Branding and Design
Students will dive into the essentials of branding, learning how to define what a brand truly is and the fundamentals of creating a captivating visual brand identity. Through engaging lessons and resources, students will apply graphic design principles that will empower them to create visual impact by crafting effective and stunning designs. As budding designers, students will discover their vital role in the branding process, while honing their skills in peer critique — an invaluable experience that fosters collaboration and improvement.
Each participant will have the chance to design their own personal brand, and output with eye-catching foil finishing effects, culminating in the creation of a unique project that beautifully extends their brand identity.
Learn more about a Graphic Communication major/minor and career path here.
Learning Outcomes in this course
Understand the fundamentals of visual communication and its impact on brand perception.
Identify key components of branding, including brand personality and visual identity creation.
Apply graphic design principles and elements to develop compelling and visually appealing designs.
Explain the designer's role in the branding process and how design choices influence brand identity.
Learn how to effectively use tools for design, creating polished outputs that reflect branding concepts.
When
Session One
July 6 - July 18, 2025
Tuition
On-Campus Residential
$5,298 USD
Commuter
$2,998 USD
Proposed Activities
Visit local design and branding firms using the latest technology to promote business brands.
Design and create a personal brand that incorporates unique elements and techniques.
Develop a cohesive project that extends and embodies your personal brand identity.
Instructor
Dr. Donna Templeton, Assistant Professor at Cal Poly SLO
Dr. Donna Templeton is currently serving as a faculty member in the Graphic Communication Department at Cal Poly. Having taught a diverse array of courses over the past 15 years, ranging from digital publishing technologies to magazine and book design, Donna is deeply passionate about guiding students toward their fullest potential. Equipped with a recently earned Ph.D. in Strategic Media, Donna's research delves into the realm of cross-media engagement-based communication and disruptive technologies. Driven by a commitment to innovation and student success, Donna looks forward to teaching opportunities that shape the next generation of graphic communication professionals.
