Inspire Creative Camp

The School of Visual Communication Design (VCD) at Kent State University will host its annual pre-college design academy, Inspire, which explores all areas of graphic design, from June 20 – 24. During Inspire, students engage in projects combining basic research tactics, brainstorming and creative thinking while they envision, innovate and experiment. Working in the disciplines of print design, three-dimensional design, interaction design, photography and illustration, attendees collaborate with other creative students.

During this week-long college preparatory program students will work with nationally recognized faculty and select graduate instructors; access the VCD facilities including computer labs equipped with design software and the historic Type High Press; gain insight into college life, expectations and demands; meet and collaborate with other creative students; learn about future career opportunities from current design professionals; and exhibit their work in a gallery reception for friends and family at the end of the week. Students can participate in daytime only sessions or day and overnight sessions.

Inspire provides a unique opportunity to get a head start and an introduction to design while experiencing college. Inspire is for high school students and incoming college freshmen—a great opportunity to meet future classmates before entering college.

A parent whose son participated in the design academy last year shared this comment: “I wanted to tell you what an impact the Inspire camp had on my son. He loved it and enjoyed all of the experiences with various media across the week and the interaction with other participants. Most importantly, we feel he was actually "inspired." He wants to pursue graphic design at Kent State which he fell in love with.”

Visual communication design at Kent State is one of the largest and most comprehensive in its course offerings in the United States. The program is nationally recognized for its outstanding quality in design education. Alumni work appears regularly in design exhibitions and in published annuals of regional, national and international competitions. VCD is a nationally recognized program in design education.

Those who register for Inspire by April 15 will receive a reduced tuition rate. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, applications and pricing, visit http://vcd.kent.edu/inspire. Contact inspire@kent.edu with questions, and for more information about Kent State’s School of Visual Communication Design, visit www.kent.edu/vcd.

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The School of Visual Communication Design at Kent State University is preparing students for a future in graphic design with Inspire, A Summer Creative Camp. In its second summer, the camp’s curriculum covers print design, three-dimensional design, motion and animation, photography and illustration.

The camp is for high school students and incoming freshmen who are 14-19 years of age, have an interest in design and are interested in developing their own portfolio for college admissions.  Students can choose to attend the overnight camp, where they stay in residence halls for the week, or the day camp which goes from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

VCD Assistant Professors Jillian Coorey and Gretchen Rinnert direct the camp, and VCD graduate students and undergraduate students serve as instructors and mentors of Inspire. The week long camp ends with a gallery reception where students can show their work to family and friends.

According to Inspires’ website, the camp “is designed to foster creativity, encouraging students to "spread their wings" in a learning-centered, collaborative and fun environment.”

“I think one of the great things about Inspire is that it is a camp-like environment,” Coorey said. “The students are working with other creative kids their age and doing various activities throughout the day without the rigidness of grading; they’re free to explore anything they’re interested in. We do a variety of activities throughout the week including photography, illustration, 3D design and interaction design. It allows the students to be exposed to all areas of design.”

Getting the chance to work with Kent State University faculty ensures that the students have the best experience possible during their time at camp.

“I love the fact that we alternate projects and it’s not completely focused on one type of design,” said Gracie Harms, a second year returning camper from Bay High School. “My favorite project last year was the 3D letters where we created 3D letters out of recycled materials. I thought it was really interesting and I had a lot of fun.”

“The project ideas are creative, so that yields creative results for me,” said Peter Kratcoski, a second year returning camper from Archbishop Hoban High School. “I think this camp has given me a bigger picture view of what design is. I’ve also gotten a better taste and feel for campus life.”

Students also experience the transition to college by working with undergraduate and graduate students during camp sessions.

“I think that a lot of high school students in our country do not get exposed to graphic design before college,” said Larrie King, Inspire camp instructor and VCD graduate student. “This camp allows them to get a taste of what the industry is like and what they can expect in a graphic design program. It’s a huge industry and it’s important that we expose them to this field as early as possible.”

At the end of the camp, students will walk away with a well-rounded, creative portfolio to submit with college applications or show during job interviews.

“All these projects will help students as they enter a design program,” said Coorey. “Our main goal is to ease students’ college transition and allow them to get a jump start on design terms and design education.”

The School of Visual Communication Design at Kent State University is preparing students for a future in graphic design with Inspire, A Summer Creative Camp. In its second summer, the camp’s curriculum covers print design, three-dimensional design, motion and animation, photography and illustration.

The camp is for high school students and incoming freshmen who are 14-19 years of age, have an interest in design and are interested in developing their own portfolio for college admissions.  Students can choose to attend the overnight camp, where they stay in residence halls for the week, or the day camp which goes from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

VCD Assistant Professors Jillian Coorey and Gretchen Rinnert direct the camp, and VCD graduate students and undergraduate students serve as instructors and mentors of Inspire. The week long camp ends on Friday, June 21 with a gallery reception from 4:30-6 p.m. where students can show their work to family and friends.

According to Inspires’ website, the camp “is designed to foster creativity, encouraging students to "spread their wings" in a learning-centered, collaborative and fun environment.”

“I think one of the great things about Inspire is that it is a camp-like environment,” Coorey said. “The students are working with other creative kids their age and doing various activities throughout the day without the rigidness of grading; they’re free to explore anything they’re interested in. We do a variety of activities throughout the week including photography, illustration, 3D design and interaction design. It allows the students to be exposed to all areas of design.”

Getting the chance to work with Kent State University faculty ensures that the students have the best experience possible during their time at camp.

“I love the fact that we alternate projects and it’s not completely focused on one type of design,” said Gracie Harms, a second year returning camper from Bay High School. “My favorite project last year was the 3D letters where we created 3D letters out of recycled materials. I thought it was really interesting and I had a lot of fun.”

“The project ideas are creative, so that yields creative results for me,” said Peter Kratcoski, a second year returning camper from Archbishop Hoban High School. “I think this camp has given me a bigger picture view of what design is. I’ve also gotten a better taste and feel for campus life.”

Students also experience the transition to college by working with undergraduate and graduate students during camp sessions.

“I think that a lot of high school students in our country do not get exposed to graphic design before college,” said Larrie King, Inspire camp instructor and VCD graduate student. “This camp allows them to get a taste of what the industry is like and what they can expect in a graphic design program. It’s a huge industry and it’s important that we expose them to this field as early as possible.”

At the end of the camp, students will walk away with a well-rounded, creative portfolio to submit with college applications or show during job interviews.

“All these projects will help students as they enter a design program,” said Coorey. “Our main goal is to ease students’ college transition and allow them to get a jump start on design terms and design education.”