Graduation Year:
2011
Penn State Major:
Graphic Design
THON Logo Design (Year/Theme):
2011 / Together Without Limits
Bio
Melissa graduated in 2011 with a major in Graphic Design. After graduating, she worked at a design and letterpress house, designing custom wedding invitations. She then transitioned into logo designing and branding. She also worked for a photography and production company as the Head of Design and Creative Director. In 2016, she started her own design company, Melissa Yeager Designs, which is a holistic logo and brand design studio for creative small businesses. In addition, she also teaches classes for other designers.
How has designing a THON logo impacted you after graduation from Penn State?
The THON logo was the first logo I had designed. It was amazing to have created something I knew had an impact on so many families and children who were going through difficult times. It was an awesome experience to have that impact even before starting my post-grad career, and serendipitous too since now logo designing is specialty. Branding can create such an immersive experience that can inspire and call other people to action, which is what I love so much about it.
What was your inspiration for your THON logo design?
The theme, Together Without Limits, was the main inspiration behind the logo. These children are brave in their individual journeys, but they’re never alone, they’re always going through that journey together supported by their loved ones. I wanted to foster optimism in the image as the children look towards the future and know that anything can be accomplished. Before 2011, most of the THON logos had focused only on one child, but mine featured two children to emphasize that the union and friendship was important to help them get through their journey together.
What is your favorite THON memory?
Having the opportunity to experience THON in 2011 was probably my favorite THON memory. Seeing the logo everywhere on shirts and badges was so cool, but the impact that I could see that it had on kids, families, friends, and other students was something I will never forget. My best friend also danced in THON 2011 and her whole family made me feel like a bit of celebrity for creating it. It was so impactful to see that my design could have a ripple effect and help amplify such an amazing cause. To this day, people still send me pictures of the logo when they’re wearing merch with it, so knowing that I created something that will be remembered years later is absolutely priceless.