Campbell University Graphic Design student Skye Dillon begins each project by doing his homework, researching unique traditions of each client to gain an understanding of the most beneficial approach to that job. He avoids “trendy” design schemes, instead reaching for intrinsic meaning. After years of developing a design style focused on identity branding, Dillon was given the opportunity to learn from the best in the professional field during his summer internship.Dillon, who interned with leading creative agency Frederick & Froberg Design Offices, Inc. in Montclair, N.J., said he had been anticipating this opportunity for a very long time.”I have always had a passion for logo design,” said Dillon, a senior from Exeter, Maine. My parents still remember me drawing New York Knicks logos on my worksheets in first grade, and they’ve always supported me and my goals with logo design. Early on, I would jump at any freelance opportunity I could get my hands on. Over the years, not only has my portfolio and personal business grown, but I have also had opportunities to work with more prominent clientele.”Dillon’s focus on sports branding narrowed his internship field considerably since only a limited number of companies work exclusively with the major sports leagues and powerhouse Division 1 universities, but that didn’t stop him from applying to the top firms.”Basically I applied to the handful of firms who design all of the logos you see on Sports Center,” Dillon said. “It’s a very selective field because there are only so many high profile clients and such high design talent on the market. To get an internship with one of the dominant firms was a huge blessing and really exciting.”A creative agency specializing in brand image development, marketing, communications and brand extension, Frederick & Froberg’s client list reads like a who’s who of professional sports and entertainment. Some of the most well-known clients include Disney Studios, the Discovery Channel, ESPN, Harley Davidson, the National Football League and the National Basketball Association among others.One of the most exciting assignments Dillon received during his internship was to work with owner Bill Frederick and fellow in-house staff on developing the visual identity and marketing campaign for the 2008 Major League Baseball post season the 2008 World Series identity.”I had a chance to work on a number of projects throughout the summer. Some of these logos include the NBA store’s Tenth Anniversary mark, Major League Baseball’s 2008 Home Run Derby logo, and the upcoming “TV Guide” rebrand,” Dillon said, “but the biggest thrill was to contribute to the development of the World Series logo.”Dillon’s logo for the World Series features two prominent baseball icons, merging a baseball field silhouette with a three-dimensional globe to present a concept yet to be used in past designs. A customized block typeface creates a smooth transition from the 2007 identity while its unique arching arrangement around the field silhouette offers a fresh design approach.”Looking back, I would never have been able to reach these goals without the experience I’ve had growing in Campbell’s graphic design program. Professors Daniel Rodgers, Larkin Tysor, and Breck Smith have each been vital to my success,” said Dillon.Some of Dillon’s recent work with his personal company, Skye Design Studios (www.skyedesignstudios.com), includes academic and athletic brands for Methodist University, a new athletic brand for Meredith College, as well as an updated visual presence for Keith Hills Country Club in Buies Creek. Dillon also created the visual campaign for Campbell University’s commemoration of Carter Gymnasium’s last year of service before the new convocation and sports arena is completed in 2008. Incorporating the gym’s facade, traditional bannering and vintage typography, Dillon created an icon that embodies the gym’s 55- year history.”I wanted to create a crest, timeless in nature, that symbolized all the great years of Carter Gym,” he said, “one appropriate to represent all eras of Campbell Basketball.”
Campbell student Leaves his mark on branding market