Morgan Schill
Graphic Design Student Transforms Classroom Project into Career Launchpad
What began as a classroom assignment quickly turned into a real-world opportunity for graphic design student Morgan Schill—and a defining moment in her journey as a graphic designer.
During the Fall 2024 semester, students in MCC’s Graphic Design II and III courses partnered on a client-based project with Cycling Without Age (McHenry), a local chapter of a global non-profit. The organization’s mission is to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults by offering free rides on trishaw bikes and creating meaningful connections throughout McHenry County.
The challenge for students was to design a vehicle wrap for the trailer used to transport these bikes. The designs needed to capture the organization’s mission, spirit, and branding. After presenting to the organization’s board, Schill’s design was selected as the final trailer graphic.
“Being selected by the Cycling Without Age committee was a significant honor in my graphic design journey,” Schill said. “It marked a pivotal moment during my certification process, reaffirming that I was on the right path.”
But Schill’s work with the organization didn’t stop there.
In early January, she received a message from one of the group’s board members asking if she would be interested in creating additional branded materials, including a flyer, business card, and tri-fold brochure.
“I was immediately enthusiastic about the opportunity,” Schill said. “I accepted with confidence, recognizing it as a valuable addition to my portfolio, an asset for future employment prospects, and a meaningful experience in client collaboration.”
Schill brought the same thoughtful approach to these materials as she had to the trailer design. She incorporated brand colors and logos, selected photographs that reflected the spirit of the group, and created clean, accessible layouts that ensured information about volunteering or signing up for rides was easy to find.
“My goal was to create something inviting—a design that reflected connection, nature, and a sense of freedom, she said. “I provided initial prototypes for feedback, followed by second-round drafts incorporating requested changes. After reviewing these, I made final adjustments to ensure alignment with the client's objectives.”
Schill credits her MCC coursework with helping to prepare her for this opportunity.
“Throughout earlier projects, I gained experience with tools and techniques in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign,” she said. “Even something as specific as learning how to properly link photos in the program set me up for success.”
The group critiques in class also helped her develop a stronger eye for her own work.
“It’s not always easy to step back and evaluate your own design with fresh eyes, but those critiques helped me build the language and confidence to assess the finer details of my work when designing independently,” she said.
Schill also expressed gratitude for the mentorship of her instructor, Violet Luczak.
"I picked up so many insightful tips and tricks from her throughout my studies—how to frame the right questions for a client, the importance of typography, and how being detail-oriented with illustrations can elevate the overall clarity and polish of a piece. Her passion for graphic design was overwhelmingly contagious to me in the best way.”
Luczak was equally thrilled to celebrate Schill’s accomplishments.
“I'm incredibly proud of Morgan and the dedication she’s shown throughout her graphic design studies,” Luczak said. “Her work ethic, combined with her creative vision, made her stand out not only in the classroom but also in a real-world setting. Morgan’s ability to take on challenges with confidence and deliver thoughtful, impactful designs is a testament to her passion and commitment. She truly exemplifies the spirit of MCC’s Graphic Design program, and I can’t wait to see where her talent takes her next.”
Morgan thoroughly enjoyed her time in the MCC Art Department, having particularly memorable experiences during her Graphic Design Experiences class. Over the course of two weeks, the class visited various graphic design firms, museums, and creative hubs across Chicago.
“It was eye-opening—seeing professional environments up close, asking questions, and envisioning what life could look like working in the city. I’ll carry those lessons and memories with me for the rest of my life,” she said.
Schill’s path through MCC has also been uniquely full circle. She first attended the College from 2018 to 2020 to earn her Associate of Arts, then continued to Iowa State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in art and design. After graduating, she explored several career paths—art education, freelancing, even social media marketing—before deciding to return to MCC and enroll in the Graphic Design Certificate program.
“I realized that graphic design was what I truly wanted to do,” she said. “I was determined to refine my skills and deepen my expertise, and I’m so beyond glad I did. The program has been an enriching experience that has provided me with valuable skills, relationships, and insights to move forward.”
Schill’s advice to current and future students is to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, whether it be smaller things like giving a presentation or larger things like facing uncertainty on your career path.
“Answering the infamous question, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ can feel overwhelming,” she said. “I know this firsthand—after receiving my bachelor's degree, I didn’t know where to go next. I faced setbacks while applying for jobs and struggled to find my true purpose. But if you accept and push through those uncomfortable moments, you will find your way. Observe what lights you up, ignites your passion, and sparks your soul. Life is a string of experiences—of finding out what you like and what you don’t like. And when you have even the slightest idea of what you might like, go full steam ahead. Don’t be afraid to pursue it. All you need is one person to believe in you—you!”
Schill encourages other students to put their best foot forward in everything they do.
“You never know where your class efforts might lead. For me, it opened the door to a client opportunity I hadn’t expected!”