Sarah Martinsen Crowned IRC Competition Champion
Sarah Martinsen, a marketing professional and Graphic Design student, has won the International Rescue Committee (IRC) competition with her innovative accordion-style design. The competition, which received strong entries from many students, was a credit to the institution.
Martinsen's motivation for entering the competition was its focus on a good cause and the potential for a meaningful impact. She saw the competition as an opportunity to create a great portfolio piece and a rewarding experience.
Martinsen's accordion-style design stood out because it combined innovative form with effective communication. The unique design, which mimics the structure of an accordion, captured attention through its distinctive folding technique and clear presentation of content. This creative approach not only showcased her design skills but also enhanced the storytelling or messaging aspect of her submission, making it memorable and impactful in the context of the competition.
From a branding perspective, Martinsen's entry adhered most closely to the IRC's branding guidelines and general image. The IRC's marketing team felt that her accordion design was unlike most other brochures used by non-profits.
Nicolle Walker, IRC Phoenix Development Director, found Martinsen's entry to be the most unique and striking design. Faculty judges Kristen Becker and Margaret Penney helped select the finalists and provided feedback to improve all entries.
Martinsen entered the spring IRC competition as soon as it was launched in April. She has a background in fine art/illustration, having earned a BA in Studio Art from the University of Colorado. In recent years, she discovered she was "smitten with Graphic Design" and enrolled at an institution to further her art education.
The IRC competition page features a presentation of Martinsen's work and a gallery of the other finalists. The institution offers Vocational Program Admissions, Online Certificate Programs, and the latest catalog can be requested. The next Design Competition client will be announced soon.
Martinsen's accordion-style design was less expensive than a bound book, making it a cost-effective solution for the competition. The design's unique accordion style refers to a creative, folded design that mimics the structure of an accordion—likely using multiple panels that expand and collapse in a sequence. This type of design often allows for an engaging, interactive experience and can present information in a visually dynamic way.
In conclusion, Sarah Martinsen's accordion-style design was a standout entry in the IRC competition. Her innovative design not only showcased her design skills but also enhanced the storytelling or messaging aspect of her submission, making it memorable and impactful. The IRC competition was a great opportunity for Martinsen to create a great portfolio piece and a rewarding experience, and we look forward to seeing what she will achieve in the future.
Sarah Martinsen's victory in the IRC competition underscores her potential as a Graphic Designer, bridging her education-and-self-development with a real-world application. As she continues her learning journey, her innovative accordion-style design demonstrates a knack for lifestyle-oriented graphic design that could captivate audiences in education-and-self-development, as well as other sectors.
