July 20-24, 2025
$545 — for MIPA members; $570 — for non-members
Add $75 for registrations after June 15
This is an-person, residential program. Space is limited.
Last day to register: July 1, or while seats remain available
Last day to request a roommate: July 1
About This Course
For experienced designers and design editors who are ready to take their work to the next level. Explore the intersection of journalism and graphic design. This course will empower designers to apply advanced, contemporary techniques to their print newspaper, newsmagazine or yearbook.
During this course, participants will delve into core principles of graphic design as well as the latest trends in print design, learning how to effectively marry text and visuals to tell stories. Each day will include direct instruction about design concepts and software tools, followed by practice. Sessions will include mini-challenges as well as designing a final project.
Through hands-on projects and real-world examples, participants will explore the art of layout, typography, composition, information graphics and effective photography to understand how these elements work together. Designers will work in teams to share informed feedback and will leave the workshop with designs to wow their publication staffs and audiences.
Participants should have previous design experience, consistent with the completion of MIPA’s InDesign for Publications course or serving as a page designer at a school publication for at least one term.
This is an in-person, residential program. Participants will stay in an MSU residence hall with at least one roommate. Meals are provided in a residential hall cafeteria. Workshop sessions are held in MSU classrooms, which may be a short walk from the residence hall.
This workshop course is open to youth participants entering grades 7 through 12.
Instructor
Supplies & Equipment
- This course will be held in a computer lab. Access to a laptop to work on assignments outside of class time is optional.
- MIPA will provide participants a web-based version of InDesign that runs on a PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer or Chromebook computer. This software runs via web browser.
- Participants with their own Adobe Creative Cloud account or access through their school may bring their logins
- Google/Gmail account to use Google Classroom, Docs and other services
- Notebook to take notes
- Pens and pencils
- Copies of your publication
- Publication design style guide and page templates (optional)
- Magazines, photos, Pinterest posts and other examples that provide you with design inspiration (optional)
- Access to a laptop to work on assignments outside of class time is optional.
- Good attitude, desire to learn, ability to have fun
Special Needs & Accommodations
MIPA is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Jeremy Steele, MIPA executive director, at 517-353-6761 or ask@mipamsu.org at least 10 business days prior to the start of our program so that we have time to make necessary arrangements. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Workshop Schedule
All times are in the Eastern time zone. Schedule is subject to change.
Sunday Schedule
- 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Check in
- 5-6:30 p.m. — Dinner
- 6:45 p.m. — Opening session
- 7:30 p.m. — First class meeting
- 8:15 p.m. — Keynote
- 9 p.m. — Recreational activities
- 10:45 p.m. — Floor meeting
- 11:15 p.m. — Bed check
- 1 a.m. — Lights out
Monday-Wednesday Schedule
- 7:15-8:45 a.m. — Breakfast
- 9-11:30 a.m. — Workshop class session
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. — Lunch
- 1:30-4 p.m. — Workshop class session
- 4-5 p.m. — MIPA Cup Tournament activities
- 5-6:30 p.m. — Dinner
- 7 p.m. — Evening session (speakers or project work time)
- 9 p.m. — Recreational activities
- 11 p.m. — Participants must be on assigned floor
- 11:15 p.m. — Bed check
- 1 a.m. — Lights out
Thursday Schedule
- 7:15-8:45 a.m. — Breakfast
- 9-10:45 a.m. — Workshop class session
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Closing session/Awards ceremony
- Noon-1 p.m. — Check out