Armed with a sketched design and two monitors, Sunny Park (12) applied the final touches to her t-shirt design. Her room filled with  the sound of mouse clicks as she elongated the text, increased the contrast, and layered the objects. Taking a step back, she smiled to herself, satisfied with her creation. After weeks of work, she had finally completed her graphic for the Cheer Youth Night t-shirts.

The Westview Graphic Design Studio (GDS) is an on-campus extracurricular organization that takes graphic design commissions from organizations across the Poway Unified School District (PUSD). Since 2015, they have designed items including Ambassador t-shirts, Grad Nite merchandise, Cheer competition shirts, and even Chess Club shirts for Sundance Elementary School. This year, GDS has three members: co-presidents Sunny Park and Enisa Alibegovic (12) and treasurer Brooks Danner (12).

Alibegovic said that GDS was created to help streamline the process of obtaining quality merchandise for various PUSD organizations.

“[After] we get commissioned for a design, we are the ones who create the designs,” Alibegovic said. “Taking what they requested into consideration, we make the graphics and details ourselves, then also help with the production and shipping. This way, [organizations] don’t need to worry about the hassle of having to go through production companies and adjustments. Essentially, however they want it, we’ll do it.”

All three current members underwent a multi-step selection process to join GDS, including a written application and an interview conducted by past members.

“[Last year,] the past GDS group called us in for an interview where they asked us questions about our availability and commitment,” Alibegovic said. “It was great to see that members really cared about the future of the organization, and that they took it seriously.”

Meeting every week to debrief commissions and projects, GDS works closely under their advisor, Mr. Nacu. Park said Nacu’s guidance has helped the studio become a productive environment.

“Because Nacu is a seasoned graphic designer, he gives us valuable feedback on how we can improve our designs,” Park said. “He also gives us creative direction when we’re stuck.” 

The graphic design process is largely run by the students, who work with customers to create pieces. Park said the design process has given her an opportunity to continue to explore the arts.

“Ever since I was young, I’ve always been interested in art,” Park said. “But over time, I’ve grown tired of constantly using canvases and paintbrushes. When I discovered graphic design, I relearned the joy I feel when I’m learning a new medium.”

Danner said that graphic design is special to him due to its flexibility.

“Graphic design allows you to have creativity that anyone can do,” Danner said. “Unlike a traditional artist, you just use a computer and can put shapes together, and that becomes art. It’s so open-ended, allowing anyone to be creative.”

Beyond the design process, Alibegovic said that GDS provided her with opportunities to learn soft skills that would be applicable to the real world.

“[GDS] takes you through the whole process of communicating with the client, creating the commissioned designs, and getting feedback from the client,” Alibegovic said. “This taught me a lot about time frames for production and getting things delivered, helping me become more efficient.”

Similarly, Park said GDS helped her to become a responsive worker.

“Through GDS, I’ve learned responsibility,” Park said. “I manage strict deadlines, learn to collaborate with my peers, and take helpful feedback from both my clients and the studio. Overall, it’s built me into a better person.”

Beyond sharpening pre-professional skills, Alibegovic said joining GDS provided her with an opportunity to make a difference within the school community. 

“I wanted to be part of something [at Westview] and feel more connected to the school environment,” she said. “GDS became my way to not only continue graphic design but also create things for the school.”

Alibegovic said that seeing people wearing her designs around campus gives her a sense of pride and accomplishment. 

“I saw one of the cheerleaders wearing the design I created, and it made me so happy,” she said. “I love seeing how the things we’ve done have an impact on people. It gives me something to be proud of.”

By designing products, Alibegovic said she is able to experience the joy of designing for others.

“Graphic design is about helping people out,” she said. “What makes graphic design so special to me is because it’s something so simple that can be made into something so special for others.”

Beyond enriching the campus community, GDS has also provided an outlet for members to foster a tight-knit community. Danner said being a part of GDS has become a large part of his life.

“GDS creates a sense of belonging,” Danner said. “It’s not like other clubs because it’s so small, so instead of just feeling connected, it’s more like a mini-family working together.”

Through working with GDS, Danner said his interest in continuing graphic design in the future has increased.

“I [used to be] terrible at Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, but joining GDS gave me a chance to improve my skills,” Danner said. “In the future, I definitely would want to pursue [graphic design] in some shape, way, or form. Maybe I could even start taking my own commissions.”

While designing, Park said she feels like it is preparing her for a career in user interface and user experience design (UIUX).

“In my career, I’m thinking of going into UIUX,” she said. “With graphic design, it’s quite similar. [GDS] teaches me a real-world application of my studies, which I think is a great opportunity.”