ClockTower Studio, the student-staffed graphic design studio at UCO, was created as part of the curriculum overhaul in the Graphic Design program in 1987-88. I had been hired to revamp the program. The studio met two needs. It provided a resource for clients in central Oklahoma who had been calling (and would continue to call) seeking students to work on projects. We either had to turn them down or integrate the project into one of the studio courses - tough to do since those courses had pretty tight schedules and projects. The other need met was to provide a work experience for students - to get portfolio pieces that would actually be printed, to work with clients, to meet deadlines and budgets, and to present projects in a corporate environment. As part of my research into graphic design programs in the area, I had visited similar studios at the University of North Texas (Fineline Graphics) and at the University of Kansas (The Arts). Each of these were student-staffed and managed. I patterned ClockTower after those two. Students 'interview' to be accepted into the studio. There are no academic assignments, only practical work experience working for clients in central Oklahoma. Students often say that working in ClockTower provided them with the most valuable experience of their college career. The students work in teams whereby the results benefit from shared knowledge and creativity. Great work is produced as evidenced by numerous awards and citations.
The name
The proposed name in 1987 was CSU Studio (Central State University). This was changed since faculty felt there might be some confusion with the fine arts studios. It was changed to CSU Graphics. When CSU became the University of Central Oklahoma, CSU Graphics became UCO Studio. This time, studio worked since it rhymed with UCO and had a better flow to it. From the beginning, I challenged the students in the group to come up with a better name and create an identity. Most groups blew it off since they were so busy with projects or they were just lazy or they were afraid to propose a new name. One of the best groups suggested 4am Graphics since that was how late they often stayed. After a few years of no student submissions, I finally named it and designed the logo. The name meets two objectives. It ties to the university by recognizing the icon of the campus - Old North and yet does not specifically state that this is a college group. It could be a professional studio.
The logo
The tower of Old North is an icon of the university. It is the oldest building of higher education in the state, dating from 1893, just 4 years after the Land Run settled the area. The clock face serves as the O in Clock. The 4am on the clock hands pays homage to how late students often stayed. The rendering of the tower is detailed yet stylized in silhouette to keep the focus on the type. The font has a slight industrial factory work feel to convey productivity. In the base of the tower is type explaining what ClockTower is. The silhouette is very detailed - you can distinguish individual roof shingles when zoomed in and the hands of the clock have some ornate Victorian details. The logo is one color to facilitate production and keep costs low. The smaller version, without the subhead type, is used as a mark on posters and projects done by ClockTower students.
The studio space
ClockTower met first the first 4 or 5 years in room 102, a typical studio classroom. All computer production was done in the computer lab in the Liberal Arts Building. Students did more design work on paper back then and used the computer only to produce the work. Late nights were often spent in either building. Room 103 in the Art & Design Building was used for only one class that met only twice a week, a total of about 6 hours per week. The students in that semester's ClockTower group are the ones who noticed the underused room and suggested it become the permanent home of the studio. They liked the fact that one whole wall, floor to ceiling, was glass; that it was up a short flight of stairs from the rest of the building; had an entrance next to the door; and was seemingly available. One of the students, Grant Roth was a great illustrator and rendered the proposed new studio. The instructor who was teaching the one class in the room saw the rendering on my desk and asked if he was about to lose the room. He agreed that it didn't make much sense to use it just for one class. So, the next semester, only ClockTower Studio was scheduled in the room. We furnished it with surplus tables and chairs, moved a computer in from the computer lab and we were in business. We had some furniture custom built and bought new drafting desk and new chairs. Soon, new computers and printers were added. Since it doubled as a work space and as client meeting space, there was a wood-paneled divider to hide the computer workstation and drafting areas. Meetings were held at a large square custom table. The color scheme was walnut wood stain, deep green formica table, counter, and work surfaces. With the red brick wall, the studio had a serious professional look to it.
In 2003, after the Department of Design was created, new offices and a conference room were built at the other end of the hall. Since clients no longer needed to meet in the studio space, it could be redesigned to be less serious. The new design of the studio also reflects the growing trend to flexible spaces, especially for team projects. The students in the spring 2004 group recommended that one whole wall be covered in marker board for use in brainstorming. Great idea. The red brick was painted white, one wall remained yellow (yellow wave lengths encourage creativity and productivity), the room was carpeted, and all new track lights were installed. The furniture is neutral grey or beige with accents of vivid primary colors.
Objectives of the remodeling
• Flexibility, ability to rearrange all furniture in the room.
• Entire wall of marker board for brainstorming, sketches, notes, and to-do lists.
• Colorful, bright, light.
• Open and feeling of spaciousness.
Dates
Development: 1987
Inauguration: 1988
Original interior design: 1989-90
Named: 1993?
Logo designed: 1993-94?
Remodelation: 2004
Watson retired from UCO and Director of ClockTower Studio: May 2008
Stats 1988-2008
20 years
50 semesters
156 students
320 clients
ClockTower Studio students & projects
Fall 1988 Inaugural group
Tina Mansfield
Benny Nossaman
Gary Rea
Michael Ryburn
Jeff Walker
Brent Stanbro (solo during break)
Projects
Student Art Show poster
Pegasus Theater sign
CSU Volleyball poster
Creative Studies poster
Sudsy Pine package
CSU Museum of Art logos
International Night cover
Gloria Concert poster
Senior Art Show poster
Oklahoma Hemophilia poster
Harn Homestead brochures
U C Palsy brochure
Dreammakers brochure
Experimental Music flier
Christmas Concert poster
Dance Concert poster
Spring 1989
Bill Ashworth
Becky Brown
Tony Jackson
April Pederson
Brent Stanbro
Projects
ArtFilms poster
CSU Faculty Art Show poster
Young Talent identity, catalog, program, banner
Harn Homestead brochures
Choral Concert poster
Composers Ensemble poster
Illustrators announcement
Dow Auto logo
Dr. Dutt stationery & brochure
Carnegie Hall Concert poster
Stroud Festival poster, et al
Fall 1989
Bill Ashworth
Mary Bamberg
Shane Brock
Becky Brown
Penny Grow
Hope Johnson
Robert McKiddy
Ross Sherman
Bill Ashworth (solo during break)
Projects
CSU Volleyball poster
CSU Centennial banners
International Night flier & cover
Carmen, At The Opera poster
Mid-America Tower mural
Choral Concert poster
3 Christmas Concerts poster
Student Art Show poster
Composers Ensemble flier
PDQ Mini Blind Kit package
Young Children logo
New Plains logo
Carpenter Insurance graphics
America First Tower logo
Spring 1990
Bill Ashworth
Doug Barnes
Amy Grellner
Penny Grow
Jerry Hanna
Anita Veerasingham
Shane Brock (solo during break)
Projects
High School Arts Festival brochure, signs
Faculty Art Exhibit poster
Chorale Tour poster
Permission from Children poster
Library Signage graphics
Band Concert poster
Mikado poster
Health Fair poster
Amnesty International logo
Composers Ensemble flier
Band Concert poster
CSU Parking decal
Route 66 graphics
20th Century Music poster
Mozart Chorale poster
Chamber Singers cover
Performing Arts brochure
Fall 1990
Shana Ball
Pam Brill
Trey Simonton
Tim Holden
Projects
Miss CSU info poster
Marriage of Bette & Boo poster
Centennial Fashion Show graphics
Children's Verses Concert poster
Porgy & Bess Plus poster
Student Choreography poster
Christmas Chorale poster
Composers Ensemble flier
Clark Terry Jazz Camp graphics
International Studies poster
Messiah poster
Spring 1991
Dan Birlew
Gina Hamlin
Elizabeth Muller
Tim Morse
Grant Roth
Projects
Miss CSU poster
Art Faculty Show poster
NewChurch graphics
Chorale Tour poster
Uncommon Women poster
Band poster, program
Madame Butterfly poster, program
Hospice of OKC logo
Bill of Rights graphics
On the Razzle poster, program
Festival of Sound poster, program
Composers Ensemble poster, program
Community Chorale poster, program
Playing Through graphics
Fall 1991 ClockTower moved intoits own studio space in the Art & Design building.
Adrienne Farley
Greg Skaggs
Projects
Oklahoma Children's Theater brochure, etc
Sam Magrill concert poster
UCO Student Activities campaign
The Tempest poster
UCO Symphony Orchestra logo
Summer Choral Institute logo
Martina Arroyo campaign
Art of the Voice concert poster
Bonjour, La, Bonjour poster
Sounds of the Season poster
Lachenmeyer Arts Center logo
Spring 1992 Renovation of the space was completed and an Open House held.
Craig Beuchaw
Elizabeth Muller
Charity Roper
Rob Smith
Gary Spain
Projects
Orchestra Convention program
Wellness Fair promotion
UCO Studio Open House invitation
Biloxi Blues poster & program
Band/Wind Ensemble poster
Student Election Vote promotion
DreamMakers brochure
Red Cross annual report
Pirates of Penzance poster & program
Three Poets poster
Music for the Masses poster
Carmina Burana poster & program
Oklahoma Cooperative Initiative logo
Temptations package
Summer 1992
Adrienne Farley
Elizabeth Muller
Adam Trickey
Projects
Performing Arts brochure
Music Department ad
Lake Hefner Golf Course logo
Cushing Youth & Community Center logo
American College Theatre Festival promotion
Fall 1992
Kevin Blankenship
Mike Burke
Christopher Jennings
Jenette McNeil
Projects
Quilters poster, program
Performing Arts for Children logo
Sandy Springer logo, stationery
ACTF poster
Choral Society logo, poster
International Week poster, ad, signage
A Hatful of Rain poster, program
Christmas Concerts poster, program
KOKF 91 logo
Partners of the Americas brochure
Spring 1993
Steve Disney
Jenette McEntire
Cary Terry
Projects
Assassins poster, program
Choral Society poster, program
You Can't Take It With You poster & program
UCO Band logo, package
Hair poster, program
Joy of Learning brochure
Oklahoma Voices poster, post card
Antigone poster, program
Music Theater Workshop poster, mailer
Dragon Gate brochure
Summer 1993
Pam Adams
Mitch Baker
Angie Myers
Projects
Mother Nature Fashions logo/brochure
UCO Performing Arts brochure
CORC Recycling brochure
The Boys Next Door poster, program
MJ Smith Jewelry logo, cards
Fall 1993
David Moore
Jeff Morrison
Shawna Ronald
Ruthanne Smith
Projects
Noises Off poster, program
Can Can poster, program
Oklahoma Tree Bank proposal
International Fest poster, program
Choral Society logo, cards, program
Genesis logo & package
The Seagull poster, program
At The Opera! mailer
Education Award invitation
Emanuel Synagogue anniversary package
Spring 1994
Mitch Baker
Alison Cooper
Jeff Morrison
Dan VanBuskirk
Projects
Emanuel Synagogue anniv. package
Tales of Hoffmann poster, program
Adventures Unlimited identity, brochure
The Balcony poster, program
Hamlet t-shirt, poster, program
Where's Charley? poster, program
ASID poster, brochure
Literacy Coalition stationery
Bradley Tailor identity, stationery
Summer 1994
Russell Benson
Jeremy Disbrow
David Moore
Projects
Performing Arts brochure
Big Brothers Big Sisters stationery
Art Therapy Credentials Board stationery
Slaughter Trial timeline
Computer Central stationery and signs
The Uniform Shoppe stationery
Fall 1994
Mitch Baker
Mark Danker
Mike Morkes
Projects
3 Musketeers poster, program
Mitchell Hall logo
Shadow Box poster, program
Music Department ad
Roar of the Greasepaint poster, program
Rainbow Fleet identity program
Hansel & Gretel poster, program
Instructional Technology Center logo
Spring 1995
Will Brown
Jeremy Disbrow
Jana Thomason
Projects
Eleemosonary poster, program
Threepenny Opera poster, program
American Heart Assoc annual report
Reckless poster, program
City of Angels poster, program
UCO Band Scholarship poster
Dancing at Lughnasa poster, program
Summer 1995
Casey Twenter
Projects
Performing Arts season brochure
Choral Society poster
Fall 1995
Linda Furr
Carter Hickman
(Derek Kim)
Mitch Baker (solo during break)
Carter Hickman (solo during break)
Projects
Oleanna poster and program
Good Shepherd Hospice logo
False Admissions poster and program
Funny Thing Happened poster and program
Humaine and Roman poster
Good Shepherd Hospice Volunteers logo
(Froggy Bottom Furniture Co identity)
Spring 1996
Ronnie Bloomfield
Jonathan Koelsch
Linda Shaver
Projects
The Gondoliers poster and program
Angels in America poster and program
CoSafe ads
Little Shop of Horrors poster and program
Tony 'n Tina's Wedding poster and program
Slip-n-Clip packaging
Four Seasons identity and stationery
Accents of Home identity, signage, and ads
Good Shepherd Dog Therapy identity program
Fall 1996
Antonia Chiang
Adelene Chow
Laura Gay
Steve Roybal
Projects
Friends of Music brochure
Fools for Love poster and program
Forever Plaid poster and program
CoSafe ad campaign and poster
Angels in America poster and program
Menotti operas poster and program
Child Guidance Center identity and brochure
Fitzmaurice Workshop brochure
Spring 1997
Sean Cobb
Stephanie Smith
Projects
Abduction from the Seraglio poster, ad, and program
Camp Chaverim identiy, brochure, and t-shirt
Five Women poster, ad, and program
Oklahoma Youth Symphonies logo, program, stationery
Gypsy poster, ad, and program
Merchant of Venice poster, ad, and program
Summer 1997
Sean Ashby
Fall 1997
Sean Ashby
BeeHoon Chai
Steve Hanes
Brian Mays
Projects
Becoming Memories poster, ad, program
Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy id package
Deaconess Home poster, billboard
Cloud Nine poster, ad, program
Hansel & Gretel poster, program
Dames at Sea poster, program
7-H Ranch brochure
Spring 1998
Marcus Eakers
Bryan Ellison
Rusty Nix
Jon Toney
Vera Umbrecht
Projects
Trouble in Tahiti/Gorgon's Head poster, ad, program
Death of a Salesman poster, ad, program
Project MotherCare identity, stationery, flier
Cabaret poster, program
The School for Scandal poster, ad, program
Metabolism Foundation identity, stationery, web site
Parents as Partners identity, stationery, sign, etc.
Fall 1998
Eric Bumgardner
Scott Butler
Russell Dozier
Projects
Arsenic and Old Lace poster, ad, program
Back to the Forties poster, ad, program
Boiler Sisters poster, ad, program
UCO Counseling Center ad campaign
The King Stag poster, ad, program
For the Sake of the Child logo, stationery, brochure
Paradise of Children poster, ad, program
Auditions, Auditions identity, stationery
Spring 1999
Scott Butler
Abdullah Syed
Projects
Central Station Coffee House identity, signage
Samson poster, ad, program
American Heart Association invitation, program
Lachenmeyer Trust Fund stationery
Appointment with Death poster, ad, program
UCO Library web page identity (not done)
Eagle's Wings Mentoring identity, stationery
Fall 1999
Audi Gonzalez
Wendy Smith
Abdullah Syed
(Bobby Brown)
(Hun Sim Oh)
Projects
Tea in a China Cup poster, ad, program
Back to Basics/Payne Ed Center identity, package
Suor Angelica poster, ad, program
DD&CO Salon identity, package
Career Services identity, stationery
Spring 2000
Jimmy Sanders
Edgar Martinez
Projects
Ring Round the Moon poster, ad, program
Joseph and the Technicolor... poster, ad, program
Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth identity, package
New Hope Church identity, stationery
Our Lady Cathedral poster
Fall 2000
Brandon Shelton
Leah Sharpe
Monica Lott
(Kevin Joyner)
Projects
Remote Control poster, ad, program
Oklahoma Youth Symphony brochure, ad, cover
Frontier Skating Academy logo, brochure, web site
Johnny Skeeky poster, ad, program
Student Services logo, newsletter
Counseling Center logo, ads, poster, brochure
Oklahoma Care logo, stationery
Spring 2001
Brian Stromlund
Kacy VanOsdol
Linda Miller
Projects
Child Guidance Services logo, brochure
Swingtime Canteen poster, ads, program
The Rocky Horror Show poster, ad, program
House of Bernarda Alba poster, ad, program
Fall 2001
Linda Miller
Charles White
Valerie Smith
Julie Webb
Projects
As Bees in Honey Drown poster, ad, program
Cross Timbers Tree Preservation logo, brochure
Theatre in Our Schools logo, poster, stationery
Professional Golf Management identity, package
The Father's House logo, stationery
Spring 2002
John Bandy
Robbie Knight
Jason Pawley
Taylor Valentine
Projects
House of Blue Leaves poster, ad, program
KCSC logo, package
Baby poster, ad, program
UCO Athletics identity, package
MBA Program identity
Shakespeare in the Park brochure, poster, t-shirt
Fall 2002
Michael Brooks
Robbie Knight
Jennifer McNaughton
Leala Ulrich
Projects
Wild Oats poster, ad, program
Trailer hitch logo (rejected)
Boys Ranch Town logo, stationery, brochure
Citizen's Bank of Edmond poster, ad
Special Care logo, stationery, brochure
Spring 2003
Matt McKim
Katy Phillips
(Anthony Nguyen)
Projects
Global Education Fund identity, brochure, webpage
The Laramie Project poster, ads, program
A Very Special Orchestra identity, package
Spitfire Grill poster, ad, program
Aadvantix Roofs identity, folder, sign
Fall 2003
Matthew McKim
Lacey Thomas
Matthew McKim (solo during break)
Projects
Edmond Cultural Arts District identity, brochure
Safe Schools Oklahoma identity, stationery
College of Business identity
Bay Area Coffee identity, menu, collateral
Spring 2004
David Jones
Paul Kilsch
Holly Sibley
Carrie Smith
Projects
Dennis Lyon Construction sign
TDMA recruitment piece
Summerstock Productions identity, stationery
Mobile Meals of Edmond identity, stationery
Fall 2004 Renovation of the space was completed and all new furniture was installed.
Jenkin Hammond
Tony Ortega
Wes Powell
Holly Sibley
Projects
Rebuilding Together
Career Services
Society Bakery
Spring 2005
Jenkin Hammond
Jeff Mains
Projects
Acousticadia identity, brochure, webpage
ACDF Dance Festival poster, ads, program
Character Council of Edmond identity, stationery
Exchange Club/Prevent Child Abuse
Flatire Burgers id, sign, menu, interior
Summer 2005
Jeff Mains
Projects
Flatire Burgers
Cantilena Women's Chorale poster, program
Fall 2005
Katie Benoit
Lathen Kamas
Jeff Mains
Aldon Stone
Projects
Dept of Kinesiology. Health
Pteradactyls poster
Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
Intern. Photography Hall of Fame
Spring 2006
Dylan Bradway
Bill Davis
Lathen Kamas
Aldon Stone
Projects
Cimarron Valley Humane Society
Shirlene's Properties/PorchLight
Boom Digglers (rejected)
My Small Wonders Child Development
Fall 2006
Bill Davis
Kathy Hoyt
Brandon McKinney
Eddie Russell
Luke Southern
Projects
Spot* News Central, UCO Channel 22/6
Pathways to the Soul
Body Moisture
Oklahoma Wind Symphony
UCO Display Gardens
Spring 2007
Christi Cooper
Tiffany Haines
Ivana Susanti
Projects
CEEDS/CPDE Prof Dev/Distance Learning
SEASAM Chickasaw Art Market
CAMD Magazine
Fall 2007
Ed Russell
Jared Nixon
Jeanelle Echols
Justin Barr
Kyle Gandy
Rachel Morgan
Zach Burch
Projects
The Pillowman poster
Sandyland Vineyard
Pony Tree Farms
OK State Department of Health
Positive Charge
Spring 2008
Justin Barr
Jeanelle Echols
Sean Ferguson
Kyle Gandy
Jared Nixon
Ed Russell
Projects
Start Right promotion
Child Abuse Training & Certification
Children First
Edmond Historical Society & Museum
Students get taste of 'real world'
Real world experience and a professional portfolio are what students walk away with as members of the UCO studio, said Dr. Jim Watson, director of the studio. The studio is a graphic design firm that was established in 1978. It is made up of five UCO students that work with real clients and produce real work. "It's actual business experience, but it's still school; you get credit hours," said Rob Smith, a UCO studio member. The UCO studio designers play the roles of art director, designer, researcher, copywriter, production artist, typesetter and creative solutionist to produce professional quality work for their clients. They produce projects such as logos, brochures, stickers, signs, banners, posters, programs, advertisements, letterheads and t-shirts. "They work only with real clients; no school projects at all," he said.
The studio members meet with clients and discuss budgets and proposed ideas, and gather information. The client then is given a presentation of what is proposed. Watson said each project takes approximately one to two weeks to complete. "The students do not get paid for the work, although the client is sent an invoice for all materials used and the studio is reimbursed," said Watson.
The studio has state of the art equipment; a Macintosh computer, a Lasermaster dpi printer, and drafting tables, Watson said. The studio members are currently working on a package design for an Oklahoma City-based cookie company, a logo for a state agency and an annual report for the Red Cross. Each member of the studio must apply for the job, have already taken a computer class and must usually be a senior, Watson said. "I look for good attitudes, enthusiasm, and an open mind, then I look at their work and see how well they work with others," said Watson. The studio serves as career preparation for the students. "A printed portfolio piece is more valuable than a class project," he said. The studio is also an excellent item to have on a resume, and can open many doors for students. The UCO studio is located in the art building on campus.
Studio Studies
Believers in the adage that through experience comes wisdom are sure to receive support from a novel program taking place in Central's Department of Art & Design. Since the fall of 1988, a revolving team composed of cream-of-the-crop graphic design majors has continually generated professional-quality projects for various on- and off-campus clients, all under the auspices of the UCO Studio. A functioning brain child of its director, Dr. Jim Watson, the studio rests visibly as a centerpiece display in the northeast comer of the art building. Yet what takes place inside its walls is far from passive. Each semester Watson coaches from a distance four to six students who take into their own hands projects that for all intents and purposes exactly match those found in the "real" world of graphic design. The UCO Studio is not your normal classroom experience. As the only course of its kind in Oklahoma, terms like "scantron" or "grading scale" almost seem blasphemous when pitted against the creative hum these students put out in their rigorous schedules. One of the main goals for the students in the course is to compile a quality portfolio for future job applications. On the way to that, though, hands-on (Continued on page 3)
Student work from ClockTower Studio
Submit your work: If you have any digital files of any ClockTower work, please email them to Watson to be added to this page. Thanks.
Posters for theater productions
Posters for choral concerts
Posters for campus events
Branding
Open House invitation: Spring 1992
www.jamesrobertwatson.com/clocktower.html
