In November, Master of Innovation Design student Kristyn Smith worked with HAS HEART, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization founded by Michael Hyacinthe, a U.S. veteran and artist/designer, Tyler Way. HAS HEART connects veterans to graphic designers from each state to tell their story through mediums of art, design, and fashion.

Through a two-day collaborative process, Kristyn was chosen to create a design that represents veteran Dave Fulton’s story and message.

HAS HEART’S mission is to design products that will empower veterans, generate awareness, and build the bridge between the worlds of U.S. veterans and civilians. Each of the veteran’s stories from the 50 states are represented in limited edition products, such as t-shirts or patches, and 25 percent of the proceeds directly benefit each veteran and their family. Kristyn’s design of Dave’s story is coming soon to https://hasheart.us/.

Kristyn’s full-time job is working as the brand and communication designer for the Institute of Innovation at WSU. During her undergraduate education, she interned as a student designer for WSU’s Office of Strategic Communications and interned for Baseline Creative as a graphic designer. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design, Kristyn continued to work for Baseline Creative as a senior designer and later began a position in WSU’s Office of International Education as a designer, marketer and recruiter.

“I think my first internship in Strat Comm during undergrad is the reason I got hired years later to work for International Education,” she says.

She believes her time at WSU has taught her to always say yes to opportunities.

“When you say yes, you open yourself up to new opportunities and people that can help you get the results you want,” she said.

Kristyn is considering working toward a doctorate degree after graduation so that she can continue working in an academic setting.