Build Professional Design Experience Through Whittier College’s Poet StoryLab and MexiCali Biennial
Transitioning from academic coursework to a professional environment remains one of the most significant challenges for aspiring graphic designers. While classroom assignments build foundational skills, they often lack the unpredictable variables and real-world stakes of client-facing work. Giselle Fausto ’26, a student at Whittier College, is successfully navigating this transition by gaining tangible design experience through the Poet StoryLab and the MexiCali Biennial. Her work illustrates how applied learning opportunities bridge the gap between theoretical study and professional practice in the contemporary art world.
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom Theory and Practical Application
For many students, design education revolves around hypothetical scenarios. You design for a fictional brand or a graded assignment, receiving feedback primarily from peers and professors. However, as Giselle Fausto points out, this approach can feel disconnected from reality. “When you’re working in class, it seems hypothetical,” Fausto notes. “But when I go to the lab, I get to talk to the attendees viewing my work.”
This shift from hypothetical to actual is the core benefit of hands-on learning. When designing for the Poet StoryLab and its collaborators, Fausto’s work is evaluated not just on its aesthetic merit, but on its functionality, clarity, and ability to serve a diverse public audience. Engaging directly with gallery attendees provides immediate, unfiltered feedback that coursework simply cannot replicate. Aspiring designers must actively seek out these practical environments to test their skills against real-world parameters. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about hands-on learning opportunities.
The Mechanics of Graphic Design in Contemporary Art Spaces
Graphic design within a gallery or biennial setting requires a specialized skill set that goes beyond standard digital or print media. Fausto’s responsibilities provide a clear blueprint of what this design experience entails. Rather than solely focusing on digital interfaces, she has taken on complex physical design tasks, including redesigning the MexiCali Biennial’s internal signage system and creating public-facing vinyl decals.
Wayfinding and environmental graphic design are critical components of any exhibition. If an internal signage system is confusing or visually jarring, it detracts from the artwork itself. Designers must understand spatial relationships, typography at a distance, material constraints, and durability. Vinyl decals require precise calibration of color profiles for large-format printing and an understanding of how different substrates affect the final visual output. By managing these elements, Fausto is developing a robust portfolio that demonstrates her ability to handle multifaceted design challenges.
Furthermore, Fausto is contributing to the design of the Poet StoryLab’s soon-to-launch website. This combination of physical and digital design work ensures a well-rounded skill set, making her a more competitive candidate in the job market. Explore our related articles for further reading on student internships.
Highlighting Binational Perspectives in USA News and Art
The context in which a designer works heavily influences the impact of their work. The MexiCali Biennial is a nonprofit contemporary visual arts organization that operates across the border, showcasing exhibitions in both Whittier, California, and Calexico, California. In current USA news, discussions regarding border regions are often framed around policy and conflict. The MexiCali Biennial counters this narrative by highlighting the rich, collaborative, and binational cultural identity of the region.
For a design student, working within this specific cultural context adds immense depth to their professional profile. The Poet StoryLab specifically prioritizes Latinx stories, creating a natural partnership with the Biennial. Designers working in this space must approach their work with cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the narratives they are helping to amplify. Fausto’s involvement in this project demonstrates how graphic design can serve a broader cultural purpose, elevating community stories and contributing meaningfully to the contemporary art dialogue in the United States and beyond.
Cultivating Talent Through the Poet StoryLab Initiative
The success of students like Giselle Fausto is directly tied to the structured support provided by institutional frameworks like the Poet StoryLab. Supported by grants, such as those from the Mellon Foundation, the StoryLab functions as an incubator for narrative projects that illuminate, amplify, and connect with Brown identity.
Faculty involvement is crucial to this process. Associate Professor of Art History Kate Palmer Albers, a director of the StoryLab, emphasizes the importance of tailoring internships to student interests. “They really tailored the internship to support and develop her interests, which has been meaningful to us as faculty members who want to see our students get opportunities in the areas that they’re most interested in,” Albers explains. This individualized approach ensures that students are not just completing grunt work, but are actively engaging in meaningful creative problem-solving.
The Poet StoryLab is currently seeking student proposals for narrative projects focused on Brown identity, offering a $2,000 award to support these initiatives. Projects may start at any time but must be submitted by April 30, 2026. This type of funding provides critical financial support that allows students to focus on the quality and depth of their work without the immediate pressure of commercial viability. Submit your application today to pursue a degree in the arts.
Actionable Strategies for Securing Valuable Design Internships
The journey of Giselle Fausto offers several actionable insights for other students seeking to maximize their design experience before graduation.
Seek Out Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Do not limit your search to traditional advertising agencies or corporate marketing departments. Cultural institutions, non-profits, galleries, and academic labs frequently need design assistance. These environments often allow for more creative freedom and provide a deeper connection to the community than standard corporate internships.
Value Direct Community Feedback
When you secure an internship, actively seek out the opinions of the end-users. If you design a gallery sign, stand back and watch how visitors interact with it. Do they look confused? Do they walk past it? This direct observation is invaluable data that will refine your design process.
Balance Creativity with Methodical Thinking
As Fausto aptly observes, “Graphic design has a nice balance between creativity and methodical thinking. You’ll have problems to solve, but you also have to think about them in a way that is sophisticated and beautiful.” Approach your internship with a problem-solving mindset. Every design choice, from font selection to material finish, should serve a specific, methodical purpose while maintaining high aesthetic standards.
Leverage Faculty Connections
Professors and academic advisors often have extensive networks within the local community and their respective industries. Communicate your specific career goals clearly so they can connect you with relevant opportunities, just as Fausto was connected to the Poet StoryLab. Have questions? Write to us!
The Lasting Impact of Community-Engaged Art Projects
Gaining professional design experience is not solely about building a resume; it is about understanding the societal role of visual communication. When students like Giselle Fausto engage with organizations like the MexiCali Biennial, they learn that design is a tool for community building, cultural preservation, and education.
Meeting local artists, teachers, and community members over the course of an internship fosters a professional network rooted in shared values rather than just transactional relationships. Fausto credits Whittier College with providing the complementary connections, tools, and knowledge necessary to facilitate this growth. For prospective students and current undergraduates alike, the takeaway is clear: prioritize programs that emphasize tactile, hands-on learning and community engagement. The skills gained in these environments—adaptability, cultural competence, and practical problem-solving—are the exact attributes that employers and graduate programs look for in emerging designers.
The integration of academic study with real-world application remains the most effective method for preparing students for the complexities of the modern workforce. By taking advantage of resources like the Poet StoryLab, students can ensure they graduate not just with a degree, but with a proven track record of professional capability. Share your experiences with community-engaged art in the comments below.
