Graphic Design Major Julia Baer '26 Didn’t Go Far for This Professional Development Opportunity
Julia Baer '26 expanded her portfolio and designed a new logo for the Cohen Institute for Holocaust & Genocide Studies as part of a spring Design Center course.
A Keene State education is distinctive for many reasons, including unique resume-enhancing opportunities that better prepare our students for professional life in their fields of study.
Here, after all, real-world learning is second nature.
Ask Julia Baer ’26, a graphic design major whose portfolio will include her simple but evocative logo design for the College’s prestigious Cohen Institute for Holocaust & Genocide Studies.
The Cohen Institute is the only one of its kind in Northern New England. It facilitates events and educational programs throughout the year, and it also houses a new research division that seeks to shape and advance the field of Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
Julia’s design features figures representing the four corners of the world. She said they mirror the Institute’s desire to extend its global reach.
“The forms are interconnected and represent the importance of human interaction and support in the face of unprecedented times,” explained Julia, a native of Contoocook, NH. “The design holds strength in its stable, grid-like appearance, but remains friendly through the use of rounded shapes and corners.”
Julia called being involved in the logo project, part of a larger effort to rebrand the Institute, “exciting and impactful,” and another example of why she has come to value her education here.
“The forms are interconnected and represent the importance of human interaction and support in the face of unprecedented times. The design holds strength in its stable, grid-like appearance, but remains friendly through the use of rounded shapes and corners.”
Her primary goal was something enduring, a design that reflected the organization for what it is now and what it will be.
Her inspiration was French visual artist Henri Matisse’s painting “The Dance,” which features five figures joining hands and dancing in a circle to represent the joy of existence and human connection.
“The process for me began by drawing interconnected figures and slowly abstracting them down to just a head and shoulders,” Julia said. “The figures were then rotated, placed in a grid, and paired with a modern typeface.”
A transformative gift from Rick and Jan Cohen in September 2024 elevated the Cohen Center to the level of an Institute. Jan, who participated in the design process, pointed out the arranged figures’ blank center, calling it an appropriate “place for you inside” metaphor.
The Institute partnered with the College’s Design Center class, a course led by Lecturer and Art Director Laura Shim. According to Shim, the class is intentionally structured to simulate a professional agency environment, giving students invaluable hands-on experience.
“The partnership with the Cohen Institute mirrored a true client–designer relationship,” Shim said. “Students had the chance to listen carefully, translate values into visual ideas, and then refine those ideas through rounds of feedback. That real-world process—of collaboration, iteration, and professional responsibility—is exactly what prepares them for their future careers.”
Julia Baer '26 (right), lead student designer for the Cohen Institute logo, examines drafts with Laura Shim (left).
In this collaborative setting, junior and senior graphic design majors developed their concepts, shared them for critique, and provided feedback to one another. While Julia’s design was ultimately selected, Shim emphasized that the entire team was critical to the project's success. The student team included seniors Ava Hartshorn ’25, Brady Rudolf ’25, Emily Swift ’25, Henry Zoll ’25, and Kasey Gyr ’25, and juniors Judan Retzlaff ’26, Molly McCrae ’26, Tyler Adkins ’26, and Charlotte Jeffrey ’26.
“Julia’s final design demonstrates clarity and thoughtfulness, both hallmarks of a strong designer,” Shim noted. “And while Julia’s design was ultimately selected, this outcome was possible because of the entire student team—their ideas, feedback, and contributions all played a vital role in shaping the final direction.”
Dr. Kate Gibeault, Director of the Cohen Institute, called the collaboration meaningful, positive, and part and parcel of what makes the College’s liberal arts experience unique.
“The logo that emerged speaks to the human-centered nature of the Cohen Institute’s mission and our work to bring people together,” Gibeault said. “The constituents we consulted also liked that the cooler colors convey a sense of calm and peace. Ultimately, we believe this logo speaks to perennial aspects of our mission and work while also signifying a new era as we launch as an Institute.”
She added, “The student designers’ talents far exceeded our expectations.”
Julia is an artist at heart. She was unsure how that would translate, but now, three years into her Keene State education, her path and creative purpose have become clear.
“Being creative brings me so much excitement and fulfillment,” says Julia, who will graduate with a bachelor of fine arts degree.
She pondered studying studio art or music technology, and will graduate with minors in those disciplines. Ultimately, though, “graphic design offered me the most versatility, career-wise.”
“It didn’t excite me when I started, but I’ve become passionate about graphic design through my studies. My favorite part is the creative puzzle each project presents, and to find the most effective visual solution possible.”
She also enjoys painting and playing music. She is a member of the College’s Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and works as a lab monitor in the Media Arts Center Lab.
“I was drawn to Keene State because it was close to home. I wasn’t fully decided on what to study, but Keene State had the options I was weighing. And the college’s smaller size made the transition less overwhelming.”
After college, Julia’s goal is to have a graphic design job focused on illustration, including logo design and brand identity work.
The Cohen Institute logo is a wonderful addition to her growing and important portfolio.