Since 1992, the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) has hosted their Steal This Idea competition to highlight the design work of students and professionals who create marketing materials to promote university events, programs, services, and more.
For this year's competition, judges from across the U.S. reviewed and determined first place through honorable mention in each of the 17 categories. Of the projects submitted this year by the Multimedia Production Center (MPC), four pieces placed in this nationwide competition.
- Rachel Knierman won first place in the "Brochures" student staff category for the design of the Health and Wellness Coaching brochure.
- Jay Hashagen won second place in the "Cards and Invitations" student staff category for the design of the IUPUI family postcard.
- Nathan Mugg won third place in the "Signs and Banners" professional staff category for the design of the 2021 Regatta signs and banners.
- Adair Allen won second place in the "Signs and Banners" student staff category for the design of self-care banners.
Nathan Mugg, marketing and website coordinator who also oversees the MPC's student designers, was thrilled about the MPC's wins.
"Looking at the bigger picture, it says a lot more seeing the number of places we took as a group. So, for four of us to come out of there with some kind of top three placement is pretty special and says a lot about the work that we all put into these designs," he said.
Working for the MPC challenges student designers to represent the IU brand in hundreds of marketing deliverables throughout the year, while also being creative. For Adair Allen, who won second place, this is a key reason why her piece stood out to the judges.
"I think the different layouts of the self-care banners are very eye catching. I liked this piece a lot because I got to push the IU brand guide. I always like pushing the boundaries that are set out for me," she said. "While most art can be left open to interpretation, the goal of graphic design is to get the same message across to multiple people."
As the Division of Student Affairs' marketing hub, the students at the MPC continue to develop innovative marketing materials that inform, educate, and excite students about all that IUPUI has to offer.
Interested in working with the MPC to promote your event, program, or service? Submit a marketing request form.
