Awards

• Runner-up for Design Incubation Communication Design Educators Award 2025 (United States)

Overview

Working with clients is one of the most valuable ways for students to develop their professional design practice skills. This is a practical guide to working on real-life briefs in the design studio—how to collaborate with and connect with communities, find and retain clients, and manage real-world design problems. Using tools and frameworks based on years of research and experience, the book is divided into four sections: Why (industry connections, experiential learning, personal empowerment) What (engaging with communities, client work, structure) Who (work roles, client relationships, articulating value) How (launching, logistics, planning) The final section of the book covers information for those expanding into student-led studios and includes information on strategies, financing, and how to plan for the future. Supported by case studies and interviews, this is an essential guide to working with real projects and clients, for both students and instructors alike.

Full Product Details

9781350358836

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Author Information

Meaghan Dee is a designer and an Associate Professor (and Chair) of Graphic Design at Virginia Tech, USA. Prior to this role, Meaghan spent three years as Director of a student-run, faculty-led studio, where she gained hands-on experience. Meaghan also spent six years serving on the board (and as co-chair) of the AIGA Design Educators' Community. Jessica Meharry is an Associate Professor and co-Director of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Columbia College Chicago, USA. She is a designer, scholar, and educator with cross-disciplinary research focused on developing inclusive design management pedagogy and designing for equitable economies. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education.

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