Campus Creatives In Action

Graphic design is a skill that can be used in various fields. Brandon Hagerott is the president of the Graphic Design Club at Bismarck State College. He talks about the Graphic Design Club and graphic design as a career. Hagerott explained that the club is exclusively for students of the graphic design program.

“It’s mainly just an opportunity for students of the program to connect with each other and build.”

Hagerott added that the club is student-led. The members come up with what they want to do. They do as many tours as possible to show others what it is like working in the design industry. The club takes part in on-campus activities such as trunk-or-treat; they also hold fundraisers with Pizza Ranch. Hagerott added they had an upcoming trip to Fargo. They toured different places there and do an escape room for fun.

Hagerott originally started as a visual arts major, but felt his future was in a different area. “When I was looking for other majors, I spoke with one of the professors of the graphic design program,” Hagerott said. “His name is Sean Thorenson and he just kind of sold me on it instantly, he showed me all the projects we do and what the end result is.” Hagerott said there are misconceptions about graphic design. The graphic design program teaches more than just creating logos. They learn web design, how to create publications, and illustration.

“I think my favorite part is that it exposes you just enough into all those areas, for you to decide or realize if you really like one of those things. You can really specialize in one or just go deeper into one.”

Hagerott currently works at KLJ engineering as an in-house designer. He makes their publication and graphics, posters, or any designs they need. While working for KLJ, Hagerott said it is also important for him to be creative and still create his own stuff in his spare time.

The graphic design program at BSC helps digital artists fit into a career path. The club further expands on everything the program teaches and offers tours and different experiences to guide one further into a particular area in graphic design. It is an option for technically inclined artists to pursue their passion.