WEST LIBERTY — West Liberty University graphic design students have collaborated with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to create a new series of collectible stickers now available in state park gift shops across West Virginia.

The project began when Jessica Dolin, retail merchandising manager at the WVDNR, contacted Brian Fencl, former Chair of the Department of Media and Visual Arts, about the opportunity for WLU students to design original artwork for the state parks. Fencl shared the project with Sarah Davis, professor of graphic design, who integrated it into her ART 383: Advanced Visual Communication course.

“I really enjoy bringing community design projects into my courses because they provide experiential learning for the students,” said Davis.

Students from multiple levels, including sophomore and junior Visual Communication majors in Graphic Design and Illustration, as well as senior-level Media Communication students, collaborated directly with state park representatives through a virtual client meeting. Together, they discussed design goals, themes, colors, and park locations before moving through the full design process from research and concept development to production.

“Working with a real client within a classroom setting was very insightful,” said Danny Roberts, a junior Visual Communication-Graphic Design major from Fairmont.