The STUDIO was founded by Dean Ballas and Erin Ouzts to provide students real-world design experience through client projects. Students from marketing, PR and graphic design work together, learning collaboration. Clients benefit from integrated solutions. The STUDIO seeks to build a reputable brand through fearless creativity, accountability and high-quality, affordable services. It uses a five-phase project process and expects staff, faculty and student interns to meet deadlines and act professionally.

2. Message from the Founders
Dean Ballas, Co-Founder & Chief Graphic Designer
“The STUDIO is the product of one significant faculty initiative: offer our
design] students the opportunity to apply the skills they learn in the classroom
to solving real world industry challenges under our guidance and direction.
Students nurture their creativity, learn how to balance their creative impulses
with the constraints of operating in a professional context and build stronger
relationships with other departments on campus and the community.”
Erin Ouzts, Co-Founder & Sr. Advisor
“Dean and I felt that the students were missing the connection between the
why and how by only focusing on their area of expertise only. By combining
the marketing, PR and graphic design students the why, content and visual
are all connected. For clients of the STUDIO, this increases the chances of a
more successful outcome. For the students, they see the
interconnectedness of the disciplines and the importance of collaboration.”

3. Our Purpose
Help students gain real-world experience and leadership
skills
Provide low-cost, creative services to our clients
Foster a positive business relationship with the
community

4. Vision for the Future
The STUDIO seeks to build a reputable brand that is recognized for its
fearless ingenuity, accountable leadership and commitment to high
quality, affordable service that allows our clients to define and
effectively communicate their brand message on a broader scale.
Chapter 1-Build credibility with our customers and confidence in our service
 Customer Service
 Strengths & Weaknesses of Our Process
 Research

5. Project Management Process
Phase I – Analysis
Phase II – Research
Phase III – Design & Development
Phase IV – Delivery
Phase V – Post-Evaluation

6. Agency Expectations
Staff & Faculty
• Provide advice and guidance
• Assist with defining project
outcomes
• Identify new project opportunities
• Review and approve finished
projects
Student Interns
• Be leaders of The STUDIO
• Complete assigned projects
• Meet deadlines
• Communicate with faculty, client and
creative team
• Track project hours
• Act professionally

7. Words of Inspiration
“When we engage in what we are naturally suited to
do, our work takes on the quality of play and it is play
that stimulates creativity.”
-- Linda Naiman, Founder of Creativity at Work

8. Questions?