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I was recently named Volunteer of the Year by the University of Minnesota’s Communicators Forum. I have volunteered on the conference planning committee for the past 3 years. Some of the work is shown here and here in my portfolio. Quite the honor, thank you UMCF!

UMCF Member of the Year Profile: Jen Peters

October 8, 2012
Editor’s note: To start off a new academic year on the blog, we decided to profile the 2012 UMCF Member of the Year, Jen Peters. Take notes, folks.

UMCF: What is your job title and department here at the U? How long have you worked there?

Jen Peters: Graphic designer at the University Libraries since September 2008 (4 years, 1 month).

UMCF: What’s an average workday like?

JP: The majority of my day is spent in my office designing. I generally have at least five projects going at once, and produce them from concept to completion. I often start a project with a few quick sketches and typeface explorations before moving into InDesign. I often sort through images from the Libraries’ archives and special collections and collaborate with our exhibits designer, Darren Terpstra. I work closely with the Communications Director finalizing text edits and creating and sending HTML emails.

UMCF: Favorite part of your workday?

JP: I love starting a new project, particularly brainstorming visual concepts and searching for the perfect typeface! I am fortunate to work with so much incredible art here at the Libraries such as these lovely seed catalogs.

UMCF: How does what you do support the mission of the University?

JP: We work to promote our vast resources which ultimately help expand the reach of research: our expert librarians, the millions of volumes held in our collections, tools to enhance productivity, and programs and services.

UMCF: Why did you join the Forum? What role does the Forum plan in your everyday work life?

JP: It was a big transition coming from an agency setting into my current position, working with only two other people. I joined to network and gain a better understanding of the communications work happening at the University.

I have learned so much by volunteering on the conference committee. I have been asked to help plan events at the Libraries as a result. Plus, it gave me a good excuse to approach potential speakers – designers and artists I admire.

UMCF: Where do you find creative inspiration?

JP: Design and photography blogs, any type of magazine, Pinterest, plus the incredible local art and design culture here in the Twin Cities.

UMCF: What are your hobbies outside of work?

JP: Riding bike, gardening, photography, skiing – anything outdoors!

UMCF: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

JP: We (my husband and I) have a 15 year old music loving cat. When my husband plays guitar, she demands to be in the same room, sitting by his feet.

Congratulations to designer Jen Peters and project coordinator Tim Cronin for the multiple awards received during last week’s Communicators Forum annual conference. At the Maroon and Gold awards ceremony, the 2010 Kerlan Award postcard won the maroon award for print card, and the Andersen Horticultural Library (AHL) materials (general brochure, Nakashima furniture insert, Friends of the AHL card, and bookmark) received both the maroon award for promotional campaign and the Mike award, a traveling trophy that recognizes the “People’s Choice” as voted on by conference attendees.
- Marlo Welshons