EN382 Art of Publishing • Spring 2006
faculty: Randy Brooks & Ed Walker

Founding Member of Bronze Man Books

Laura Podeschi

As a senior graphic design major, I have accumulated much knowledge over the past four years. Not only have my classes helped me to become much more proficient in such computer programs as Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, InDesign, Dreamweaver and Quark, but they have also given me the opportunity to develop my own set of design skills. This past summer I interned at Before U Print, a local graphic design and pre-press business. I was able to apply and sharpen my skills as I worked with text and layout design, essentially preparing work for final print. I believe that these experiences will be greatly beneficial as we create Millikin’s first press.

In addition, I have already done a great deal of research concerning the publishing process for my JMS project. Because I am writing and illustrating my own children’s book, I am well aware of the steps one must take in order to turn an idea into something tangible. As an English minor and avid reader, I also have some understanding of why publishers choose the works they do. Not only must a publisher have the ability to distinguish good writing from bad, but he must also know what will sell. Although I failed to mention this in class, I am a student worker at Staley Library. Therefore, I am familiar with those individuals who purchase all of the library’s new books, and I am sure that they would be pleased to answer any questions I have concerning this process. I also believe that they would be very supportive of our own press.

Finally, I have experience in both customer service and leadership. I have held a variety of jobs in which I work with people; at the library, for example, I assist numerous patrons daily. I am also Vice President within Millikin’s chapter of American Institute of the Graphic Arts (AIGA), as well as captain of the Millkin Women’s tennis team. I love working with others and am thus eager to take on such a significant project alongside the other individuals in this class.