WHY GrC?

The Guest Post for this week was written by second year Communication Studies Major and Graphic Communication Minor James Williams.

Throughout my time at Cal Poly, I’ve heard many people ask the question of “Why GrC?”. I wanted to find out the answer! Instead of writing a traditional article, I’ve compiled many quotes from many different GrC students here at Cal Poly, and asked that same simple question. The question itself is very vague and open ended, and I wanted to see which direction my peers would take it. While I would have loved to speak to my peers face-to-face, due to the current COVID-19 situation, this was impossible. This quickly became one of those moments where I found myself being so thankful for our technology! Through various social media sites, I was able to connect with many of my peers to get their answer to my question. Even though we are not physically close, GrC is always connected! I think that it’s great to step back and see all of the great things people have to say about the Graphic Communication Department as a whole.

Here are the responses:

I choose GrC because of the community between the staff and the students. It really does feel like a family! (Jane Snider)

I chose GrC because it’s a very wide program with a lot of different opportunities for management, marketing, art, social media, web and app design, really anything! And I think the major does a great job of connecting us students and our creative side with great opportunities with big companies like Apple, Adobe, etc.! (Lilly Bras)

Because I get to be creative while also furthering my technical abilities and learning about a unique field within the overall graphic industry! (Claire Butler)

Personally, I chose GrC because I love the idea that I can take the skill set that I am obtaining in college and apply it to almost anything that I am passionate about or believe in. For example, it is my dream to use my design skills to advocate for and support companies and organizations that are focused on sustainability and environmentalism! (Alena Robinson)

I love GrC because it allows me to express my creativity and spread information in a compelling and artistic way. As a visual learner, graphic communication has personally helped me better understand concepts and I hope that I can help others in the same way through my own designs. (Renee Scholte)

I chose GrC because I knew it would give me a creative outlet while also tapping into the world of business and technology. (Madi Krasny)

I am able to learn about the practical ways I can apply my creative skills. GrC allows me to explore the tried and true world of print and the emerging world of digital media! (CJ Tio)

I have always enjoyed music, art, design, and film. I wanted a program that would allow me to be creative and combine these interests. I found GrC to have that perfect degree path. (Julian Boyer)

I love being able to learn everything hands on. Everyone in the department is so great and has so much insight to offer about the graphic arts and production industry. I love GrC and can’t wait to be back in SLO! (Nicky Sandoz)

GrC opens up your eyes to all the different facets of design; from management, printed mediums, digital media, and the communication experience. It allows students to become jack of all trades, and valuable to any industry they enter! :) (Diane Hahn)

I chose GrC because I'm a very creative person and it was a perfect mix of the creative design aspect along with the business and production aspect. I think it is so applicable in many different areas, giving a wide variety of options for a career in the future. (Owen Christensen)

I chose the GrC minor because it offered the opportunity to grow my visually creative skills in a complementary way to PR major! It’s helped me feel more confident in my abilities to succeed in the multifaceted PR and branding industry. (Natalie Weis)

The GrC program is a diamond in the rough at Cal Poly. GrC successfully prepares students for the professional field and offers unique concentrations such as UX/UI, Packaging, and Design Reproduction Technologies that allow students to gain in-depth knowledge of the creative profession they’re pursuing. (Aubrey Davenport)

I would say GrC is such a unique major that is an excellent cross between learning technical skills relating to graphics and design while also getting an understanding of business and marketing. (Jenna Bloom)

GRC expands the boundaries of students’ creative experiences. This engaging program gives students the opportunity to design creative solutions and experiences that are ready for the real-world. (Katie Hollister)

If I was to answer my own question, I would say my “why” is the culture. I am only a Graphic Communication minor and have only been a part of GrC for the past year, but it has been amazing.  Each and every professor I have spoken to or have been taught by is always looking to help and be an advocate for their students. I feel like the entire GrC staff wants to see the students succeed, and then celebrate with them after. I think that GrC is definitely something many should want to be a part of, and deciding to minor in GrC has been my best academic decision at Cal Poly! Can’t wait for more!

It was so great to hear all the different responses to “Why GrC?”. I loved being able to connect with peers from all different backgrounds with an extremely wide range of skills spanning far beyond the reaches of just graphic communication. Thank you to all who were able to contribute!

I would love to hear what your “Why GrC” is! Leave a comment on this post!