Over the summer and beginning of the fall semester, I worked as a design intern under the supervision of Ed Beck at the SUNY Oneonta Faculty Center. The Faculty Center as part of its Open Educational Resources initiative helps faculty publish original textbooks. SUNY Oneonta and the Fashion Institute of Technology were in the process of creating a new textbook of Fashion Business Case Studies, and I had the opportunity to create the book cover.
Final Project Outcome
The final book cover design shared a balance between modern aesthetics and accessibility. A central focus of the book cover was ensuring that it followed ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards so that the cover would be both readable and inclusive. This meant paying close attention to text size, color contrasts, and layout. In the end, the final product combined clarity with a modern look that achieved Professor Kohan’s vision.
What I did
I started the project by creating about four initial drafts, each with different design approached. These drafts varied in color, layout and typeface. After presenting Professor Kohan with these options, she chose a design that resonated most with her. From there, I refined the chosen draft, making changed based on feedback from both Professor Kohan and Ed Beck. This back-and-forth process taught me how to respond to client needs while still applying my own creative judgement.
What I learned
One the biggest learning curves for me was working with ADA accessibility standards. I had never had to consider how design choices could impact readability for people with visual impairments or other accessibility needs since my previous projects were all personal. I learned to use online tools that test color contrast ratios to ensure that the text was legible against different backgrounds. This required me to be intentional not only with aesthetics but also with function. Beyond technical skills, I also learned about the importance of collaboration, communication, and flexibility in client-based projects. Overall, this project gave me practical experience in professional design work while also teaching me how to balance creativity with accessibility. It was rewarding to see the design evolve from rough drafts into a polished, final cover that Professor Kohan was happy with.
