After nearly a decade at Notre Dame, Brittany Jaso still feels the excitement she felt when she first stepped on campus. More than six years after taking on her role as graphic designer at the Notre Dame Alumni Association in the Eck Visitors Center, the everyday beauty of campus and the kindness of colleagues is what sustains her and her work.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the variety of projects I get to design for the Alumni Association ranging from everyday print graphics and signage, graphics for social channels, video graphics, all the way to designing the annual Notre Dame Christmas ornament, designing all of our graphics for the annual Sacred Stories of Notre Dame Advent series, including the video set design, postcards and stickers for holidays like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day that we pass out to students each year, and all of our football season event graphics. My job continually challenges me to come up with new and creative ways to engage our audience each year, and it stretches me as a designer. Also, I love drawing and illustration, it’s my sweet spot as a designer. Since day one of working at the NDAA, my teammates and leaders have nurtured that passion and allowed me the tools and space to express myself through my favorite medium, and it’s reflected in many of my designs.
What makes you feel appreciated?
When someone pays attention to small details. People saying, “Hey, I saw this and thought of you,” or a teammate surprising me with my favorite treat or coffee because they paid attention to what lights me up. I can’t count how many times I’ve come to work to find a surprise on my desk or a handwritten note from a teammate that brightens my entire day. It says “I see you” or “I thought of you,” and I think it’s one of the kindest and simplest things we can do for each other. I save every note or gift and cherish them forever.
What do you do?
As the graphic designer, I’m responsible for developing and maintaining the visual brand identity of the Alumni Association and designing all the graphic assets needed for our programs and initiatives, including layouts for print and digital media, logos and signage, event branding, ensuring designs align with brand guidelines, and generating new design concepts and ideas.
What do you like most about working at Notre Dame?
I love being part of campus life and having such a beautiful place to call my work home. It’s like a little oasis in South Bend, and I’m constantly finding new discoveries on campus after almost nine years of working here. There is always more beauty to discover. And most importantly, the faith values that I’m exposed to each day, from walks to the Grotto, chapels in most halls and buildings, the Basilica, daily Masses, and so much more. We have so many resources right at our fingertips to strengthen our daily relationship with God and I try not to take that for granted.
