The Department of Digital Technology and Culture recently organized a professional development trip to Spokane, Washington, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore the professional world of design. Led by Professors June T. Sanders and Jacob Riddle, the trip offered students an in-depth glimpse into the current landscape of design beyond the classroom by allowing them to visit two local design firms: Maker + Made and DH in Spokane, Washington.
This hands-on experience allowed students to gain insight into the daily operations and challenges of working in the design industry. They interacted directly with industry professionals, heard personal stories from their career journeys, and learned about the diverse opportunities awaiting them after graduation.
The day began with a visit to Maker + Made, a woman-founded and owned design agency that works with local businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Students were given a guided tour of Maker + Made’s workspace, where they observed how a small creative agency operates. The team shared their philosophy of building meaningful relationships with clients, designing with intention, and fostering a collaborative studio culture. Students left inspired by the agency’s focus on community-driven design and the connections that good design can foster within a community.
In the afternoon, the group visited DH, a full-service marketing and design agency known for its comprehensive approach to branding and communication. Currently, two recent WSU alumni, Mariah Johnson (Spring 2023 graduate) and Lain Bundalian (Spring 2024 graduate), work at DH. Both alumni shared their experiences transitioning from university to the professional design industry and personally guided students through their daily responsibilities. This visit provided students with a broader perspective on the design landscape, showcasing a large-scale design firm with a diverse clientele spanning a wide range of industries. Students were surprised to learn that, despite the agency’s size, its work is heavily oriented toward community-focused design practices. The team shared details of a current partnership with the Washington State Health Care Authority, in which they are developing a campaign aimed at preventing fentanyl overdoses. This visit not only provided students with greater insight into a large-scale design firm but also deepened their understanding of how design can be leveraged to address pressing social issues while maintaining a strong connection to community values.
Throughout the trip, students were encouraged to ask questions and engage in conversations about career paths, skill-building, and industry trends. This interactive format allowed them to connect classroom theories with real-world practices and better understand the varied roles available in the design field.
Recent developments in the DTC program have expanded the learning opportunities available to students, including this professional development trip. Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the experience and the knowledge they gained. The DTC department is also excited about launching its own creative design agency, Club Studio, which will provide students with real-world work experience serving clients from the Palouse area. Club Studio is set to begin operations at the start of the Spring 2025 semester. If you would like to help fund future trips or support the development of Club Studio, you can donate by visiting the Digital Technology and Culture Giving Page. Any contributions are greatly appreciated.
By exposing students to real-world settings and fostering connections with industry professionals, these experiences help prepare them to confidently transition from academia to the professional job market.
The Spokane trip was an inspiring and informative experience for all involved. The DTC department and its students extend their appreciation to both Maker + Made and DH and look forward to organizing more visits to design firms in the future.