Summer Springboard
Branding & Design
ON THE CAMPUS OF CAL POLY SLO
EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVE POTENTIAL AND UNDERSTAND THE POWERFUL IMPACT OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION IN BRANDING
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Branding & Design @ Cal Poly SLO
- Grasp the core principles of visual communication and how they shape audience perceptions of a brand.
- Recognize essential branding components, such as brand personality and the development of visual identity.
- Use graphic design principles and elements to craft attractive, impactful visual designs.
- Understand the designer’s role in branding and how design decisions affect a brand’s identity and message.
- Develop and design a unique personal brand using distinctive visual elements and creative techniques.
- Visit local design and branding firms using the latest technology to promote businesses around SLO and beyond.
Summer Springboard
Branding & Design
About This Course
A design program for teens on a university campus in San Luis Obispo
Students will explore the core principles of branding, gaining a clear understanding of what a brand truly represents and how to build a compelling visual brand identity. Through dynamic lessons and hands-on resources, they’ll apply key graphic design principles to create bold, effective, and visually striking designs.
As emerging designers, students will uncover their essential role in the branding process while sharpening their ability to give and receive constructive peer critiques—a critical part of creative growth and collaboration. Each student will have the opportunity to design a personal brand, enhanced with eye-catching foil finishing techniques, culminating in a one-of-a-kind project that powerfully showcases their unique brand identity.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
In this hands-on course, students go beyond theory by actively applying what they learn through real-world design projects. From defining brand identity to using industry-standard software, students gain practical experience in every step of the branding process. Through peer critiques, creative exploration, and personal brand development, including professional finishing touches like foil effects, students sharpen their design skills while building a standout portfolio. This experiential approach not only deepens understanding but also prepares students for future careers in design, marketing, or entrepreneurship.
Career Exploration
This course offers students a dynamic introduction to potential careers in graphic communication, design, marketing, and entrepreneurship. By working on real-world branding projects and using industry-standard tools, students gain insight into the professional design process and discover the many roles designers play in shaping brand identity. Access to Cal Poly’s student-run commercial printing and digital imaging enterprise provides a unique opportunity to experience the workflow of a real creative business, helping students envision future career paths and build practical skills that set them apart.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“It was great here. Almost everything was perfect and I genuinely feel that I gained something from this. I finally know what I want to do in life and want to work hard for it.”
-Malcolm C. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Branding & Design
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Donna Templeton is an inspiring faculty member in the Graphic Communication Department, where she’s been lighting the way for students for over 15 years!
With a rich background in courses ranging from digital publishing and emerging digital technologies to magazine and book design, Donna is dedicated to helping students unleash their creative potential. With a Ph.D. in Strategic Media, her research explores exciting topics like cross-media engagement and disruptive technologies.
Passionate about innovation and student success, Donna is eager to guide students on their journey to becoming.
DR. DONNA TEMPLETON
“Summer Springboard was an amazing experience, and I am so glad I chose to do this program. It taught so much about what I want to pursue in my future.”
-Taliha B. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Branding & Design
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 21 – July 3, 2026 |
| Session 2: July 5 – July 17, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,298 |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,998 |
Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: San Luis Obispo |
| State: California |
| Campus: Cal Poly |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.