UPDATE SPRING 2015 Chang Pleasantly Surprised by Winning T-Shirt Design The Western Arkansas Technical Center began the 2014-15 academic year by welcoming its largest class ever – 582 students. And one thing all of those students have in common is the ownership of a T-shirt designed by classmate Ryder Chang. T-shirt designs are submitted each year by students in the graphic design program. A committee made up of WATC staff members selects four designs that best represent the program. Incoming students who attend orientation in May view those four designs and cast their votes. The winning design is revealed on the first day of school when students pick up their new WATC T-shirt before they head to class. Chang, a senior at Alma High School, was not aware his design had been nominated until he saw others wearing it. In fact, seeing others wear his design even made him consider a change in his future plans. At the age of 10, Chang taught himself basic drawing techniques after watching his father draw comic book characters. He checked out library books every chance he got and practiced drawing shapes by tracing, until one day the art of drawing clicked for him. As he considers both graphic design and studio art as possible future majors, Chang said he is leaning toward digital art and character development as a primary focus. “I love video games and I’m constantly thinking about different personas and characters in my imagination. I want some of them to ‘be alive,’ meaning to be seen by other people,” he said. A new visual arts building on the UAFS campus, with expected completion by fall 2015, entices Chang to continue his education right where he started. He said he is also looking at universities in the Pacific Northwest region of the country, where he has traveled with his family. One of the three WATC goals is to help students make informed career choices, and Chang is taking full advantage. “Thanks to WATC, I believe I have developed more well-rounded skills,” Chang said. “For example, before WATC, I only thought about drawing, but now I’ve gotten a taste of other types of art, such as 3D sculpting and digital art, and some experience with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.” Dr. D. Chris Rink, WATC director, encourages students to explore career options during their time in the WATC program. “Being able to try a program of study like graphic design while still in high school is one of the most fortunate opportunities we provide,” Rink said. “Not only will it teach students whether or not it is the right area for them, but it also heightens their awareness of the variety of specialties associated with the field. Ryder is a model example of what we try do, which is help students plan for the future before it sneaks up on them.” Chang will graduate from high school in the spring having obtained more than 30 college credit hours through the WATC program.
WATC students wearing the new WATC T-shirt design.