Five Wichita State graphic design seniors partnered with Dzanc Publishing to design original paperback book covers, gaining hands-on experience in a professional publishing environment. Guided by Joshua Smith, assistant professor of graphic design, the students collaborated directly with authors and the Dzanc team to develop visually distinctive concepts that reflect each book’s voice and audience.
As part of the project, the seniors reflected on their creative process, from initial concept development to final design. Supported by the State of Kansas Applied Learning Fund, these students applied classroom knowledge to a real-world client project, strengthening their skills, building their portfolios and earning compensation for their work.