Lining both driveways to Algonquin are the instantly recognizable school colors and logo, displayed on banners designed by senior Lillian Johnson.
Johnson was given the assignment to create a noticeable visual that showcases the school’s spirit and values during her junior year Graphic Design class. It was a rigorous process; the students started with thumbnail sketches(a small and quick sketch laying out design elements) and eventually created a presentation where they articulated how their designs fulfilled the prompt. Among the submissions, Johnson’s design emerged as a standout.
“I was really excited [when mine was chosen],” Johnson said. “I drive to school every day and I see something that I made and that’s awesome.”
Her approach utilized asymmetry, showcasing a segment of the school’s logo that was visually striking while still maintaining its identifiable features.
“They wanted to represent forward motion, so the ‘A’ almost looks like it’s like going off the banner, like moving forward progress,” Johnson said.
Principal Sean Bevan initiated the banner project to “beautify the campus” and ultimately had the final say in Johnson’s design.
“I ended up choosing Lillian’s design because I thought it symbolized our school nicely: it’s bold and emphatic and conveys strength and dynamic energy,” Bevan said via email. “There were several great options to choose from, but I liked hers best.”
Graphic Design teacher Michelle Sheppard spoke to the ease with which Johnson fulfilled the prompt.
“She had it done well and fast in the beginning while other students had other ideas that they wanted to try out,” Sheppard said. “Her design was simple and to the point; it just seemed to come easily and naturally to her. She really has an incredible eye for composition and balance.”
Sheppard also emphasized the importance of showcasing student art.
“Our students do brilliant, wonderful things, and so many of them stay in their sketchbooks or their iPads or on the computer,” Sheppard said. “So when we’re making improvements to the school in a really visual way, it is such a joy and such an honor to have students involved in that, in a way that’s gonna be there for years to come.”
Bevan agreed with this sentiment.
“I think it looks great, and I am happy that we were able to highlight student art in a very public way around our building,” Bevan said.
The waving maroon and gold flags welcome students, faculty and community members onto campus, all thanks to one student’s hard work.
“It’s cool that I left my mark on the school,” Johnson said.
