AMES, Iowa –– From branding for a fictional basketball team to a mental health app and an interactive installation exploring imposter syndrome, the Iowa State University graphic design class of 2025 will share their final projects with the central Iowa community on Thursday, May 15, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

“Evolve: 2025 Graphic Design Senior Show” will be from 6–8 p.m. in Community Choice Credit Union Hall A, with remarks starting at 6:30 p.m. Industry professionals, family and friends are welcome to attend this free, public event. Business attire is encouraged.

The show will feature the work of 82 graduating seniors developed in the graphic design capstone courses as well as in four advanced interdisciplinary studios.

“The senior show marks a significant transition from student to professional,” said assistant teaching professor Julius Finley, one of four graphic design faculty members teaching the capstone courses this spring. “Each year, it features a unique group of students whose work consistently demonstrates creativity, skill and professionalism.”

NBA in Iowa

Branding for fictional Heartland Hunters basketball team by graphic design senior Akira Thongsouk

What if there were an NBA team in Iowa? Akira Thongsouk, from Ankeny, explores the possibility through his capstone project, “Heartland Hunters.” Inspired by the energy he felt watching an ISU basketball game at Hilton Coliseum, Thongsouk developed branding, including logos and motion graphics, to hype up his fictional team.

“Creating ‘Heartland Hunters’ was more complex than I thought it would be,” Thongsouk said. “Coming up with the brand was relatively easy but learning how to animate was tough; I’ve never created a project that had motion graphics before. It was a challenge but I’m happy to have learned a new skill in the process.”

Beating burnout

Screenshot of Roto app developed by graphic design senior Emma Wilson

With stress-related burnout at an all-time high, Emma Wilson may have found a solution for managing symptoms. The “Roto” app provides support to college students by helping them build a self-care routine, reduce screen time and set personal goals.

“I designed the app after dealing with burnout myself,” said Wilson, from Franklin, Tennessee. “Designing ‘Roto’ was a great opportunity for me to get experience in user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design and the initial user research process.”

Spring interdisciplinary studios

Interdisciplinary studio projects include a shuttered Santa Fe school reimagined as a boutique hotel; innovative audio-centric mobile design interventions; proposals to revitalize engagement strategies for the Strategic Air Command Museum in Ashland, Nebraska; and redesigned Midwest workspaces that prioritize employee well-being and integrate advanced technology.

Contacts

Julius Finley, Assistant Teaching Professor, Graphic Design, jfinley@iastate.edu
Akira Thongsouk, Graduating Senior, Graphic Design, akira03@iastate.edu
Emma Wilson, Graduating Senior, Graduating Senior, Graphic Design, ewilson2@iastate.edu
Lauren Johnson, Communications Specialist, College of Design, laujohn2@iastate.edu

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