7 minute read
Aspire
How SHSU Makes Dreams Come True
by Nifemi Bola
Two talented Sam Houston State University graphic design students are seeing their dreams come true. Parker Marley and Kira Wygle are making the exciting transition from students to professional design interns at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. These incredibly competitive internship programs receive thousands of applications from all over the world, but only a few individuals are awarded the opportunity to serve as Disney interns.
Marley graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in marketing in May 2024. He has always dreamed of working at Disney, having loved visiting the parks with his family for years. He praised Disney's level of detail with its parks, inspiring him to bring the same level of craftsmanship to his work. Marley's role as a Disney intern encompasses working with the Creative Services team to create social media graphics and other collateral for Cast Life events and other exciting aspects regarding the park.
Working with such a collaborative team has allowed me to learn more about each role that our interns do and incorporate it into my projects, ultimately creating a better product for every project I do. -Parker
Wygle anticipates graduating in spring 2025 with a BFA in graphic design and a minor in marketing. She admires Disney's commitment to storytelling, creativity, and themed designs, which align seamlessly with her aspirations to work in graphic prop design and film production. Wygle's role encompasses collaborating with a team to craft signage and show graphics that enrich storytelling at Walt Disney World Resort.
Before taking on this prestigious opportunity at Disney, Marley and Wygle had the opportunity to refine their skills as graphic design interns for the SHSU College of Arts and Media Marketing and Communications team.
"My time as an intern has been the most influential work experience I've had so far," Marley said. "Working with such a collaborative team has allowed me to learn more about each role that our interns do and incorporate it into my projects, ultimately creating a better product for every project I do. Creating such a diverse set of projects has allowed me to boost my portfolio and show off my skills in different areas of design."
For Wygle, working on the CAM Marketing and Communications team was an enriching experience that offered real-world experiences beyond the classroom.
"I've contributed to cohesive design collateral, collaborated with peers, and enhanced my skills in illustration, layout, and typography. Working alongside such a supportive and creative team has instilled in me a deep appreciation for collaborative environments," Wygle said.
When it came time to choose a university to attend, both Marley and Wygle favored SHSU because of the small class sizes offered in the graphic design program. They believed the small class sizes would foster meaningful, one-on-one critiques with professors and peers, allowing their craft and creativity to develop further.
"SHSU's graphic design program has not only equipped me with industry-standard skills but has also encouraged creative exploration and pushed me beyond my comfort zone," Wygle said.
"My experience at SHSU prepared me by allowing me to be fully creative with the projects assigned for my classes. I had the opportunity to explore my own design style and ideas without many constraints, which led me to create some projects that I deeply care about and put my energy into," Marley said.
The SHSU BFA in graphic design program offers a wide range of classes, from art history to modern techniques in graphic design. Students have the opportunity to explore what aspect of graphic design best suits them and become well-versed in multiple areas.
Students at SHSU are thoroughly prepared for their careers, as the Department of Art has a meticulous process for nurturing its artists. After completing required art foundation courses, called the WASH program, students who wish to continue seeking a BFA degree in the Department of Art must pass the BFA Portfolio Review, which assesses their artistic skills and abilities. Additionally, students within the BFA in graphic design program must pass the Graphic Design Review, which examines whether a student's graphic design skills are ready to advance further in the program.
SHSU's graphic design program has not only equipped me with industrystandard skills but has also encouraged creative exploration and pushed me beyond my comfort zone.
While at SHSU, Wygle and Marley were highly recognized for their creativity and talent. Marley received three awards during the 2024 Graphic Design Senior Exhibition for Best Logo, Best Motion Design, and Best in Show. He also won Best Tech at the National Student Show & Conference in Dallas in April 2024.
Wygle received numerous scholarships from the Department of Art, including the Distinguished Art Faculty scholarship. She also received merit awards for projects included in the 2024 National Student Show & Conference, was the president of the Student Art Association, and will graduate with Honors as a member of the SHSU Elliott T. Bowers Honors College.
Collaborating with my team to actualize the visions of student directors was a rewarding experience. -Kira
Marley and Wygle also received recognition for their contributions as part of the CAM Marketing and Communications team to the fourth and fifth editions of CAM Magazine. This annual publication highlights the creative, active, and meaningful accomplishments of the students, faculty, and staff within CAM. The two editions won back-to-back American Marketing Association Houston Crystal awards in 2023 and 2024.
"Among all of the projects I have worked on as part of the Marketing and Communications team, working on CAM Magazine has been a particularly fulfilling experience," Wygle said. "This annual publication showcases the remarkable talents of students and staff within CAM, and contributing to the curation and design of the past two editions has been immensely gratifying."
Although Marley's time at SHSU has concluded, he is certain that SHSU prepared him well for the professional world.
"I wanted to learn as much as possible during my time here, and I definitely accomplished that goal," Marley said.
Wygle appreciates the extracurricular opportunities SHSU provides students with. Her favorite memory thus far is serving as the president of the Student Art Association.
"I admire this organization in its mission to foster community and provide opportunities for art students at SHSU," Wygle said. "Participating in events like the Annual Student Art Auction, where students and faculty showcase and sell their artwork, has been a highlight of my time. Being able to dedicate and grow my leadership to such a community has undoubtedly left a mark on my SHSU experience."
I love crafting stories through my designs, where every visual element contributes to telling something specific
Marley and Wygle's respective accomplishments in working for Disney testify to the university's commitment and ability to refine and shape students to be successful both during their educational pursuits and as alumni. CAM is proud of their achievements and looks forward to those yet to come from Marley and Wygle and the rest of its hard-working and talented students and alumni.
What is your favorite memory of SHSU so far?
My favorite memory of SHSU so far has to be my Graphic Design Senior Exhibition. I was thrilled to see all of my classmates' work that we've completed over the past four years. We have all worked so hard to build out our portfolios and create the best work possible, so it was rewarding to get the opportunity to show it off to a gallery full of people.
Parker
How has your experience both at SHSU and as a CAM intern prepared you for this opportunity?
SHSU's graphic design program has not only equipped me with industry-standard skills but has also encouraged creative exploration and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. My time as an intern with CAM honed my professionalism, time management, and creative prowess, offering invaluable real-world experience beyond the classroom.
Kira
Read more from CAM Magazine: 6th Edition
