Victor’s exclusive task
was to develop a new set of templates for the standard university publications produced regularly by colleges, departments, and programs. The existing templates were produced approximately five years ago by a professional off-campus designer. It was the first time MSU faculty and staff had access to templates with a uniform visual identity.

Now that many faculty and staff members have embraced the templates as an easier and more effective way to produce publications, the University is ready for fresh designs that build on our visual identity and take advantage of the new printing technology we’ve acquired in the past five years. These specifications were made clear to Victor. Beyond that, he was given creative freedom.

Victor worked steadily and with great focus throughout the semester, spending at least eight hours per week in the graphic design shop and often spending more time than required. Toward the end of the semester Victor submitted the results of his work.

In short, he produced a family of pieces that show the ability to apply a fresh approach and still adhere to institutional standards. We identified three particularly strong pieces that represent an incremental freshening-up of the established MSU visual identity. Together, the variations are very likely to meet the needs of a broad range of campus clients, from the traditional office to the edgy academic department.

Victor showed depth and sophistication in the range of issues he addressed with these designs and the fact that each of these three frontrunners addressed a different need or trend. It’s notable that when we questioned Victor’s use of particular design elements (e.g., grids), Victor explained that his intent was to show strength and solidity. In the broader context of the University’s latest messages (“the modern university is dynamic, innovative, etc.”), this approach doesn’t ring true. There’s no way Victor could have known this, and the fact that he was able to explain his approach and then receive and understand our feedback indicates his professionalism. We will very likely develop Victor’s top three designs to become templates for University use—a significant achievement for an intern.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with this talented student and recommend him to any team of professionals seeking an energetic and skilled designer.

Sincerely,
Douglas Fenske
Director of Printing Services
Minnesota State University, Mankato


Ann Rosenquist Fee
Director of Publications
Minnesota State University, Mankato



Victor has been the center of our graphic design
and art influence for many undertakings in our firm. Without question he will be called upon in the future for upcoming projects as well. His underlying artistic abilities have produced some very creative and cutting edge designs.

His first project was to design a new image for our emerging music services and party planning company (Go Entertainment). From logo, web design, letterhead, postcard, and brochure he was called upon to develop a brand and image that was appropriate to the business owner’s style. His diligence and dedication were outstanding considering the pressure of the perfection our firm demands.

Notwithstanding he accomplished the goals with exactly the desired outcome and in a very timely manner. Victor was certainly counted as an asset in all situations and positions he was assigned. He possesses an extremely fine eye for art and understands the younger market and their concepts of desirability and needs.

He takes initiative and goes the extra steps to be outstanding in all aspects. His work continues today to be a major part of our written expressions and when time comes for a change or expansion we hope his services will still be available.

Thanks Victor for your help in bringing our visions to reality.

Greg & Callie Olson
General Partners and Proprietors

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