It may be summer, but Digital and Print Publishing students are still hard at work learning web design and crafting this year’s online edition of PRM Magazine. Split into five teams, each group has specific tasks that contribute to building langaraprm.com.
The Web Design team is in charge of making a beautiful, responsive website. From drafting up designs, choosing colour palettes, and making sure everything is as accessible as possible, the web designers are giving their all to ensure the PRM website looks fantastic. See how they felt about their time in the DPUB Program:
Almost there! How do you feel about the program ending?
Dana Cvitanovich: I feel nervous because we’re moving into a new chapter in life, as silly as that sounds. I guess we have to start looking for jobs! I think it’ll be okay, because I have all that I’ve learned in the program to take with me.
Yuan Xue: I just realized that our program will finish in two weeks! Even though we studied for three semesters, it feels like the program went by fast. I want to take the time to brush up on my skills before I jump into working.
Mishayla Van Ry: I’m going to miss school, all the learning opportunities that came with it, and the opportunities we had to connect with peers and instructors. This program has introduced me to a ton of awesome stuff, and I’m excited to dive deeper and find my own pathway. I learned such a great deal about the whole process, and I think it’s going to set us apart from other graduates.
What was the most significant thing you learned in the program?
D: Typography: how to pair fonts that go well together and the anatomy of typefaces in general. Once you start learning about font design, it’s impossible not to see horrible fonts everywhere you go!
Y: How to make your finished projects look the way you want. Your on-screen design will look different compared to your printed design, so it’s good to know how to make your concept come to life.
M: The deadlines have helped me in coursework and in doing my own personal projects. Assignments came in stages, so you always knew what deliverables needed to be done first. It also helped me understand the importance of front work, like thumbnails, sketches, and the ideation process.
How have your career goals changed since you started the program?
D: They’ve changed because I didn’t have them before! I joined this program by accident. I meant to join the web and mobile app, and this was my backup. I’m so glad it was—I would’ve done terribly in that class! I haven’t solidified it, but I know more about my career path now than before this program.
Y: I thought I would continue working as a landscape designer after graduation, but now I’m thinking of pursuing graphic design. Compared to a landscape designer, graphic designers have more creative freedom.
M: I started at Langara in the Creative Writing program, but I didn’t finish, because I kept seeing the DPUB poster around. I thought the practicality and hands-on work was more up my alley. I love magazines and books in general, and I want to look for a career related to publishing, layout, or cover design. I’ve learned so many skills that it’s hard to pick just one thing!
Any advice for future DPUB students?
D: Everybody says this, but don’t leave your work until the very end. Start it as soon as you can, because it seems like you can get it done quickly, but there’s a lot of little things you’ll have to adjust.
Y: Talk to your classmates often and share your ideas. Seeing things from another perspective can help you with your work.
M: Projects are assigned with a lot of notice, so don’t just go with your first idea! Put in at least an hour sketching thumbnails, looking at designs online, and coming up with your concepts. Look at work you like, because that’s how you’ll come up with your style.
