Never did I think that I would not only design for one of the most well-known and awarded publications in Iowa but also find a home and a passion in something that I almost did not join.
Hello, my name is Erinn Varga, and I am the design and opinion editor for the 2023-24 year West Side Story, or WSS, print publication in Iowa City West High School. I will have spent two and half years on staff and have learned invaluable skills that I will carry with me long after I graduate. This year on staff has improved me, with being part of a team to expand my creative knowledge and experience. I’ve not only grown as a designer and artist but as well as a writer, leader and communicator.
When I started taking foundations of journalism sophomore year, I was offered an intern position in the news lab, the class where the print WSS is created. I joined the news lab my junior year after contributing art for the award-winning cover story “Home.” Since then, I have contributed to WSS with five double-page spreads, one single page, one front cover and one back cover, and a six-page cover story design. I have also produced timely news online and written a piece on my opinion on artificial art for print. I received the IHSPA’s Rising Journalist of the Year award, winning first place in entertainment for “Missed Connections” and an honorable mention for “Home.” After one year on staff, I was offered not only the position of design editor but as well an opinion editor.
I experiment with different mediums in almost every single artwork or design I produce. I’ve learned to use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro and other software. In my opinion piece, “Art-ificial Art”, I used Blender for the first time, a three-dimensional modeling software that I might have never touched without WSS. I keep a constant file of inspiration I pick up from around me and on the internet. I use Procreate to experiment with different artistic styles to set the story’s tone and purpose. I use various techniques and characters to reach the individual reader and the entire audience. Most importantly, my peers offer their experience and visions to help me improve and create meaningful work. Communication is vital in designers’ workplaces, and constructive criticism is necessary to develop my art consistently.
The community in WSS offers access to all different kinds of opportunities, such as journalism conferences or camps like Media Now at Drake University. We learn more about the world and journalism around us, constantly improving our work to uphold a high standard of journalism. Our two editors-in-chief and design editors play a considerable role in the class’s work ethic, and I will strive to continue that for my duration in WSS.
I believe that the artist’s purpose is to invite and connect readers to a topic. Design and art are found in every corner of the world and sometimes speak more words than language barriers provide. Art can set the tone for the piece and readers’ emotional and thought-provoking attention. Most importantly, art allows us to connect to others through similarities and differences. I am proud of the diverse, creative and informative community at West High School and the room I call home.
Erinn Varga
Work 1
"Let's Chat: GPT" Cover 4/20/23
This cover is my first six-page cover design, which incorporates art throughout the pages. The main piece was the front cover, where I wanted to use a more retro color palette and tech clutter to stimulate the progression of technology. I also used this robot mascot to represent Chat GPT, which ties to the fear of technology through artificial intelligence. I played with lighting and perspective to create a 3D feel. Progressing through the design, I use technology to symbolize the progression throughout time, from cassettes to AI.
Work 2
"Missed Connections" Back Cover 1/20/23
"Missed Connections" is a yearly tradition of West Side Story for submitting romantic or platonic confessions. I wanted to make the spread themed as digital technology, with online text or forums where people confess anything under the sun. I also had the idea to do unanswered text messages as the title, which ties into the 'missing' theme. Pink is the dominant color, while white, beige and darker pink are complementary colors, and 'internet' blue is to contrast.
Work 3
"Art-ificial Art" 3/2/23
Much of my passion went into this project as I am directly tied to the community artificial intelligence art affects. I wanted to try a new program to demonstrate the feel of generated art without using any of the programs that produce it. I ended up using Blender, a complex 3D modeling software, even when suggested using AI programs. The contrasting red and blue create a bright and dangerous feel to the piece and are two of the three primary colors for artists. This entire piece was my gift to the community of artists here at West High School and the online community.
Work 4
"News Briefs" 1/2/23
For designing and drawing "News Briefs" for the winter, and I wanted to incorporate a sleek and clean doodle style to give a peaceful winter feeling. It also contrasts with the heavy wordcount and darker themed pictures. I used winter animals and plants to tie the theme together throughout the page.
Work 5
"Home" Cover 4/21/22
"Home" was the first artwork I contributed to West Side Story as an intern. Creating the characters of this design, I used a rough texture brush to carry through the rest of the design, as well as several color palettes that matched the design palette. I used dark shadows and colors to contrast with the lighter parts of the page.
Address
Iowa City West High School
Iowa City, IA 52246