few of you will use this semester as a chance to get involved on campus. Whether you’re in the market for some new friends, community service hours, a resume booster, or fine tuning an old hobby, Kent State University has the organization or club that fits your needs.

1. Greek Life: Greek life is not just paying for friends as some people would say. As a member of a sorority myself, I see it as an opportunity to become a part of a sisterhood or brotherhood. It gives you the opportunity to serve your community while building lifelong friends and becoming a better person. Check out Kent’s Greek Life page to learn more.

2. Join a Special Interest Group: What better way to bond with new friends than through a shared hobby? You can join a fashion club like Modista, a film club, and even a bicycle club. Check out this special interest list for more options.

3. Serve the Community: While almost every student organization on campus does some kind of community service project, there are organizations on campus that were created solely to serve the community. You can join an organization that’s specific to KSU, such as Kent Student Ambassadors or participate in national service projects with groups like Habitat for Humanity.  Check out CSI’s service organizations list for more opportunities.

4. Build your Resume:  Getting involved on campus is the best way to build your resume and network. It’s important to gain professional experience and meet people within your major who could be your future colleagues. The College of Communication and Information offers many organizations for its students to join. Communication majors can join the Kent Communication Society. Journalism students have numerous options like PRSSA, AAF Kent and various student media outlets. VCD students also have several professional societies and companies like Glyphix.

Getting involved outside of the classroom allows students to make lifelong friends. Take the time to explore interests outside of academics and you might be surprised how many organizations catch your interest. It’s ok to join a organization just to meet people with similar interests. You’ll find that you may also be able to do other things like serving your community or find a new hobby while making new friends. To find a organization or club that fits your needs, check out Kent’s student life page.

Britany is a marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information.

Networking in Six Easy Steps

By Jayne Fenton

Often students will ignore emails urging them to attend an event for the college. Sure, it’s easy to not attend an event if you won’t receive credit or a grade for it. But are you considering the draw backs to not attending a FREE event? As often as students discuss the cost of tuition, and room and board, one would think students would jump all over the opportunity to learn something for free.

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from the Center of Student Involvement and the Alumni Association regarding a free event titled “Networking in a Flash.” The email boasted an opportunity to help prepare panicking seniors in regards to lack of networking skills. I was intrigued by the thought of networking with actual Kent State alumni. The email explained in order to attend the networking opportunity you must attend an orientation night, where you will receive FREE business cards. I thought to myself “Even if the event is a bust, at least I get some business cards out of it.” I signed up for orientation and filled out the form for my business cards. Networking in a Flash here I come!

Orientation night came around, and I arrived 45 minutes early to the Williamson Alumni Center. I had a chance to speak with the organizer of the event, Carrie Circosta, Assistant Director of Student and Recent Graduates Programs. Circosta explained to me that the event received such a high amount of interest they had to turn away students who wanted to participate. I asked Circosta what the goal of the orientation was this evening. She mentioned the following items:

• Help change the student’s attitude about networking
• Alumni care for the university, good opportunity for them to give back
• Teach students how to set goals with social networking

I was anxious to begin. We were provided a folder full of useful documents regarding networking. In a document adapted from Grand Valley State, networking summed up in six obtainable goals.

1. Define your networking goals.
2. Devise your compelling message.
3. Identify who you are.
4. Identify your personal networking style.
5. Keep a record of your networking activities.
6. Follow up graciously.

I found this to be the most helpful in explaining networking. The orientation on networking assured me I could network professionally, even with social media, such as LinkedIn.

 I urge every senior to go out of their comfort zone and approach someone who you look up to. Anyone can lead to your chance at landing a job.

Jayne is a senior interpersonal communication major and marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information this fall.

I am intern, hear me roar!

By Jayne Fenton

When I tell people I am doing three internships in one semester I usually get the same reaction, “Are you crazy?” Whether or not I am crazy, I know I am making the right decision regarding my choice to triple up on work experience. The internships I have been accepted into are giving me real-life experience, all of which are focused in a different field.

The first internship I accepted was the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) internship with the School of Communication Studies. The PSI internship is a prestigious program in Communication Studies, which gives interns actual experience in a classroom. The internship is ideal for anyone who wishes to become a teacher, or those who want to continue their education with a master’s. At this point in my life I am not pursuing a master’s degree, nor do I want to teach. However, I know the experience will help me with my organizational, instructional, and communicative skills.

Allow me to backtrack for the second internship I was awarded. In the summer of 2011, I worked as a Research and Special Events intern for the School of Communication Studies. It was in that internship where I met Jennifer Kramer, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for the College of Communication and Information. Kramer showed an interest in my work ethic and encouraged me to apply for the Public Relations and Marketing internship with the College of Communication and Information. I was interviewed for the position and offered the internship on the spot. It is no lie when advisors say networking will be your best friend when searching for a career. Thus far networking has earned me two internships. It is through this blog I am making my first contribution to my Public Relations and Marketing internship.

The third internship I have earned I was the most confident for during the interview. During the last summer months of my Research and Special Events internship I received an email from my advisor, Rozell Duncan, about an internship opportunity. The internship was offered from Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP), a non-profit organization which promotes downtown Akron. The internship position read that duties will include marketing, public relations, and event planning. Those three subjects are my fields of interest, which encouraged me to apply for the position. Within a week I was contacted by Lisa Knapp, Communications Director for DAP, requesting an interview. I was pleased to be selected as one of the fortunate ones to be selected for an interview. I went to the interview prepared with a portfolio and a can-do attitude. It paid off. A week later I was contacted by Knapp congratulating me on being awarded the internship. An added bonus was to find out my friend Samantha was also awarded the internship.

All three internships have given me the courage to go forth with my dreams and interests. No longer am I afraid to apply for careers that I think are outside of my experience. When I graduate with my Bachelor’s in Interpersonal Communication this December, I will have completed five internships that I can add to my resume. Considering my experience and plucky attitude I hope for the best once I graduate from Kent State University. I encourage everyone to apply for many internships before their college career is up. For some, juggling three internships in one semester could be an academic risk. However, for myself, I am able to take that risk because I only have two classes this semester. My academic career is coming to an end and I feel fully prepared to get a job that fulfills my goals and interests.

My name is Jayne, I am a senior at KSU studying Interpersonal Communication. Through the use of this blog I hope to motivate, inspire, and encourage you to follow your dreams.

Jayne is a senior interpersonal communication major and marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information this fall.

Why Summer Classes?

By Britany Ruby

Summer, the best time of year right? Filled with vacations, tanning and pure relaxation. At least that’s how it goes for everyone but me. While I would’ve loved to spend my summer taking road trips with my friends. I decided to put on my big girl pants and spend my summer in Kent taking classes. And although Kent seems barren this summer, I know that I’m not the only student spending their summer in school.

Many students are on Kent’s main campus, regional campuses, and even at home taking various classes for many reasons. The most common reason students take summer classes is to get ahead in their major. One summer of taking classes could allow a student to graduate a whole semester early. Another reason is to boost their GPA, for example I am taking a special topics course this summer that will definitely boost my GPA. A lot of students also take summer classes at their home community colleges or Kent regional campuses to save money. In some cases taking one of your Kent Core classes at another university can be almost $500 cheaper than taking them at Kent’s main campus.

While there are a lot of positives in taking summer classes there are also a few negative aspects. The obvious one is giving up at least a part of your summer. The classes that are offered during the summer are sometimes more intense than they are in normal semesters because of the shorter time span. There is also the financial aid issue, where you may have to pay out of pocket for a class at another campus.

Whether you were looking into taking classes already or this post sparked your interest, take a look into taking summer classes. Compare the positives and negatives of spending your summer in school. Who knows, maybe you’ll decide that taking summer classes will benefit you in the long run.

Britany is a senior applied communication studies major and a practicum student for the College of Communication and Information.

CCI Welcomes New Marketing Assistant & Blogger!

Hey fellow Flashes! It’s Britany Ruby here, the newest Public Relations and Marketing assistant with the College of Communication and Information. I would describe myself as a little Anna Wintour mixed with a lot of Carrie Bradshaw, with plans to pursue a career in the Magazine Industry after graduation in December 2011. I am a native of Dayton, Ohio, and a senior at Kent State University pursuing a bachelor of arts in communication studies with a concentration in applied communication.

I studied fashion merchandising here at Kent for three years before realizing that my love of writing had overpowered my love for fashion. However, before I switched my major I was able to study fashion in New York, New York, for the spring 2010 semester. My time in New York greatly influenced my writing and lifestyle as a whole. It helped me to realize my ultimate dream of moving back to the Big Apple to work at a major fashion magazine.

In the past four years I have worked on the staff of Kent State University’s, UHURU Magazine and Artemis Women’s Magazine. I have interned with SELF Magazine in New York, New York. And, I also completed an editorial internship with Padosa.com in 2010, while at home in Dayton, Ohio.  

While I have had other internships in the past I hope to have a completely different experience here at the College of Communication and Information. Here I hope to not only better my writing skills, but to learn more about public relations and marketing as a whole. I hope that you will join me on my journey this summer and until then please let me know if you have any questions!

Britany is a senior applied communication studies student and marketing assistant for CCI.

Summer Reading List 2011

By Emily Carle

Yep, it’s that time of year! All students have moved off campus, commencement has come and gone, and the weather finally matches the attitude: it’s summer 2011 in Kent, Ohio! While some students take this time to do everything but think about reading, I like to take the summer to catch up on all the books I’ve been dying to read throughout the year, but never had time. Unfortunately, reading my International Marketing textbook isn’t what I would call “reading for fun.”

The next step is coming up with a comprehensive list that encompasses light reading & even some reading to better yourself & your future.

This I Believe, edited by Jay Allison, Dan Gediman, John Gregory and Viki Merrick

This I Believe is an international organization engaging people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. More than 90,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life, are archived on our website, heard on public radio, chronicled through our books, and featured in weekly podcasts. The project is based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.

All incoming Kent State students are required to read This I Believe the summer before their freshmen year, but it is a great read for anyone! Every story is short and offers advice and insight that is applicable to many life situations.

How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie

First published in 1937, How to Win Friends and Influence People is still regarded as the number one people-skills books and a true self-help book. This is a book to keep on your bookshelf for the rest of your life and pass on these skills to your children and your children’s children.

Now is Gone: A Primer on New Media for Executives and Entrepreneurs, Geoff Livingston & Brian Solis

Featured at YouToo Social Media Conference, Geoff Livingston along with Brian Solis focuses on businesses embracing social media into their organization. Now is Gone includes social media marketing strategies, insights and case studies to demonstrate success.

The Now Revolution: 7 Shifts to Make Your Business Faster, Smarter, and More Social, Jay Baer and Amber Naslund

The Now Revolution doesn’t teach you how to “do” social media, but it shows through the seven shifts, case studies and advice how to make your organization utilize the newest tools. It pushes you to adapt the way business is done with the ever-changing social web.

Quiet Hero: Secrets from My Father’s Past, Rita Cosby

Emmy® award–winning journalist, TV host, and New York Times bestselling author Rita Cosby came to Kent State University in February to talk to students about some of her experiences in the field of journalism. She also talked about her relationship with her father and how it blossomed and deepened while writing Quiet Hero. Pick up Cosby’s latest book and maybe it will inspire you to learn more about your parents’ or grandparents’ past!

Making College Count: A Real World Look at How to Succeed In and After College, Patrick S. O’Brien

For students who are serious about building a great future after college, pick this up! Whether you’re still in high school, just starting college or already a couple years in, this book includes an actionable plan on how to not only survive but succeed in college. Learn from educators, students, and corporate recruiters on how to make the most of your college career from your first steps on campus!

Now for a few more “fun” books…

Bossypants, Tina Fey

Maybe it’s just me, but I think 99% of what Tina Fey does is hilarious and this book is no different. This memoir delves into her experiences with Second City, SNL & 30 Rock and gives a true sense of her life as a female in a male-dominated industry. The perfect book to pick up if you’re looking for a good laugh and a light-hearted read this summer!

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

I know these are technically “young adult” books, but they are making a movie out of this series (three books in total) and it has gotten some rave reviews. Everyone I’ve talked to who has picked these up, haven’t been able to put them down. Definitely worth looking into for some light, fun reading on the beach!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling

Hopefully you all have read this book already But to prepare for the last installment of the series coming to theaters on July 15, pick up the seventh book in the Harry Potter series!

What books are you reading? Do you read serious books that are work/school related? Or do you prefer to read books just for fun? Do you have a favorite book that you would recommend to others?

Leave a comment or send us an email & tell us about your summer reading list!

Emily is a recent communication studies graduate and a summer marketing assistant for the College of Communication & Information.