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Projects: ❶ Juke Box ❷ Paloma ❸ Gothiks, Rounded Out ❹ Casa Estrella ❺ FFTA
❻ Pipe Dream ❼ Mapped Out ❽ Indigo Horizons





                                                                                 
























    @alexavaladez

❻ Pipe Dream


    Dates: August 2022 – May 2024
    Role: Layout Designer, Graphic Designer
    Tools: Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop


    Overview

    As a layout designer for Pipe Dream, Binghamton University’s independent student newspaper, I was responsible for shaping the visual structure of the weekly print publication through thoughtful editorial design. While working collaboratively within a design team, I led the development of many of the newspaper’s layout templates—establishing systems that balanced consistency with flexibility across a wide range of content.

    This role allowed me to approach design as both a creative practice and a problem-solving tool: finding ways to organize dense information, prioritize content hierarchy, and bring energy to the page—all within the constraints of a fast-paced, weekly production schedule.


    Design Approach

  1. Created and refined core layout templates across the paper’s four primary sections: News, Opinions, Arts & Culture, and Sports, focusing on readability, balance, and visual hierarchy
  2. Designed feature spreads, athlete profiles, infographics, and stat pages, particularly for the Sports section, where I crafted dynamic layouts to highlight player stories and season coverage
  3. Adapted designs for special editions such as the Drug Issue, Housing Guide, and Sports Issue—adjusting tone, typography, and layout structure to match each theme while maintaining overall brand cohesion
  4. Produced graphics and illustrations to support articles when needed, enhancing storytelling through visual elements
  5. Contributed social media graphics for digital promotions, translating print design into effective digital content
  6. Ensured alignment between visual style and editorial voice through consistent typography, grid systems, and design standards



    7. Outcome

    My work at Pipe Dream deepened my skills in editorial design, layout systems, and content-driven graphic solutions. The experience taught me how to design within strict deadlines without sacrificing quality or creativity. By leading template development and adapting my designs across sections and platforms, I played a key role in maintaining the newspaper’s visual identity while allowing space for engaging, reader-focused layouts. This project reflects my strength in balancing structure with storytelling—and my ability to bring clarity, rhythm, and visual interest to complex content.