IdeaBase

Last Friday, we hosted Kent State Alumni, students, faculty and staff furthering the IdeaBase mission. In an afternoon of networking, viewing completed student projects and laughs, the IdeaBase team had the opportunity to celebrate what an exciting semester it has been!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this exciting afternoon of IdeaBase past, present and future 💙

There’s sill time to RSVP 💻💙❕

Be sure to join the IdeaBase team next Friday, 4/19, in reflecting on the past, present and future of IdeaBase students and projects.

Connect with both IdeaBase Alumni and Kent State Students in a showcase of completed client projects, a celebration of spring 2024 IdeaBase seniors and more! Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

Interested in learning more or ready to RSVP? Visit this link:
https://www.linkedin.com/events/ideabaseopenhouse-spring20247161766912174084098/

We’ll see you there!

⚠️ HAPPENING SOON ⚠️ | Videography Basics Workshop

Work alongside entrepreneur and videographer, Ryan Moore (DMP
‘24), honing in on videography skills on April 11th. From editing to choosing the right equipment, bring both an open mind and questions to the IdeaBase office!

⬅️ Swipe to read more and RSVP!

Can’t make it? Connect with Ryan here .media or vist rmooremedia.com

NEW BLOG POST 🎉🧑‍💻📝

Vincent Muccino, an IdeaBase Senior and Digital Media Production major reflects on a recent collaboration with Kent City Schools.

Read more below:

Vincent Muccino: Translating My Education Into Real-World Experience – IdeaBase My name is Vincent Muccino, and I am a Videographer and Editor at IdeaBase. Last semester, I had the pleasure of creating a series of promotional videos for Kent Roosevelt’s Career Technical Education Program. This was no small feat, as I had a relatively small period of time to capture and create...

“My favorite thing about this program is we can actually apply what we learn to the profession we’re going into.”

Kent City School District and IdeaBase students alike are gaining real world experience with hands on learning. Recently, the IdeaBase team worked alongside Kent City School District Kent Theodore Roosevelt’s Career Technical Education in producing informational videos regarding offered programs, student testimonials and expected outcomes.

Just as our IdeaBase students learn with authentic client projects, Kent City School District students are doing just the same within their respective fields fostering a new generation of educational learning!

Check out some BTS of our team working on this shoot and for the final product below⬇️🎬

OPEN HOUSE | SAVE THE DATE 🎉📅💙🧑‍💻

This April, please join IdeaBase Alumni, students of KSU and clients for an afternoon of IdeaBase past, present and future!

Be sure to mark your calendar for April 19th from 4-6pm.

Watch this space for more information!

It's a new semester at IdeaBase 🎉🧑🏻‍💻

Last semester we celebrated our 10 year anniversary, but this Spring plan to see new faces, new clients and new events from IdeaBase.

This semester, as every semester before, IdeaBase has fostered student powered design with the future success of our students in mind.

Watch out for more exciting news soon!

A new project is underway in collaboration with Kent State University School of Visual Communication Design, IdeaBase and City of Hudson, Ohio!

Tap below to read more.

Last Friday was truly a night to remember. Our 10-year anniversary event captured our unique journey and the amazing projects we’ve created over the years. Thank you to all our incredible guests for making our event a success. Here’s to the next decade! 🌟

Join us for a decade of innovation and creativity! 🎉 We're celebrating our 10-year anniversary with an Open House and Showcase like never before. Come explore our journey, witness our achievements, and be inspired by the future we're shaping.
We're thrilled to showcase the incredible work of our talented students at the DI Hub Gallery. Their collaborative projects have been a vital part of our growth, and you can see their creativity on display. Don't miss out – this extraordinary exhibition is on display until 10/25! Let's celebrate a decade of success and look forward to many more!

“I wanted to be involved with the forward-thinking, creative people at IdeaBase. It is a huge community and I was lucky to be part of it.”

Sarah Behm, a former IdeaBase student and Lead Digital Designer, found IdeaBase during her freshman year of college in the fall of 2016. After touring the office with her FYE class and talking with the students who worked there - she knew she had to be involved, “I just kept applying time and time again. I said anything that I can do for you, I will do. I just wanted to be involved with these amazing people.”

In 2018 Sarah started her journey at IdeaBase. As Lead Digital Designer, Sarah had the opportunity to lead the direction of a project and hone in on her design skills. Because of IdeaBase, she learned how to communicate with clients and work in a collaborative environment with students from other disciplines which helped her for life after graduation.

“IdeaBase was huge when preparing me for post-grad,” Sarah said. “I met with clients and worked with them in a real-world setting that I had never even envisioned being a possibility.” 

When reflecting on her time at IdeaBase, she wished to tell her younger self to never stop being involved. "Just keep taking on projects because it's worth it,” she said.

For over 10 years IdeaBase has given their students the tools to succeed after their time at Kent State like Sarah. 

Interested in connecting with Sarah? Find her on LinkedIn.

IdeaBase is celebrating 10 years of success and growth! Celebrate with us as we mark this incredible milestone and reflect on a decade of achievements, innovation, and community. 🌟 Join us for two days filled with memories, laughter, and gratitude. Thank you for being a part of our journey and we hope to see you there.

"IdeaBase was crucial for me in understanding how to work with other students."

Joseph (JoYo) Young, a former IdeaBase student and Creative Director, learned how to work in a diversified environment while applying skills learned in the classroom to real-world client work at IdeaBase. "I see IdeaBase as a crucial part of my college experience," he said.

As the Creative Director from 2019-2021, JoYo supported every team at IdeaBase through his work. From working with the web team to the video team, Joseph understood how those from different areas could come together to create a workplace of excellence. To JoYo, IdeaBase was the medium between the professional and academic worlds.

When reflecting on his time with IdeaBase, JoYo would tell his younger self to "understand what you bring to the team and to carry that with you." To this day, he feels the best pear he's ever had was from the pear tree outside the former Acorn Alley office. From a project standpoint, one that stands out was working with the Textile Art Alliance and their rebrand. "It was a really interesting project," he said.

Since our beginning, IdeaBase has continued to foster student design through practice and expertise. Because of students like Joseph, that mission is still carried through at Kent State today.

Interested in connecting with Joseph? Find him on LinkedIn.

What a summer it’s been ☀️😎💙

We’re sad to see it go, but we’re even more excited to welcome back new and returning IdeaBase students this fall!

This semester, IdeaBase will celebrate its 10th year as a student powered design agency at Kent State (How exciting right 🥳)

What are you looking forward to most this fall?

"IdeaBase is where stellar students work in their craft"

Meet Sean, a former IdeaBase student who took his psychology background and transformed it into innovative user experience technology. Joining IdeaBase in 2017, Sean was on the team as a UX Designer and Strategist. At IdeaBase, Sean was working up to the standards of client work while understanding the fundamentals of his work: design and research.

"IdeaBase was vital to my career," Sean said. To him, IdeaBase broadened his spectrum. Coming from a psychology background, IdeaBase helped him bring what he was studying into UX designing. "I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for that foundational experience," he said. From team collaboration and brainstorming to working with clients one on one, Sean understood what worked best when at IdeaBase.

When reflecting on his time at IdeaBase, Sean would tell his younger self to be present and be where his feet are. "It's easy to get lost in every project, client and email," he said. As a student employee, Sean worked on projects getting hands on experience with eye tracking, website redesigns and more.

For over 10 years, IdeaBase students have graduated finding themselves doing what they love. And it sill stands true today. To learn more about IdeaBase and its mission visit ideabasekent.com

Trio UpwardBound KSU Summer Recap ☀️🧑‍💻💙

For the past five weeks, we hosted high school students around Northeast Ohio, giving them a peek into college life.

In partnership with Trio UpwardBound KSU, we welcomed a cohort of 20 students to work at IdeaBase, sharpening their professional and design skills! From photography to resume workshops and even producing a short film, there was continually a sense of excitement in the office.

Swipe along to see what IdeaBase has been up to ➡️

Interested in learning more about Upward Bound? Tap the link here: https://www.kent.edu/upwardboundprogram

"I learned as much from students as they learned from me."

Chris Hallahan found himself in a one-of-a-kind learning experience at IdeaBase from 2014-2018. Though not a student himself-he worked with students, faculty and staff from all disciplines throughout the university. From IdeaBase client work to user experience design lectures, Chris was at the forefront of a new age of innovation at Kent State.

In 2014 Chris was brought onto the IdeaBase team as a User Experience Designer. From instructing classes within IdeaBase to working on projects with Kent State University Student Media, Chris joined forces with many campus-wide initiatives. "I loved seeing a designer pick up coding skills," he said. To Chris, there was always a sense of overlap when working together in IdeaBase, leading to endless collaboration. "Seeing collaboration outside the classroom was so exciting," Chris shared.

Looking back, Chris wishes he could tell himself to become more acquainted with working virtually. From working with worldwide teams to understanding how to communicate with someone who may not be in the same room, Chris would've never guessed how technology and the workplace coexist today.

"I enjoyed who I worked with and the conversations had while at IdeaBase," said Chris. For over 10 years, students, faculty and staff have been brought together with one common goal: to design. And Chris is a prime example of IdeaBase and its cross-collaboration efforts.

This summer, IdeaBase has been working with students from Trio UpwardBound KSU, focusing on creative skills and collaboration 🎬📝🖥️

Throughout their time with IdeaBase and Trio UpwardBound KSU, students have refined their professional development and creative processes and wrote, shot and edited a short film of their own!

Below are some outtakes of the writing and editing sessions! Interested in learning more? Visit Trio UpwardBound KSU here: https://www.kent.edu/upwardboundprogram

"IdeaBase bridged the gap between my creativity and professionalism"

In 2015, Emma McGuire found herself joining the IdeaBase team as a designer due to word of mouth. Hearing only good things--Emma was eager to get involved. "IdeaBase helped with understanding how to be creative with not so creative clients", she said.

Gaining experience in client work opened new doors for Emma post graduation. From understanding how to connect with clients and correctly design for them, to staying within brand molds and creating them, aided working with clients who have a "non-creative" brain.

"You learn things by failing," Emma said. She wishes she could tell her younger self to stay atop innovative measures alongside understanding not to be afraid of asking for help. IdeaBase made Emma fall in love with physical design, "the most mundane things can be beautiful", she said. Working in IdeaBase bridged the gap between staying creative while serving clients.

Alumni like Emma paved the way for similar IdeaBase students today. Through collaboration and design, IdeaBase students leave Kent State equipped with the skills needed in their design fields.

Interested in connecting with Emma? Find her on LinkedIn.

"I would not have my job now if it weren't for IdeaBase."

Todd Thompson began with IdeaBase in 2014. From there, he grew into his position today. A role he swears he wouldn't have if it weren't for the connections he made at IdeaBase.

While at IdeaBase, Todd was on the team as a videographer (the very first on our team). "I felt ready after IdeaBase," Todd said. From learning to collaborate to communicating with clients, IdeaBase was where he discovered his technical skills while continuing to refine them until graduating in 2016.

When reflecting on his time at IdeaBase, he wished to tell his younger self to trust himself more. "It took me a long time to realize my skills," he said. Looking back, Todd feels he can recognize where he started and appreciate where he is in his career today.

"Working with big clients in school was an amazing experience," he said. At IdeaBase, students have the opportunity to do these same things making it a mission 10+ years in the making.

Are you interested in connecting with Todd? Find him on LinkedIn.

Thanks to Kent State University students, IdeaBase and Lala Custom Cake - students had the opportunity to work on this one-of-a-kind project!

Tap below to see more:

"The best projects are the ones multiple people work on."

Quintin Steele, a former employee of the Tannery and Creative Director of IdeaBase, believes IdeaBase was the unique experience that shaped his career then and now. During his time as the Creative Director, Quintin enjoyed working with people from other disciplines and managing them. "It was collaboration across fields," he said, "Getting designers to work with computer science majors prepared us for the real world."

From projects to collaboration, one memory stuck out to Quintin. Redoing a university website. "It was an all-hands-on-deck project." From staying up late to working together, everyone was involved. Due to memories like these, Quintin would tell his younger self that he was doing a good job and to keep going. "I would tell myself there's a lot more ahead."

Working at IdeaBase/The Tannery in both undergrad and grad school, Quintin was at the forefront of a new era of collaboration that has stuck with IdeaBase for over 10 years. "I learned a lot from my peers," he said, "we can learn a lot from the people we work with."

Interested in connecting with Quintin? Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Congratulations to our newest cohort of graduating IdeaBase seniors 🎊🎓💙

Throughout their time at IdeaBase, these students have worked hard sharpening their skills from managing clients to web design. Today they join our 200+ IdeaBase Alumni who too have begun their professional careers with us.

Congratulations Giana, Laina, Quan, Alex, and Elise!

"Build relationships with everyone you work with."

Meet IdeaBase Alumni Reilly Hawkins, who was with IdeaBase 2014-17. On our team as a Web Developer (along with being on the Kent State Baseball team), Reilly says IdeaBase helped him find what side of tech he wished to pursue upon graduating.

"I always had a knack for tech," Reilly said. IdeaBase provided a foundation for Reilly's career and opened his eyes to different aspects of business operations. Additionally, he developed new professional relationships through his experience. IdeaBase was the first office Reilly worked in, helping him learn to do things himself, leading to course credit, internships and his career today.

While at IdeaBase, Reilly found himself on a project that continues to stick with him (and the client) today. "It was a big undertaking," he said. Working alongside other team members on building the site from scratch while also having his hand in usability testing, Reilly attests that he enjoyed every part of the project from beginning to end. The coolest part being the site is still in use today.

IdeaBase students have worked with clients nationwide for 10+ years and take their experience(s) beyond our office. Reilly's website build still sticks with him today. In our office, students obtain hands-on experience that continually builds their professional career from working to building a solid connection base.

Reilly now lives in Chicago as Senior Salesforce Consultant. Interested in connecting with him? Find him here: Reilly Hawkins

Our Director, Kristin, will forever be a rockstar!

Thanks to her, IdeaBase has (and will) continued to give students experience in an agency setting helping navigate their future endeavors while continually refining their practices.

Congratulations Kristin 💙

As the semester veers towards its end, Career Exploration & Development wants to highlight those in our community who work to ensure student employees are supported, respected, and given many opportunities.

We recently held the Student Employee Awards Celebration, where we awarded a supervisor for helping with the growth of their employees through the Flashes GROW program.

Flashes GROW creates conversations between student employees and supervisors that require students to reflect on and connect their work in class and the workplace. Our award recipient went above and beyond to have these conversations with her student employees.

Kristin Dowling, Director of IdeaBase, was awarded the 2023 Flashes GROW Award. Since attending Flashes GROW supervisor training in early 2022, she has implemented the program with her team of approximately 20 student employees. She works to ensure that she has more than 2 of these conversations with each of her students every semester.

Thank you, Kristin, for being a champion of Student Employment and supporting KSU students!

"Ask to be in more rooms and on more projects."

IdeaBase Alumni Betsy Garwood had lots to reflect on when thinking about her time with IdeaBase. Hired as a designer on the team, at the time, Betsy was one of the youngest staff members at IdeaBase.

When beginning with IdeaBase, Betsy felt she was in the perfect space to start her career, especially as a creative major. Working with peers in and out of her program(s), she felt there was always a sense of community she could not only learn from but rely on. IdeaBase was where she understood what it meant to have a co-worker who was also a friend.

Betsy was quickly taken under fellow employees' wings being only a sophomore at the time. "I get emotional thinking about it". IdeaBase accounted for more than half of Betsy's college career and she couldn't be more proud of what she gained, but also what she produced. From postcards to books (pictured), Betsy conveyed every client's story in her designs and still continues to do so today.

"Younger people are scared of failure," she said. If there is anything Betsy wishes she could say to her younger self it's to be in more rooms, start more conversations and be more present.

Betsy is amongst our 200+ IdeaBase Alumni who've come through our doors for 10+ years. Students like Betsy account for what IdeaBase truly means. To discover, design and refine.

It’s Student Employee Appreciation Week!

On Monday evening we had the great pleasure of celebrating Kent State University student employees and supervisors.

Congratulations to our Director, Kristin Dowling, for winning the Flashes GROW Award. Awarded to a supervisor who is dedicated to engaging and developing student employees and preparing students for their careers.

Secondly, kudos to our very own Dylan Walker and Ryan Moore for both being nominated in the Change Maker Award category!

Special thanks to Kent State University Career Exploration and Development for hosting such a wonderful event showcasing our students at Kent State University