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SCC student designs logo for new Jackson County 'Spend Local' campaign

2019-11-14
Young blonde woman smiles underneath a gazebo on a sunny fall day.
Dare Towe of Canton is a second-year student in the Graphic and Design program at SCC.

The Jackson County Office of Economic Development recently launched a “Spend Local” campaign, unveiling its new logo across the region at the end of August.

The design - a curly, iron-rod post with an oval store sign hanging from it - represents the heart of Jackson County’s economy: small, local businesses that have built the community from the ground up.

The mind behind the design is Dare Towe, a Canton native and a second-year student in Southwestern Community College’s Advertising and Graphic Design Program.

Towe was approached for the project by SCC Instructor Scott Clontz. When he received the request for the project, he knew that Towe’s keen eye and unique style would be a perfect fit for the job.

“Dare was chosen to take on this project because she excels at listening to what the client wants and translating that idea into a beautiful and unique finished design,” said Clontz. “Her innate ability to create logos with strong typography made her a perfect fit for the ‘Shop Local’ campaign.”

The one catch? It had to be designed within the week.

Clontz then connected her with Tiffany Henry, Director of SCC’s Small Business Center, who had been working closely with Rich Price, Director of Economic Development for Jackson County. Henry gave Towe some photo samples and suggestions from Price to point her in the right direction.

Working diligently, Towe sent some initial sketches to Price. Once they were approved, she had a full set of campaign logos ready to go just in time.

“We are delighted to be able to partner with a student from SCC to design our logo for the ‘Spend Local’ campaign,” said Price. “By supporting local students and entrepreneurs with their respective endeavors, we are further emphasizing the importance of investing in local resources and building new business development capacity.”

Henry was also impressed with the student’s creativity and design.

“Dare is a very talented young student, and I’ve always said we have the best graphic design program around. Our students always impress me with their skill, professionalism and execution,” said Henry. “She did an excellent job. I’ll definitely be working with her again.”

Towe credits a large part of her success to her instructors and the strength of the program at SCC.

“Scott Clontz and Bob Keeling are wonderful teachers. They are both so well-rounded and we get great experience across all areas of design,” said Towe. “I feel really prepared to work in the field. My portfolio is getting better and better. This was a great opportunity for me, and I’m very thankful for it.”

Towe says her dream job is to be on the graphic design team at Dollywood. While she considers herself to be a diverse designer, she appreciates a southern charm style in her work. She is expected to graduate in May 2020.

For more information on any of SCC’s programs or involvements, visit southwesterncc.edu or call 828.339.4000.

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