WINONA LAKE — This summer, Kosciusko County Parks and Recreation Department approved a logo designed by Grace College senior and visual communication design (VCD) major Ethan Jordan of Lima, Ohio.
Jordan created the logo as part of his graphic design internship with Grace Solutions, a new external agency housed under Grace College’s award-winning marketing department, according to a news release from Grace.
“We really enjoyed working with Ethan,” said Mike Cusick, a board member of the Kosciusko County Parks and Recreation Department. “Ethan took the time to understand our design requirements, goals and vision and worked with us to develop a logo that our board and stakeholders have loved.”
The opportunity presented itself when the Kosciusko County Parks and Recreation Department board identified a need for a new logo last summer. They reached out to Matt Metzger, director of Grace College Marketing and Grace Solutions. Metzger assigned the project to Jordan, who completed all of the design work himself, with the supervision of the department’s lead graphic designer and assistant director, Vincent Sell.
“Ethan’s artistic eye has been an asset to the Grace Marketing team since he started as an intern,” said Sell. “His ability to learn quickly, take constructive criticism and finish projects with excellence has allowed him the opportunity to take on more important and challenging design projects for us. I have been thankful for his help over the past year.”
Jordan began his internship for Grace Marketing during his third year of college. Another student intern, who was impressed by the portfolio Jordan had compiled for Grace’s VCD program, recommended him for the job. After a few days of working with the marketing team, he quickly discovered an aptitude and interest in the field of graphic design.
“I always had a bias against graphic design,” said Jordan. “I considered design projects like packaging and branding boring. But then I started to work in the field and realized how much I enjoy it.”
Over the course of his internship, Jordan has developed more than 10 print pieces for Grace’s marketing department. He is one of nearly 20 students working for Grace Solutions, marketing a variety of products and services for corporate and nonprofit clients.
“Grace Solutions was created with a ‘win-win-win’ model in mind,” said Metzger. “It’s a win for the students, who are getting agency experience with real-world projects. It’s a win for the clients because they receive the marketing services at a below-market price. And it’s a win for the institution.”
According to Jordan, Grace’s VCD program has proved valuable in training his eye for visual design. He particularly appreciates the guidance he received from Aaron Winey, assistant professor of visual communication and director of Grace’s visual and performing arts department.
“The longer I’ve been taught by him, the more I respect his knowledge and experience,” Jordan said. “He’s a great resource. Under his teaching, I’ve learned the value of fully applying yourself in the program.”
Currently, Jordan does illustrative freelance work in his hometown. He hopes to use his graphic design education professionally and recreationally as he pursues artistic hobbies.
After completing his education at Grace, Jordan plans to move to St. Joseph, Mich., to pursue visual design work.
“During my internship, I have learned a lot and had tons of fun,” said Jordan. “Designing an official logo for a local organization wasn’t an opportunity I expected to have in a college internship, but it has solidified that I want to work in graphic design.”
Learn more about Grace College’s Visual and Performing Arts Department at https://www.grace.edu/academics/undergraduate/academic-schools-departments/school-of-arts-and-humanities/department-of-visual-performing-and-media-arts/.