Macomb Community College students compete to create winning logo for Driveline Studios

Students in Macomb Community College’s Media and Communications Arts Program (MACA) put their skills to work in a real-world design competition, creating a refreshed logo and brand concepts for Driveline Studios, a content creation, marketing and advertising company located in the city of Pontiac.

Each semester, Macomb students enrolled in MACA 1155, Design 2, partner with a real client to respond to their professional design needs. Driveline Studios collaborated with the class after becoming involved with the program through its advisory board.

“For me, the most exciting part is seeing students realize this is a real job, not just a school project,” said Deanna Sheehan, professor, collaborative media and design and layout. “There are real stakes, real clients and real outcomes. Watching their confidence grow through that process is incredibly rewarding.” 

Ana Chauvin, 23, of Clinton Township, designed the winning logo, which will be used on promotional materials and branding for Driveline Studios.

“I was surprised that I won, because the other two designs were really good,” said Chauvin. “Driveline talked about cars and content, so I wanted to incorporate that with symbols like a clapper and a play button to reflect both the automotive and media sides of the company.”

Students were given a professional client brief outlining the company’s goals and design requirements, including creating a modern, bold logo rooted in automotive culture to stand out within the automotive industry, while avoiding the color red. Driveline representatives also visited class so students could ask questions and receive feedback before completing their designs.

Justin Cesler, founder of Driveline Studios, said working with Macomb students has been a rewarding experience.

“It’s great to see how their brains work and how everyone took something different from the process and made it their own,” said Cesler. “There were ideas we would have never dreamed of, which was awesome to see.”

Second place went to Katerina Lindsay, 22, of Riley Township, who is studying design and layout, and hopes to pursue a career in graphic design after graduation. 

“I wanted to focus on the typography and emulate motion,” said Lindsay. “I used split type to create movement and energy in the design.”

Third place went to Diego Perdomo, 23, of Macomb Township, who plans to work in graphic or motion design.

“They talked about being an automotive company while also being a marketing company, so I wanted to lean into both,” said Perdomo. “I created a traffic cone that looks like a megaphone to represent that combination.”

The top three designers received cash awards donated by Driveline Studios and matched provided by the Foren Family Foundation through the Macomb Community College Foundation. Chauvin received $2,000 award for the first-place design, Lindsay received $1,300, and Perdomo received $700.

Cesler encouraged other local businesses to get involved with Macomb students.

“If you haven’t done a project like this, reach out and get involved,” Cesler said. “It’s a great way to help young talent and be a part of the community.”

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media Contact: Katlyn Holtvluwer, holtvluwerk281@macomb.edu, 586.349.8737