A new suite of promotional cards showcasing academic majors in the University of Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters has won a certificate of excellence in the 2011 American Inhouse Design Awards (AIDA). The competition attracted more than 4,000 entries from across the country; only 15 percent were recognized with an award.
The card deck introduces students to the many topics, issues, and questions each major explores. Cards include information about courses of study in the College as well as special opportunities for its undergraduate students to do independent research, study abroad, acquire advanced language skills, and plan for life after graduation.
The innovative cards replaced a series of traditional-format brochures and were designed in both content and format to ignite students’ imaginations and drive them online to find more information.
“We are very pleased to have our work recognized by our peers,” says Marie Blakey, director of communications for the College. “But even more gratifying has been the feedback we have gotten directly from students who tell us how much more engaging and accessible these materials are.”
In addition to Blakey, the editorial and design team included Chantelle Snyder, the College’s graphic designer; Joanna Basile, communications specialist; and Jeff Ganger, an independent freelance designer.
The AIDA prizes—awarded annually by Graphic Design USA—showcase the work of professionals in design, marketing, and communications. Participants include organizations ranging from publishing houses to corporations to universities.
Initial printing of the majors cards deck was courtesy of James H. Shacklett, National Label Company.