Case Study:
Professional Practices
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Spring 2024
Professional Practices is a client-driven studio course at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, designed to simulate real-world designer–client relationships. Working directly with two local Chattanooga organizations — The Downtown Public Library and WonderPress Print Shop — the class explored design systems, event branding, and experimental print production.
Across the semester, students collaborated in small and large teams to deliver polished, client-facing work while navigating feedback cycles, presentations, and production constraints. The course emphasized not only strong visual outcomes, but also professional communication, documentation, and adaptability.
The Coursework
During the Spring 2024 Professional Practices course, students engaged in a semester-long, client-based studio experience designed to mirror professional designer–client relationships. Working with the Downtown Public Library and WonderPress Print Shop, the class developed a comprehensive design system for the Library’s Ten Years in the Making anniversary celebration, including a flexible logo, modular typographic system, and a wide range of event graphics such as posters, social media assets, way-finding, and merchandise. Students also collaborated on branding for Chattanooga ZineFest, creating a sister visual identity inspired by the theme “Renaissance,” which merged classical imagery with punk-influenced typography.
In addition to digital and print event work, the class partnered with WonderPress to produce a risograph “Bento Box”: a curated collection of experimental printed pieces demonstrating the possibilities of risograph printing. Throughout the semester, students participated in critiques, client presentations, field trips, and a custom portfolio documentation workshop, gaining experience in project management, professional communication, and collaborative production.
Photographed: UTC Professional Practice students learn how to set up dynamic photo documentation for portfolio pieces.
Beyond the Coursework
This course played a pivotal role in shaping the professional trajectories of the 14 students involved. By working directly with real clients, presenting to external stakeholders, and producing work intended for public use, students gained practical experience that extended beyond academic exercises. The collaborative structure encouraged students to identify individual strengths while learning how to contribute meaningfully to shared systems and goals. Exposure to professional workflows, documentation standards, and production constraints helped students build confidence in their ability to navigate the design industry.
For many, the projects completed in this course became cornerstone portfolio pieces, directly supporting internships, freelance opportunities, and early-career positions. Collectively, the course fostered a clearer understanding of how design functions in real-world contexts and equipped students with skills, adaptability, and professional awareness that will continue to influence their careers.
Proud Whiteboard collaborator