This text story was written to fulfill the course Gateway to Media, an instrumental class in earning a degree from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC). This class challenges students to produce professional media narratives across audio, visual and textual media platforms. This assignment was created to help students in the SOJC identify an interesting subject and construct a story around a short in-person interview. In preparation for this story, I reached out to the owner of Brick Builders toy store to set up and conduct an interview at the Eugene location.
After the interview, I compiled my notes into a journalistic narrative. This text feature story demonstrates my understanding of textual flow, ability to communicate a compelling perspective and grammatical attention to detail. Most importantly, this assignment reinforced my mastery of the AP style guide and solidified my understanding of how to meaningfully supplement my writing with quotation.
“Multiracial Truths Turned Marketable Trends”, is a short form informational booklet, or zine, designed using adobe creative suite applications and distributed in print. I created this zine as a final project for an Ethnic Studies course titled “Mixed Intimacies,” which explored the influence of nationality and race of a multiracial world and the emergence of critical mixed race studies. The topic for this zine was grounded in research surrounding the phenomenon of multicultural appropriation as a form of social currency. My approach to this research included analyzing social media channels, identifying the role of fetishization and observing the way media trend cycles commercialize ethnic ambiguity.
This project not only strengthened my media literacy, but deepened my understanding of informative digital design. I used Adobe Express to produce the zine spread. I combined media relations strategies like visual hierarchy with creative execution elements to produce a readable, expressive print layout.
This idea deck was used as a brainstorm document during two-day intensive workshop for Junior/Senior art directors and copywriters. the workshop was led by UO alumni Sarah Sharp and Tin Mai (’15), leading members of the University of Oregon Ad Team, who claimed the National Championship title in 2015.
This workshop was offered, by application, to select students to learn how to conceptualize, develop, and pitch ideas for brands. Our team used approached the A24 production studio’s recent purchase of the Cherry Lane theatre in New York City with the goal of identifying a cultural insight to turn into a pitch for a potential campaign.
While this deck is only an outline of a campaign, I learned a lot about the ideation stage of an AD campaign–specifically working in a group with other creatives to imagine and develop a pitch. This workshop was a valuable opportunity to receive professional feedback, practice ideation and projected execution, and apply the advertising skills I’ve gained through my coursework at the University of Oregon in a career context.
This year at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, I studied and applied public relations skills in my upper division course, “Writing for Influence”. Our most recent assignment prompted us to form groups and create a hypothetical newsworthy event. Our group chose to create an event promoting the Burning Man music festival, writing an example news release to legitimize the relevance of our event and practice using strategic communications writing tools.
My group identified an under-targeted audience in Generation Z and sought to connect young people’s love of music with the progressive, sustainability and counter-culture values of Burning Man. To bridge this gap we highlighted the uniquely non-materialistic reputation that sets Burning Man apart from other music festivals. Our event encouraged audiences to disconnect from instant, digital media and introduced a partnership with Polaroid, which would span across college campuses to involve young people who could not attend the festival but might connect with our mission.
My group outlined these key points in our news release, including strategies for accumulating earned media and building momentum for the brand-event partnership. While we encountered challenges communicating an anti-digital event over social media, we were ultimately successful in creating a PR plan that would have strong media messaging and innovative, tangible results. This assignment strengthened our comprehension of how public relations tools can be applied to effectively reach target groups.
AD campaign representing fictional brand Green Zone Jump’s partnership with Ring Camera for University of Oregon Creative Strategy course. In this project, I worked in a small team to develop this campaign over the course of eight weeks. This project was delivered the form of a pitch deck, supported by market research. Our team used our knowledge of target audiences, cultural demand, brand identity development and market opportunity to promote our product.
For this project I worked in both strategy and creative roles.
I worked within my team to identity the best media avenues for advertising our product and gaining awareness for our campaign. In addition to this, I exercised my design ability in creating detailed mock-ups of our digital implementation and examples of how to reach audiences through social media channels such as Snapchat app-features and promotional advertisements tailored to Instagram and Tik Tok.
In 2024, I was elected to serve as Graphic Design chair for the Psi Alpha chapter of Chi Omega fraternity & sorority at the University of Oregon. This yearlong position required thoughtful creative direction to reflect the varying styles of all chapter members as well as our national advisors and chapters across the country.
As a member of the Psi Alpha marketing team, I worked closely with apparel chair and social media chair to promote our chapter, produce graphics for philanthropic events and generate awareness about collaborations with other campus organizations. This role not only developed my proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, but required reliable deadline management, file organization, and the ability to accept and incorporate feedback as a designer.
Although my term as Graphic Design chair has ended, I’ve continued developing my digital design skills, producing mock-ups for University of Oregon organizations and experimenting with Adobe platforms to create digital collages.
Ailsa Huerta-Castro is a University of Oregon student with a minor in Sustainable Bussiness. Her passion for environmental research and climate conservation motivates her to be an informed and sustainable global citizen. As a Gen Z climate activist, Ailsa appreciates the intersection of climate change research and proactive social media messaging–she uses both in her position as social media manager for the UO flea market.
The UO flea market is a student-run organization that has put on sustainable buying and selling events on University of Oregon’s campus since their start in 2024. You can visit the UO Flea Market Instagram page to find out more about how they’re impacting the culture of sustainability on campus and stay updated on future events!
Make-Or-Break Sustainability: Why brand transparency is more important than ever
Why does Gen Z care so much about sustainability?
“I feel like part of the reason why our generation really cares about it is because we have so much information accessible to us and were able to see the real life impact climate change has on the earth and I feel like that awareness has made us want to take action. Also just knowing that it’s going to affect us in our lifetime whereas our parents and our grandparents, they’re not as affected by it but it’s something that we’re going to have to face.”
How has Gen Z cancel culture changed the standard for brand CSR?
“Again, with the fact that so much information is available to us and people are able to openly state their opinions online whether it’s through a post or a tweet or a video and I think in a way that forces brands to be on top of CSR. With social media platforms it’s a lot easier for people to communicate how they feel about a brand, especially when the brand is going against their values; I think that because of that brands are forced to step up.”
How do you decide what brands are trustworthy?
“In my own personal life, I decide what brands are trustworthy based off of the things that they stand for, especially any organizations that they contribute some of their profits to. For example, Patagonia. I know that a lot of the money that they make is given to organizations that are actively working against climate change. It’s really fulfilling to know that the money that I’m investing into a company is going towards a greater good.”
How do you incorporate slow fashion and secondhand consumerism into your life?
“I love this question! I think we live in an era where we’re kind of forced to be consuming things all of the time and trends are cycling so much faster than they ever have before so there’s definitely this pressure to have constantly have something new. I think thrifting and shopping secondhand helps to combat that.”
I find myself drawn to posters of bands and musical artists. Some visually interesting graphic design categories include genres of movie posters, fashion advertisements, advocacy flyers to name a few. Other avenues of visual communication include street signs and public information signage. These kinds of visual messages are usually less focused on the aesthetic element of the graphic and more so about the efficacy of the information which it displays.
What makes a good infographic?
When making an infographic, it is important that your message has a clear purpose. Similar to the way an essay requires an identifiable thesis, infographics require a solid message. The design of the infographic should support this message. Design aspects like font and text size can help direct the viewer to the focus of the infographic.
Another key element of a compelling infographic is the inclusion of relevant data. Data can be presented in the form of statistics and visual graphs. It’s important that the data you provide is factual and up to date. When making a digital infographic, embedding direct links to your information source will strengthen your credibility and impact.
When designing social media posts, it’s important that your content is aesthetically pleasing and visually striking. An infographic is a natural, compelling blend of these aspects. Depending on what is being communicated in the infographic and to whom, designers can take artistic liberties with the imagery and copy.
The quality of an infographic is directly related to how well it tells a story. Let’s look at a few examples:
example infographic #1
This infographic makes a strong visual impression. The bold colors and font consistency are inviting. The use of columns helps the viewer organize the information. This infographic presents a lot of data, but does not take advantage of the opportunity for sorting that data into charts or visual graphs. This lack of data visualization makes it difficult to decipher which information is most important–this is called visual hierarchy.
example infographic #2
This infographic’s design utilizes visual hierarchy to suggest the order that a viewer should take in information. Though the color scheme is more muted the sections and mix of bold and standard lettering makes for a very digestible graphic. The use of charts and graphs are also important elements to this infographic’s overall efficacy.
example infographic #3
This example incorporates many key elements of a high quality infographic. The color palette is cohesive, the typeface and font size are easy to read and the range of graphics help the viewer identify the overall message before even having read the data points.
While these infographics are just examples that can be found in a quick Google search, it can be beneficial to pay attention to infographics you might see in a regular day of media consumption. Take note of the information posts that come across your Instagram feed or the messaging done by different student organizations in your area. Developing awareness of the educational/persuasive messaging around you will strengthen your media literacy and help you contribute to a culture of informative digital communication.
College campuses are more than just sites for studying–they’re places designed for sharing knowledge and fostering community. Organizing a swap meet is a wonderful way to practice sustainability and make the most of the community around you.
I was first inspired to initiate a swap meet by a tradition that my sorority does every year. At the end of spring term, girls would designate a room in the house where girls could drop off lightly used room decor and school supplies that they no longer had use for. Incoming sophomores gladly took our lightly used mattress toppers and closet curtains. Even soon-to-be upperclassmen found items they could use, walking away with small vanity mirrors and storage carts that would help furnish their new places as they moved out of the chapter house and into a new chapter of college. This has been a longstanding tradition within our chapter and showed me that sometimes, the best way to reduce waste is to simply pass along what you no longer need. Most of all, it’s shown me that implementing sustainability doesn’t have to be overly formal or complicated; a bit of coordination goes a long way in getting involved and staying eco-friendly.
While I’ve seen these traditions at the end of the school year within the fraternity and sorority chapters at University of Oregon, you do not need to be a member of Greek life to contribute to a sustainable culture on campus!
Steps for Organizing the Swap Meet:
Choose a venue. If you live close to a college campus, get in contact with university representatives and ask to work with them to put on the event. Ballrooms and gymnasiums are good options as well. If the weather is nice, consider using a local park as the setting for your swap meet. An outdoor location makes it easier to bring in large items and
Pick a place and time. Decide on the details and spread the word!
Get specific. Set guidelines for what can be brought, donated and traded. It can be helpful to split up your content into categories.
Consider reaching out to local organizations. Maximize the community aspect of the swap meet by getting in touch with environmentalist organizations and student clubs. And create a network of like-minded people to organize with in the future.
Advertise! When it comes to swap meets, the more the merrier! So it’s important to advertise your event in a way that reaches a large audience and gets your message across in a way that’s accessible and inviting. One way to generate publicity for your swap is to create an infographic. An infographic allows you to put all the details in one place and easily send to friends and share over social media.
It’s priceless to see your old belongings take on new life and know that you gave back to your community, all while doing your part to practice climate conservation.
Check out this infographic to see an example of how you can use infographics to promote your swap meet and get your community excited about sustainability!
What makes a good coffee table book? They’re mysterious and expensive and totally unnecessary but also a staple in the home of every sophisticated adult. Whether you really are that sophisticated or just enjoy pretending to be, I’ve compiled a list of coffee table books that you might actually want to read! (Or just admire every time you walk past it.)
The Book of Luck by Luna Knight.
This book is a charming almanac about all things fortune! It’s pretty informational and very cutesy–the perfect balance for a coffee table book. You can shop this book for $19.99 on Urban Outfitter’s website here.
Virgil Abloh. Nike. Icons. By Virgil Abloh
Remembered for his ingenuity and wonderful outlook on all things design, the late Virgil Abloh’s book on sneaker culture and his personal artistic process. You can order this book online here.
Sofia Coppola Archive: 1999 – 2023 by Sofia Coppola.
On the theme of visionaries and their creative memoirs, the Sofia Coppola Archive is the end-all-be-all for the film obsessed guest to read on your couch and a perfect excuse to make your friends download letterboxd. Plus, it’s an awesome shade of pink. Shop this book here.
If you’re taking the fancy adult side of coffee table book shopping very seriously, a PRADA couture runway collection from Anthropologie’s Catwalk Hardcover Series could be the perfect purchase.
The series features designers like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton, all with stunningly colorful covers. You can find them on Anthropologie here. It’s a bit on the pricier side for a college household, but would make for wonderful juxtaposition next to a pantry of top ramen and a 20 rack of keystones.
Little Book of City Style by Karen Homer.
If you’re looking for something a little more pocket sized and wallet-friendly, these mini style books would make a fashionable addition to any shelf. Also found Anthropolie’s website, these little lookbooks feature street style from cities like London, Milan and Tokyo. An easy read and the perfect gift for your friend who just came back from study abroad. These little guys can be ordered online from Anthropologie here or on Amazon here!
If these books don’t strike your interest or fit your budget, try purchasing second hand publications to assemble your own coffee-table library. Search for vintage magazines on Ebay or pick up local print from your favorite coffee shop.
Magazines are also a cool way to tie in some personal interests that double as conversation starters for your guests. A personal favorite of mine is the Record Collector magazines. The publication has been around since 1979 and has been distributed worldwide ever since. Music magazines like these can be ordered off online sites like Etsy or you might get lucky and find a few free copies in some record stores!
Ever wished your favorite underground band sold posters? Or have a recent obsession with an old movie whose merchandise is a collector’s item over 30 years old and going for over $50 on Ebay? With a quick Canva edit, Adobe render or scroll on Pinterest, you can hand-pick your image and create a poster the way you imagined!
Step 2: Where (and How) to Print Your Own Posters
If you haven’t already, check out your local print and copy shop! If you’re a University of Oregon student like me, you can find my favorite print spot, (conveniently called The Copy Shop), at the corner of 13th and Patterson street. The Copy Shop offers a variety of services, ranging from wide format printing to vinyl decals. Though packing and shipping chains like FedEx are known to provide reliable everyday services, finding local print shops with more specialized services can inspire new projects and support local businesses. Plus, local shops often have discounts for students and are a great way to engage with the off-campus community. When printing with a shop, you can customize your print down to the size, finish and even request your print be trimmed to fit specific measurements. The Eugene location also offers banner printing, sticker making and heat transfers, all of which could help create custom merchandise to level up your clubs, Greek chapters or student organizations. You can find out more information on The Copy Shop website, here. Since discovering The Copy Shop my sophomore year, I have been back more times than I can count to print resumes, class projects and custom gifts for family and friends.
Back to the posters.
Step Three: Framing.
While I think most posters can stand on their own, (and am often too impatient not to tape them up the same day I purchase them), framing your wall art is a simple way to really elevate your space. However, frames are expensive. Mats are expensive. But neither of these things should stop you from displaying your art. With a bit of time and dedication to the sometimes-janky but very rewarding process, you can mat and frame your own art without breaking the bank. The best way to source inexpensive frames that match your taste is to thrift them. A trip to your local Goodwill or picking up a few $5 framed works from garage sales are wonderful places to look for frames at a fraction of the cost. Some frames come with mats, which you can swap out or repurpose. If you’re looking to do your own matting, bulk craft stores and discount department stores carry large sheets of poster paper in a variety of colors, texture, weights and patterns that can serve as makeshift mats for your artwork. The mat is not always necessary, but a wonderful way to bring some interest to your walls and make the piece more intentional. I suggest playing around with striped cardstock or a non-neutral color paper when trying out different matting. (You can always change this later.)
Step 4: Hanging and Displaying
Now for the fun part…putting the poster up! If your thrifted frame is in good condition, you should be able to display it with a few nails. But if your frame is missing some wiring or requires reupholstering, it may be a good idea to break out the command strips. For heavier pieces, I’ve found that the velcro command strips are the surest way to secure your frame while staying renter-friendly. It’s also fun to play with height and dimension, propping up framed artwork behind floor lamps or simply leaning atop a dresser.
Step 5: Celebrate!
Experimenting with your home decor is one of the many joys of living in your own home for the first time. There is so much freedom in trying new things, changing your mind and changing it again. Stop by your local print shop; keep an eye out for funky frames on your next thrift trip. And when you’re feeling uninspired by your interior design setup, remember that thrifting and printing your own wall art is a great way to get creative with your space and your budget.
Most college houses are on the lower end of the square footage spectrum. But in a broke, music lover’s case, a smaller place can be a blessing in disguise. You don’t have to wait to thrift the perfect vintage armchair or to cash in on that Restoration Hardware coffee table to fill your home with things you love–put on your favorite album and enjoy your space.
All sound systems are created equal (kind of)
In my current room, I use the same Sonos One speaker I’ve had since highschool. It works wonderfully for my shoebox bedroom and I’m thankful every day to be able to turn on my playlist while getting ready for class or sitting in bed working on assignments. For the living room tv, my roommates and I use a Roku sound bar. Whether or not you’re big on movies, the soundbar provides great audio and has a feature which allows you to connect to the speaker through a phone. I’d never heard of the Roku brand before, but the sound bar was an affordable option, super easy to pick up from our local Best Buy, and has absolutely transformed our downstairs living and kitchen space.
If you live with other music lovers who also don’t have the funds for surround-sound subwoofers, thrift a CD player! Decorate the player with stickers and store the CD’s in a bin or hat box to add a touch of early 2000’s charm to any room. Collecting discs can be a fun, ongoing roommate project that lets you share music with each other while saving some money. If you’re someone who is lucky enough to have a functioning record player and a collection of vinyls, you should totally, absolutely keep it downstairs–sincerely, the roommate who wishes she’d kept her millennial-teal player from middle school.
If you have an instrument, display it!
For those who enjoy playing music as much as they like to listen, bring out your gear for some functional decor. Set your beautiful leather clarinet case on a shelf instead of letting it collect dust under your bed. Mount your acoustic guitar to the wall or get a bass stand for the living room corner. You could even leave your amp on a bottom shelf or empty spot in a communal area, (just make sure to tidy-up the cords for your roommates’ sake).
Having one speaker, of any type or brand, in every room presents a world of opportunity. No one wants to live in a world without music, so you shouldn’t settle for a space without sound. One of the most important lessons I learned freshman year: don’t underestimate the JBL clip. Adding a bit of music can lift your mood, increase productivity, turn your space into an inviting hangout spot for friends to gather and complete your home.
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