The graphic design senior showcase, “ECLIPSE,” is set to close out on Friday after showing off the work of graphic design seniors over the last two weeks.

This project is based off the rare space phenomenon occurring this April as well as fitting their transition from student life to the professional world.

Coordinated by associate professors of the art studio department Erica Lull and Sara Wichtendal, the exhibition also serves as a platform for students like Riley West, Charlize Bernhart, Sophia Morabito and others to reveal their graphic design skills.

With a chosen theme centered around the eclipse, it also signifies the alignment of creativity, skill and innovation in the works presented by each senior student, West said.

“It’s a collective effort that mirrors the collaborative spirit of our graphic design program,” West said.

West said that the student elected theme also holds a deeper meaning for herself and her fellow students.

“It symbolizes our transition from student life to the next chapter of our lives,” West said. “It’s not only about showcasing our designs, it’s about emerging ourselves as professionals in the field.”

West said she looks forward to showcasing her semester length project entitled “Extreme Experience.” This involved building a brand and designing an original logo, a trifold brochure three packaging projects as well as designing a website for the brand.

“The project helped me as a designer to find new ways to find solutions to problems,” West said.

Lull, who is the digital media design coordinator, emphasized the student-driven nature of the exhibition.

“I coordinate the program and teach the majority of the courses in graphic design,” Lull said. “However, students have the autonomy to choose the theme, brainstorm ideas and make decisions collectively.”

Lull said that her role is in the portfolio preparation review course, which occurs in the fall 2023 semester to prepare students for the senior graphic design exhibitions. The course involves teaching students to create portfolios and collateral materials.

“It’s not just about technical skills; It’s about preparing them for the professional world, from resumes to business cards as well as writing thank you cards to the people they’ve interviewed,” Lull said.

Wichtendahl, who is an assistant professor in graphic design and the director of the Hive Design Group, said that the students put in a lot of hard work throughout the exhibition process.

“This is their show…it’s a really nice collaboration and combination of their four years of work,” Wichtendahl said.

Wichtendhal said her role in the exhibition includes her involvement with co-teaching the portfolio preparation course and to help oversee the exhibition in conjunction with Lull.

Bernhardt, a senior graphic design student, provided insights into her favorite project she will be showcasing at the exhibition — a long form brochure on white-collar crimes.

“The project is one of my favorites, because I was up all night for multiple nights, making every little detail make sense and ensuring the reader would be interested in what I’m trying to say,” Bernhardt said.

Bernhardt’s project involved collaging images inspired by true crime and office settings.

“I like to add that element of creativity, whether it’s humor or personality, into my designs, even for projects with serious themes,” Bernhardt said.

Morabito, a recent alum from fall 2023 who double majored in graphic design and interactive design said that in preparing for the exhibition, they split up the roles so that they could put their full effort into ‘ECLIPSE.’

“For the exhibition, I was responsible for creating and developing the email marketing and TV graphics while others were in charge of different roles such as creating pins, buttons, stickers and brochures…we really divided up a role to make it even so that we could have a good theme and overall good outcome for our show,” Morabito said.

One project Morabito highlights within her work is the redesigning of signage using icons and wayfinding systems in the Ritter Library this past year to create a more efficient and organized space.

Lull hopes that attendees have an appreciation for art, but specifically for graphic design and the level of work and commitment that goes into the artform.

‘ECLIPSE’ opened on Jan. 22 and runs through Feb. 9 with the closing reception on Feb. 9 with the graphic design students from 5-8 p.m. at Fawick Art Gallery