Students will collaboratively design and develop an animated logo promo, leveraging art, design and communication skills for a non-profit that provides a second life after the racetrack for thoroughbred horses as show horses. By engaging with community partners, including the client partner, Beyond the Backstretch and Blue Chip Farms, a horse-breeding farm, and media professionals, students will explore the real-world applications of their learning. Through this project, they will create meaningful promotional content that showcases their abilities while addressing authentic community needs.

Students will collaboratively design and produce a digital promotional piece that effectively invokes the purpose and drive of Beyond the Backstretch, while utilizing technology to create an engaging and polished branding piece. Through partnerships with Beyond the Backstretch, Blue Chip Farms and media professionals, students will refine critical thinking and problem-solving skills by tackling real-world challenges and acquiring key competencies in digital design and communication. The project's progress and final outputs will be assessed via continuous peer and partner feedback, reflective analysis, and a final exhibition, where students will demonstrate their learning and skills in presenting digital experiences that captivate and educate audiences.

Students will collaboratively design and create a video clip that the client will be able to use to introduce their brand on all the media the share.

Begin with an on-site immersion at Blue Chip Farms where students sketch horses from life, capture photo and video references, and experience a guided ride or barn tour while noting what makes the farm compelling to visitors and investors. Follow this with conversations with breeders, farm staff, and a local college or media professional so students can hear how genetics, branding, and client communication shape real promotional work. Back in class, teams review the two essential questions, examine sample interactive media, and generate initial concepts for a VR tour, breeding outcomes interface, or promotional animation. End the launch with a brief written and verbal reflection on students’ preconceptions about horsebreeding, advertising messaging, community partnerships, and the role of technology in telling this story.