Higher Education Design
Universities are their own world. Every department has its own audience and goals, yet they all answer to the same brand standards, review processes, and academic calendar. I’m Shawn Wright, a graphic designer with more than 40 years of experience, and much of my recent work has been inside a major research university, the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
I’ve designed annual reports, program materials, logos, and websites for colleges, schools, research centers, and the President’s office. I understand how university work gets done, from the first conversation to the final sign-off.
University departments I’ve worked with include:
At UAB: Honors College • School of Education and Human Sciences • School of Optometry • College of Arts and Sciences • Center for the Study of Community Health • Division of Preventive Medicine • Center for Biophysical Science and Engineering • School of Public Health • Heersink School of Medicine • Also: Southeast STD/HIV Prevention Training Center
What I Design for Colleges and Universities
- Annual and impact reports: a year of achievements, organized and worth reading
- Program booklets and recruitment materials: single pieces or coordinated sets for undergraduate and graduate audiences
- Websites on WordPress and CampusPress: organized for departments with a lot of content, and built with accessibility in mind
- Logos for programs, centers, and initiatives: marks that stand on their own while fitting the university’s brand
- Print materials: brochures, guides, and event pieces
Working Within The University
University projects come with their own rhythm: brand standards to follow, several people who need to sign off, and deadlines tied to the academic calendar. I plan for all of it from the start, so there are no surprises when the project reaches the dean’s desk.
Wherever You Are
I work remotely with every client, so distance isn’t a factor. We’ll talk by phone or video, share files online, and keep the project moving on your schedule. The process is the same whether your campus is across town or across the country.
Complex Information, Made Clear
Much of my print work involves long or information-heavy documents: program details, data tables, footnotes, timelines, and dozens of pages that need to feel consistent from start to finish. Organizing that information so readers can find what they need is the part of the job I enjoy most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with universities outside Alabama?
Yes. All of my work is done remotely, so your location doesn’t matter.
Do you work with CampusPress?
Yes. I’ve built many UAB sites on CampusPress, which runs on WordPress.
Can you follow our brand standards?
Yes. Working within a university's or an organization's brand standards is part of nearly every project I do there.
Are your websites accessible?
I design with accessibility standards in mind and can take compliance as far as your institution requires.
How long does a project take?
Most print projects take 3 to 6 weeks, annual reports 8 to 12 weeks, and websites 6 to 12 weeks. The biggest factors are content, approvals, and the academic calendar.
What does a project cost?
It depends on the scope. Every project starts with a conversation and a written estimate.
Working on a Project for Your Campus?
Whether it’s a single report or an ongoing need, the first step is a conversation. Call 205.223.4415 or send a note.