Establishing Columbia College’s very own design agency, The Blue Print, and working with clients has sharpened my design skills and provided me with exceptional real-world experience. Through The Blue Print, I have been exposed to a wide variety of project types, clientele, and demands. I’ve learned how to meet deadlines, professionally deliver designs, and communicate effectively with clients and a design team. Overall, The Blue Print has prepared me for the realities of the design world and has helped me gain confidence in my design skills moving forward.
The Blue Print Design Agency
If you are ready to collaborate on creative projects, The Blue Print Design Agency is here to bring your ideas to life with Columbia College student designers.
Hands-on design experience connecting students with real clients
The Blue Print is Columbia College’s student-run design agency. Graphic design students collaborate with campus partners and community clients to deliver professional-quality creative work while gaining real-world experience.
What The Blue Print Offers
The Blue Print is a fully functioning design agency and supports a wide range of creative needs. At no cost to the client, the agency provides:
- Brand identity and logo design
- Posters, flyers, postcards and event promotions
- Social media graphics and campaign assets
- Publications, zines and multi-page layouts
- Motion graphics and basic video editing
- Website mockups and digital assets
- Photography and image editing
- Custom design requests
All projects are completed by student designers in the graphic design program under faculty guidance and tailored to each client’s goals.
How It Works
1
Project Proposals
Clients share project goals, audience and desired outcomes.
2
Discovery and Ideation
Students meet with clients, research project needs, brainstorm solutions and develop initial concepts.
3
Design and Production
Students turn ideas into drafts, incorporate client feedback and produce final products.
4
Final Deliverables
Completed work is delivered in the required formats.
Why Partner With The Blue Print
Creative Excellence
Receive high-quality, innovative, and current design solutions from emerging designers.
Client Collaboration
Work directly with student designers throughout the creative process.
Shared Impact
Partner in learning that helps students build skills and portfolios.
What Our Students Are Saying
The Blue Print helps students build confidence and career readiness.
Course Info
The Blue Print is integrated within upper-level graphic design coursework, giving students an authentic learning environment. Students wishing to participate should enroll in one of the following:
- Graphic Design I, II and III (ARTS 216/316/416)
- Corporate Identity (ARTS 318)
- Digital Media (ARTS 319)
- Special Problems (ARTS 300)
Consult with your advisor for additional information.
Faculty Spotlight
The Blue Print’s faculty advisor is Visiting Assistant Professor of Art Dr. Bethanie Irons. Dr. Irons holds a Ph.D. in Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum with a focus on Art Education from the University of Missouri, an MFA in Art from the University of Missouri, and a BFA in Art from the University of South Dakota. She focuses on providing real-world learning experiences that mirror the realities of professional practice so that students can build on their skills and confidence. Her ultimate goal is to empower students to see themselves not just as learners, but as emerging professionals whose work has meaning, value, and purpose.
Contact Bethanie at (573) 875-7174 or birons1@ccis.edu
What Our Clients Are Saying
The Blue Print gives community partners and clients fresh, creative ideas.
because a future built by you is a future built for you.
Too many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them — that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.