Appalachian Studies in the Digital Age

In 2018, Shawnee State University kicked off the announcement of a new program, Digital Appalachian Studies, at the first ASDA symposium — Visualizing Appalachia. It was a 3-day event featuring keynote speaker Roger May.

As the event brand designer, I worked with faculty on the design of a new logo and visual scheme. Additionally, I designed the event materials including a general poster, flyer, and set of social media graphics, along with a series of posters and web graphics for the live performances, paper presentations, round-table discussions, and workshops held over the course of the event.

Visuals are inspired by the restoration of old oil paintings and strips of old film. A sense of age and mystery play on the design, reflecting ASDA's tone; studying the stains on Appalachia and investigating how the region can both be honored and revitalized. The symposium is almost archeological, removing dust from the surface and seeing underneath the stereotypes to uncover the real story of the region — it's triumphs, hardships, wins, and losses. Rolling graph lines mimicking the Appalachian mountains symbolize the economic ups and downs, and bending them upward carries the optimism of ASDA. With research, academic insight, and regional enthusiasm, Appalachian Studies brings attention to the current issues facing its communities and sets a course for a brighter future.