Mustang News Design
DATE
Winter, 2023–Summer, 2025
TEAM
Elizabeth Ridley - Graphic designer position for Mustang News
DESIGN TYPE
Print & Web Editorial Design
TOOLS
Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, Procreate, Slack, Dropbox
MY ROLE
For 2.5 years, I served as a graphic designer and subsequently, a senior graphic designer for Cal Poly’s student-led, award-winning news organization, Mustang News. During my time here, I created a wide range of media to bring writers’ stories to life through magazine, print, and digital work for web and social media.
PERSONAL AWARDS
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First place for “Best Newspaper Spread Design” 2024 statewide by the California College Media Association
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First place in the D1 national category for “Best Newspaper Feature Spread” at the 2024 National Pinnacle College Media Awards by the College Media Association
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First place for “Best Newspaper Front Page Design” 2023 statewide by the California College Media Association
NOTABLE PUBLICATION AWARDS 2023-25
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Sixth place nationwide at the Spring 2025 Associated Collegiate Press for Best of Show for Newspaper/Newsmagazine
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Second place statewide at the 2024 California College Media Association for Best Overall Newspaper Design.
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Second place statewide at the 2024 California College Media Association for Best Newspaper.
Web Graphics, 2023–25
“The myth of the ‘summer body’: why your fitness journey deserves better” - Larena Tannert
“TikTok ban helped Trump stumble into another win with young Americans, but don’t be fooled” - John Washington
“Breaking the barriers: BioBreakthrough Conference offers students new opportunities” - Sarina Grossi
“Cal Poly Swim and Dive athletes battle for reinstatement after team cut” - Lauren Quijano
“Campus Gossip Isn’t Just Harmless Fun—It’s a Problem”
“You are lazy: Elevated Trader Joe’s gyoza” - Owen Lavine
“‘We’re not kidding’: Cal Poly and SLO shift from St. Fratty’s containment to prevention” - Archana Pisupati & Amelia Wu
“CSU’s AI move feels less like innovation and more like overreach” - Landon Block
“Dining Dollars may feel fake, but the consequences are real” - Ash Pickett
“‘Girl’ is Good” - Erin Yarwood
“How students working at on-campus Starbucks keep up with the hustle and bustle” - Katy Clark
“Celebrities Aren’t Actually Your Friends: The Truth about Parasocial Relationships” - Liz Nancett
Newspaper Cover Designs, 2023–25
*First place for “Best Newspaper Front Page Design,” 2023 statewide by the California College Media Association
Magazine Spread Design, 2024
Newspaper Spread Design, 2023–25
*First place for “Best Newspaper Spread Design” 2024, statewide by the California College Media Association
