Tyler WayIn November, Master of Innovation Design student Kristyn Smith worked with HAS HEART, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization founded by Michael Hyacinthe, a U.S. veteran and artist/designer, Tyler Way. HAS HEART connects veterans to graphic designers from each state to tell their story through mediums of art, design, and fashion.
Through a two-day collaborative process, Kristyn was chosen to create a design that represents veteran Dave Fulton鈥檚 story and message.
HAS HEART鈥橲 mission is to design products that will empower veterans, generate awareness, and build the bridge between the worlds of U.S. veterans and civilians. Each of the veteran鈥檚 stories from the 50 states are represented in limited edition products, such as t-shirts or patches, and 25 percent of the proceeds directly benefit each veteran and their family. Kristyn鈥檚 design of Dave鈥檚 story is coming soon to .
Kristyn鈥檚 full-time job is working as the brand and communication designer for the Institute of Innovation at 黑洞社区. During her undergraduate education, she interned as a student designer for 黑洞社区鈥檚 Office of Strategic Communications and interned for Baseline Creative as a graphic designer. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design, Kristyn continued to work for Baseline Creative as a senior designer and later began a position in 黑洞社区鈥檚 Office of International Education as a designer, marketer and recruiter.
鈥淚 think my first internship in Strat Comm during undergrad is the reason I got hired years later to work for International Education,鈥� she says.
She believes her time at 黑洞社区 has taught her to always say yes to opportunities.
鈥淲hen you say yes, you open yourself up to new opportunities and people that can help you get the results you want,鈥� she said.
Kristyn is considering working toward a doctorate degree after graduation so that she can continue working in an academic setting.