Aaron Draplin screen prints with students in Godfrey

February 28, 2018

Aaron Draplin, famed creator of Field Notes, spent a full day at Clemson University that even included a visit to Godfrey! The Portland-based graphic designer has worked with clients that include Nike, Burton snowboard, Esquire, Red Wing, Ford Motor Company, WIRED, Field & Stream, NYTimes and the Obama administration. His visit was arranged by CoCreate, a new organization at Clemson that promotes creativity and co-working across the University by providing events that bring together creatives from faculty, staff, and students.

The day’s event included a poster competition where the winning poster designs got to have a private lunch and critique with Draplin, a Faculty workshop, a student hands-on design challenge workshop, a keynote presentation, and a visit to Godfrey Hall. ClemsonGC students were involved in many aspects of this special event.

Students from Jeff Kallin’s GC4900, Digital Media Design were tasked with creating promotional graphics across multiple mediums. They designed posters, stickers, and social media assets that were used across campus and on the official Clemson University social media channels garnering thousands of views leading up to the event. The views of these assets helped ensure packed venues at each of the workshops and presentations that day.

Draplin posters and stickers designed by students in GC4900- Digital Media Design

There were six finalists for the poster design contest, including four GC majors. The contest called for students to design a poster that inspired viewers and conveyed a passion they cared about. Judges from across the country narrowed down the entries. The winners enjoyed pizza and conversation with Draplin in a small group setting and even had an opportunity to get feedback on current projects.

Winners of the poster design contest. From bottom left: Madison Maddox, Helena Walters, Ashley Popovich, Aaron Draplin (with pizza), Paul Johnson, Weston Sanders, and Allison Chan

For the visit to Godfrey, ClemsonGC students worked alongside Draplin to print one of his designs, a custom 4-color commemorating his visit to Clemson. Each of the students walked away with a handful of Draplin selfies and a signed, framed screen print of the final design.

Aaron Draplin screen printing his logo with ClemsonGC students in Godfrey

It was a busy day and we all left inspired by Draplin’s work and process!