SPOKE The Marketability of International Experience 34 Volume 01 The Power of the Cowboy Connection 4 Designers of DHM 16 MADELINE MARIE The Art of the Ask 24
In association with Oklahoma State. Creativity is about the ability to speak your ideas into the world through whatever medium inspires you. I created this magazine as a catalyst to draw from art, poetry, fashion, the written word, global endeavors, and so much more inside the brilliant minds of Oklahoma State University’s students and alumni. I want to connect to other creatives by diving into their journeys and passion projects, inspiring them to showcase their work and giving them a voice to express their creativity. Whatever it is, let your ideas be spoken. As my time at the greatest university begins to draw to a close, I find myself nostalgic and reminiscent about the times and people who have made the past six years I have spent at OSU the most magical years of my life. The creative lifeblood that flows through the individuals around me has taught me more than I could have ever imagined about what it truly means to be a visionary artist and creator. Thus, as my love letter goodbye, I wanted to highlight their achievements and ways to ease the path to such greatness with the flagship issue of “Spoke.” May it encourage you to attack each day with tenacity and lead you to savor every moment while you can. Take a look at what we had to say. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Emily West Editor-In-Chief ACKNOWLDGEMENTS Rosemary Avance FACULTY ADVISER Andrew Abernathy FACULTY ADVISER Lori Melton McKinnon FACULTY ADVISER Photo by Madelyn Lindsey.
3 content SPOKE | Volume 01 | Issue 01 | April 2024 THE POWER OF THE COWBOY CONNECTION 04 NETWORKING 101 06 THE SOMETIMES HARSH REALITIES OF POST GRAD LIFE 10 THE DESIGNERS OF DHM 16 MADELINE MARIE & ME: THE ART OF THE ASK 24 MODMUZE IN REVIEW 28 THE NEW FACES OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS 30 THE MARKETABILITY OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE 34 PAUL MILLER 38 DIRECTORY 40
THE POWER OF THE COWBOY CONNECTION with University President, Dr. Kayse Shrum Photo courtesy of the Office of the President.
5 The power of the “Cowboy Connection” stems from the everlasting, inspired culture of Oklahoma State. By having an explicit set of shared institutional values-as we call it, the Cowboy Code-we establish not merely a common set of expectations, but also a communal set of aspirations that set out to inspire servant-leaders who humbly give of themselves to impact communities, improve society and steward the land and its people. What sets the Cowboy Family apart is that we live by the Cowboy Code. Taken together, these powerful ideas unite us within the context of a diverse and dynamic student body. The proof is in the exceptional creativity displayed by our students, faculty and alumni. Whether we’re talking about Garth Brooks–one of the most successful recording artist of all time-or any of an innumerable cast of entrepreneurs, political figures and community leaders we’ve seen grow into their immense potential, it is clear that OSU impacts the society around it. One of my great delights is watching students perform. From the performing arts arena to competing in livestock judging, the Cowboy Family displays a range of creativity that I hope continues to flourish under my leadership. As creativity is as essential to discovery as discovery is to advancement, OSU cherishes all modes of creative expression that exercise the powerful parts of our minds and expand our horizons. We can draw a direct line between students’ creative experiences and their success in the workforce. Part of what we aim to do with our emerging “Ideal Graduate” characteristics is to cultivate the habits of mind and disciplines of action that harness creativity in useful ways that will stay with our students for a lifetime. The culture of our Cowboy Family stems from the connectedness that runs through the core of who we are. We hope all our students and alumni maintain a sense of curiosity and a commitment to a growth mindset. The more our students interact with alumni, the more they will see successful examples of the creativity and community our campus inspires and how it equips our students for success in whatever endeavors they pursue after graduation. I wish our graduates the best of luck and watch with pride as they carry the OSU Cowboy Culture forward. - Kayse Shrum President of Oklahoma State University
6 NETWORKING 101 Making connections and building relationships are vital skills that can help you launch your career before it even begins. Networking can be intimidating, but if you develop a strong network while still in school, doors will open when it’s time to look for internships and job opportunities. We spoke with Victoria Teicheira from OSU Career Services about simple but effective strategies for expanding your professional network during college. From tips on making the most of career fairs to leveraging LinkedIn and campus resources, we’ll cover core networking dos and don’ts to help you get a headstart on strategically and authentically building your professional community. Attend events where you can meet new people. Structured events, like career fairs, speakers’ series, and open houses, are great places to build your professional network because they allow you to meet all kinds of people. A less formal way to make network connections is by joining organizations. Organizations or clubs related to your field will enable you to meet people in similar fields of study. You never know if you may someday interview or work with someone you met in a university club. However, think of every event you attend as a networking opportunity—specifically, any career services event. Career fairs are valuable because the attendees are direct employers with whom students are getting connected. Smaller events that aren’t as big as a career fair can be beneficial, as the attendees only meet 5 or 6 students. Those intimate settings can be a real opportunity to generate sound, quality connections. It’s all about not knowing what could come from an interaction, so try to meet as many people as possible. WITH OSU CAREER SERVICES ‘ VICTORIA TEICHEIRA 1 Photo courtesy of OSU Career Services.
7 4 But be sure these interactions are authentic and meaningful. Follow up and be consistent and persistent—that makes the difference. Take any opportunity you can. Prioritize building your networks. It’s important. Networking is highly valuable. It is the central way that people get jobs. 80% of jobs never make it on a hiring platform like Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, or LinkedIn. 80% of jobs get filled because somebody knows somebody who knows somebody. The majority of jobs are found purely based on social connections. Therefore, it is highly relevant and should be an ongoing priority for students. Use social media to your advantage. LinkedIn is what Teicheira calls the future of hiring. It’s a place to build those connections and reach out - because you can. Find the common ground and leverage it. LinkedIn has excellent features that allow you to search your school, then search alumni, input different fields and locations, and add some filters so you can find people who would be relevant connections. Then, use your alma mater as your opener. Say, “I would love to connect with somebody in my field who went to my alma mater.” Boom, you made a connection. It’s also a tool for staying up to date on information changes in your field because the people in your areas of interest are going to be primarily in that information network. This also narrows down the list of people you can contact about internships or job opportunities. Always have a professional introduction prepared & deliver it with confidence. No guaranteed question will be asked in a networking or interview setting, except for the question: tell me about yourself. Always have an answer to that question in your back pocket. Keep your response at around 60 seconds and follow the structure of past, present, and future. Include a bit about your background and what you’ve done work-wise, follow with what you’re currently doing, and finish with what you hope to achieve in the future. When answering, use open posture and positive body language, face them head-on, shake hands firmly, lean in, and make comfortable eye contact. Also, show your personality. Employers need to know who you are. You don’t want to work somewhere that doesn’t appreciate who you are as a person or value what’s special about you. Be relaxed and exude confidence—even if you don’t feel confident on the inside. Confidence is tremendous, and employers want to see prepared students. Have you researched the company or employer beforehand? Being prepared goes hand in hand with confidence. Even if it feels uncomfortable, look yourself in a mirror and practice that professional introduction before you walk into a room. That’s what makes a student shine and get the opportunities from networking because they put in the prep work to set themselves up for success. Find what works for you. Most people struggle with talking about themselves, especially students who tend to be more shy or introverted. It is awkward and uncomfortable, but nothing you should share with a potential employer is not factual information. It is real stuff that you have accomplished, so finding a level of pride in what you have accomplished is valuable in helping it become a bit easier to discuss. In addition, introverted people can sometimes be more successful in these settings. Introverts can give more quality answers because they take a second to reflect and introspec2 3 5 “It’s all about not knowing what could come from an interaction.”
8 a structure of explaining your background experience, summarizing the skills you gained from those experiences, and, most importantly, describing why that matters to that employer or connection. Don’t waste the first impression. One of the most common networking mistakes students make is being mindful of how important a first impression is. Bad grammar, lack of effort, and inability to talk about one’s achievements bode a positive first impression. It’s a cliche but put your best foot forward every single time. Don’t just small talk. When networking, students need to be strategic and direct without being cocky. Instead of just making general small talk, add a personal element to it. They don’t need to exchange life stories with potential employers or professional connections, but they need to be able to make a human connection. Remember what the other person tells you because that will never hurt their image of you. Don’t worry too much. Students who are already out there networking, are ahead of the game. If they are actively thinking about networking, getting a job and being successful will come easier because they are putting themselves out there in a way that will be advantageous in the future. tively think before starting to respond. That ability to reflect and deliver well-deliberated answers can boost their confidence. Don’t hesitate to follow up. It’s appropriate to follow up nine times out of ten because if you don’t reach out and other candidates for the opportunity do, you can be at a disadvantage. Get whoever you are talking to’s business card. It is never an inappropriate question. Now, it’s kind of like the dating rule. Let the 24 hours pass because we don’t want to seem overeager. When following up, remind them who you are and what opportunities you’re interested in. Be professional and diligent about those types of communications. Make them grammatically correct and professional. Continue to foster that relationship while realizing that there is a fine line between being persistent and annoying, but a check-in after six months is appropriate. It never hurts to reaffirm your interest in a company and possible opportunities. Effectively elaborate on your skill set. Don’t over do it. Many students need help with examples when it comes to communicating their skills, interests, and career goals when networking. They will be able to answer questions like “What are your strengths?” but cannot articulate and elaborate on specific instances where they used these strengths. You can, however, talk too much, so try to be concise and follow 6 7 8 9 10 Photo courtesy of OSU Career Services.
9 Photo courtesy of OSU Career Services.
10 The Somet REALITIES OFG P ra o d st Life
11 Harsh A deep dive into the sometimes hard realities of post-grad life. We interviewed OSU alumni Morgyn Wynne, Alydia Stark and Kylie Nelson as they discuss topics of challenge and triumph while navigating the new environment that comes with launching into the professional world. imes-
12 Q Tell me a little bit about your journey after college. Wynne: Lucky enough for me, I did not have to move after I graduated. I stayed in Stillwater to accept a graduate assistant position in the athletic department at OSU doing fundraising and student-athlete development. Stark: After undergrad, I got a job at a string of medical clinics doing PR, but quickly left that job after 6-8 months then I started grad school at the University of Iowa. I almost feel like it’s a right of passage to quit your first job after college - only the lucky ones stay if they find one they really enjoy. In grad school, got an internship at an agency called “Idea Grove“ doing PR and marketing, and I loved it. I worked there for a little over a year, then started with them full time after I graduated, but got laid off in August of 2023. From there, I went to a job at an agency in Dallas, where I quickly discovered that I didn’t like PR and Marketing – which is so scary because that’s what I went to school thinking I was going to do. However, I recently switched to an internal position this past month, and it is going so much better. Nelson: After graduating, I packed my bags and moved to New York City. I had always dreamedof living there and pushing myself hard to achieve that goal. I did not know anyone there but I was just excited to be living my dream. I took a sales job trying something new after I was thinking I would pursue something in social media. The job was not what I expected but such a great learning experience. Were there any hardest moments or adjustments you felt post grad? How did you navigate those? Wynne: Uniquely for me, I did not have a difficult time adjusting. The work I do now, I was already doing prior to graduation for the department, so the transition was seamless. It also made it easier that I stayed in the same environment, working with all the staff members who supported me through my student-athlete career. Stark: Absolutely, they don’t prepare you for how depressing it can be when you graduate, because you go from being around people who are all your age and in the same stage of life to going to a place where everyone is older than you or almost your age but not in the same place. That was a hard adjustment and in college, you have a sense of freedom where you feel like it’s not real life just yet, so figuring out that real life happens. Also, being laid off at 24. You just dont think that’s something that’s going to happen after going to school, working hard, and getting more than one degree. All that paired with the fact that what I was doing wasn’t making me happy was really hard. Nelson: No one talks about post grad. No one really tells you what it’s like when you are thrown into the real world and feel isolated and alone in your struggles. I felt like I couldn’t balance my happiness and work took up all my energy and drained me of my passions. After taking the sales job I quickly realized it was not for me and I was frozen in my own fear of failure. I did not want to talk to anyone about my feelings because of embarrassment or thinking I made a mistake. After I quit the job and decided to get a job in social media, I started to realize it’s okay to change your mind. I was so afraid of being judged for leaving my first job and moving onto something else. However, your 20’s are all about learning. Taking that job is probably going to be one of my favorite and best memories I’ll have. I got to experience my dream job in fashion and social media which I would not have been able to do if I didn’t take a leap of faith. After understanding that everyone struggles with this, I had to understand that life is all about the way you react to situations. I had to also realize making mistakes was okay and moving forward is the best way to not hold onto the past. Upon graduation, how did you navigate the process of transition to a complete independence (finance, household, etc.)? Any tips on how to ease the transition? Wynne: I started paying for my own bills my “redshirt” junior year of college (when I first moved to Oklahoma State). I transferred from my old in-
13A & stitution where I received a completely full scholarship that covered every expense. However, when I transferred, I took a reduction in scholarship and had to pick up a second job on top of school and softball to pay for my housing, groceries, and other bills. Creating a monthly budget during those times saved me so much. I was able to build a savings account and prioritize the things I needed to through my budget. I started with my bills and savings account, and then left a small portion for “social life” to go out to eat with friends or shop. Stark: I actually still live at home so I don’t have to do any of those things yet, but I have plenty of peers that don’t. I know that for a lot of my friends who do live alone, it’s almost like a natural instinctual thing as to how to be an adult. If you don’t do it, you will reap the consequences – you either get right or get left with it. Nelson: This transition was pretty difficult. Since I had moved so far away, I had to learn how to be an adult with bills to pay. This took me a few months to learn how to budget my finances and know where my money was going. Sometimes you just have to learn by trial and error and finding your personal balance. Never compare yourself with others, everyone is on a different path of life so just focusing on yourself is the best thing you can do. I wish I could go back and take the time to make an organized budget of where my money would go. It is so important to understand all aspects of budgeting based on your salary and bills you have to pay. If you go into this knowing how much you can spend on certain things, this can set you up in the right direction. Using an app to budget is also extremely helpful when starting out. How did you combat the lack of structure or routine that typically is consistent within the college environment? Wynne: I am constantly applying myself for new professional development opportunities in the sport industry and focusing a lot on networking. I am a part of the McLendon Foundation that uplifts careers in sport administration. I am also involved in a few NCAA programs like the Emerging Leaders Seminar and the Foundations of Fundraising programs, both which are to propel me in my career of intercollegiate Wynne: In order to create a sense of continued structure, I got a second job to fill my free time and create a routine. In the mornings I would be in my office in the athletic department, in the afternoons I would go home to do homework and eat lunch, then in the evenings I would serve and bartend at a local restaurant. This constantly on-the-go structure helped me replicate what a full day schedule would be like if I was still playing softball. Stark: A lot of my friends in college didn’t really adhere to a certain structure because they didn’t want to or didn’t have to, but I was always one of the people who never missed class ever. But also, now it’s easier to find structure because you have to adhere to what your company’s scheduling is. You have to be only for those 8 hours, unless your company has a more flexible structure. And then outside of that you can have regular set times of being a human being rotting in your bed, going to the gym or whatever you want to get done. Nelson: In college, I can easily say I was very structured and organized. After I started my job I found it very hard to manage my time to its fullest. If you can make a schedule for yourself weekly and stick to it your body will adjust and it becomes easier to have a work life balance. I had to make the time to do things for myself during the week so I could feel like I still had structure. Building a schedule that works for you and something attainable can allow you to stay motivated and consistent during your work week. How do you continue to evolve and keep up with the industry? Any tips on how or where to go for professional development content once in the industry?
14 athletics fundraising.I am not really sure on other industries, but there are many avenues for professional development in the sport industry. The NCAA hosts many of their own leadership and professional development programs, McLendon Foundation, the Bud Selig Sports Law and Business program at Arizona State, and many professional organizations have their own programs as well. Stark: Depending on what company I was at, they would have clearly written progressions that I could make while working there. So, I always would ask my employers “How do I get to the next step?” or “What’s done differently at that next step that I’m not doing now?” and these discussions typically happened durings a 1:1 meeting with the people above me. It was really helpful to discuss those actionable steps on how to get there and what were those defining moments that helped them get to their position in their professional career. Overall though, just always being on top of it and always trying to be proactive is huge in the professional world. Nelson: I always dedicate time on the weekend to do what I was passionate about, which is social media. It helped me keep my passions alive and time to just have for myself. I also am never afraid to ask for help or feedback. This is important to grow within your industry and shows your company that you are willing to learn more. I think building and growth comes from learning from your mistakes and being uncomfortable. It can be difficult at times but I truly believe this is where you grow the most. I always go to people that I trust to know my strengths and weaknesses. Someone who has trained you and seen your work ethics I believe can guide you. I always reach out to people that I respect or trust. People are always willing to help and asking can never hurt. What did you find the most rewarding about post grad life? Wynne: The most rewarding part has been to work with the student-athletes following in my footsteps at my beloved alma mater. Working with the younger generation or even a few athletes I played with during my time who are in their final years of eligibility has been such a cool experience to give back to them and help enhance their experiences. Stark: That I can do hard things by myself. You have to hype yourself up when you graduate in the sense that you have to do this now- the super fun times are over. And figuring out that you can make your own way and bounce back from getting laid How do you keep the creative juices flowing in the midst of all the change that comes after graduation? Wynne: Thankfully my job allows some room for me to be creative. I am in charge of socials for the fundraising department, I create leadership development programming for student-athlete development, and I have had the opportunity to plan and create engagement events for the athletes. Stark: Community! Talking to people who are going through the same thing you are going through, whether that’s my roommates, friends from different universities or even people who are older than me that have already been through exactly what I was experiencing was really important in proving to myself that I was not alone. There’s always someone else who is going through the same thing or knows how to get through the same thing. Nelson: With life changes, you change. I have changed so much this past year and always take time for myself when I can. That could be going on a walk, talking to a friend, listening to a podcast or creating something. I believe doing things for yourself can allow you to recharge with all the chaos that may be going on. off. Not letting that keep me down for too long and continuing to find success in different industries completely. Nelson: The most rewarding part is looking back and seeing how much I have grown. I have been out of college a little over a year and looking back I have grown so much. The first year out can be one of the hardests years, which it was for me. Knowing I got through the hard part and learned from my mistakes allows me now to embrace life with its challenges. I also do not compare my journey with anyone else. Being content and happy with your personal journey is also rewarding after all the obstacles that you overcome along the way. Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for people who are looking for careers in the Communications or Media fields when they graduate? Wynne: My advice for people who are looking for careers in Strategic Communications should look to participate on their campus’s National Student Advertising Competition team. That gave me such a realistic experience into what a career in strat
15 comm would look like and it was a resume builder. You can use that to boost your portfolio and apply for internships. Many careers get started through internships. If you are looking for a job in athletics, start with looking for undergraduate student-worker opportunities within the campus’s athletic department. Also, look for post-graduate opportunities as well. Experience is integral to a job in athletics because of the intricacies of each part that goes into the enterprise (ticket sales, merchandise, operations, fundraising, player personnel, etc). Then always be on the lookout for professional development opportunities and stay up-to-date in the hottest breaking news stories because sports is a fluid industry that changes at the drop of a dime. Stark: Again, that community. Talk to people who are in that position you might want to be in or someone just on LinkedIn who might have just gone to the same university as you. And truly lean in on any connection no matter how slight to see if they can help you or have any advice for you. Check the LinkedIn job postings, because they have to pay to post jobs on there, they are going to be more likely to be legitimate opportunities. Also, check in on people from your class and see what they’re doing and look into companies they are working at. Read the Glassdoor reviews of those companies to get some honest insight about that work environment. And really continue to maintain those connections you had in college with friends, roommates, professors, etc., because that can be really important to getting through that post-grad push. Nelson: The biggest thing I think everyone needs to understand is that you are not alone in your feelings. It’s okay to change your mind and embrace the change. I really wish I would have 100% known that going into a new city. I will say moving out of my hometown was the best thing I have done for myself. It allowed me to fully become independent and create a life I’ve always dreamed about. I don’t think any dreams are unattainable if you set your mind to it. I think doing something you love also is so important. Life is all about how you react to your situations.10% is what happens in your life but the 90% is what you do about it. Just remember you have the ability to change your situation or life you are in by setting goals and achieving them! For careers, be open to anything! You never know what you could love or be passionate about. I would suggest taking a job you feel confident you are equipped for. However, growth comes from mistakes and learning. Just know it’s okay to feel uncomfortable, confused or just taking it day by day. Always stay positive and everything will work out the way it’s supposed to! Morgyn Wynne Alydia Stark Kylie Nelson Photo courtesy of Morgyn Wynne. Photo courtesy of Alydia Stark. Photo courtesy of Kylie Nelson.
16 The Designers of DHM Final collections will be on display at the Euphoria Fashion Show on April 19, 2024. I did not understand the countless hours, midnight inspirations, coffee runs, and blood, sweat, and tears that students within this program pour out to build their passion projects. Join us as we follow Kaitlin Ayers’ and Presley Turner’s final semester journeys as they build their collections and prepare for the final showcase on April 19. JANUARY The talents of the 2024 cohort leave me in awe, and their inspirations come from everywhere – especially other forms of art. Ayers found the inspiration for her western, coquette-inspired collection from the 1965 classic song by Nancy Sinatra, “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” Pulling from feminine empowerment, Ayers used this song to evolve her designs and create a collection that pushes her personal style boundaries. “While a few of the components of my collection are my personal style, many of them are unconventional and elements that one probably wouldn’t wear daily. However, that’s the thing about fashion-it can be fun and experimental. It allows you to think outside the box of day-to-day wear,” said Ayers. As her collection forms, she pulls imagery from vintage and country styles and merges them Design places high emphasis on vision and cutting-edge ideas, but rarely do the cultivators of fashion receive their due when it comes to praise. We as a society praise brands and emerging trends, but how often do we dig to find a face and name to put with that which we praise? In the halls of Nancy Randolph Davis walk visionaries such as those whose journeys to “the top” are just beginning. From my time with senior designers from this year’s Fashion Design cohort, I have been inspired by the ability and creative prowess displayed throughout the journey of completing their senior collections. In 2022, I attended the DHM’s Euphoria Fashion Show, a showcase for OSU’s fashion design program students. I was blown away by the pieces and collections curated throughout the year. However, until I was able to shadow the designers and observe the process from ideation to completion, Photo by Emily West
17 with trending elements like ribbons and hand-stitched rope detailing. But the process is more than just rolling with the punches and going “where the wind takes you.” Ayers began rounding out her collection idea in the Summer of 2023. She started with a mood board of Pinterest photos, fabric swatches, and first-round sketches to use for inspiration, and from there, she began to hone in on the essence she wanted to create via her collection. However, she noted that it takes a lot of “along the way evolution.” Ayers said, “Building a collection like this takes a lot of trial and error, especially to ensure that the necessary cohesion and symmetry is present across your pieces.” The mockup and creation process helps iron out the kinks and refine the pieces to ensure they all have similarities. Ayers walked us through the process, stating, “It all starts with the initial design. From there, we conferred with our professor, Diane Limbaugh, to talk about the design and get tips on improving it. Then we picked our models, took their measurements, and either made a digital avatar that matched their exact measurements and virtually sewed it or made complex samples. While the V-Stitcher technology makes the pattern-making process easier, Ayers notes that “the custom elements are super difficult to get right on it. Sometimes, the program will force a stitch when there’s insufficient material or complications like that, so draping can give you a better visualization on some projects than using V-Stitcher.” The complex samples embody the trial-and-error process, as muslin and bias are used to make garments to check the fit before using the final fabrics of the collection. “The variations and mockups allow us to change the design without wasting the nicer fabrics. We can make the waistband wider, short seams, make garments double lined if needed, or make practical changes to the overall designs,” said Ayers. This idea became true for her as she had to shift the design of one of her looks from a bodysuit to a tube top. “After three mockups, the bodysuit still was too short and tight, so I made the decision to transition to a tube top, as it kept the same kind of look I was going for. However, many design changes also come down to time constraints,” said Ayers. Time constraints and deadlines for designers play a role in the changes they make, as it is not just the physical garment that has to get done. Digital sketches, flats, illustrations, and tech packs are also on their to-do lists as they flesh out their pieces. Ayers says, “I am a one-woman show doing the whole thing, but a lot of times, people don’t really think or know about the behind-thescenes work that goes into each piece for each look for the collection.” When we left Ayers, she had two complete looks and was beginning on her third: a denim corset with frill. FEBRUARY Illustration courtesy of Kaitlin Ayers
18 Illustration courtesy of Presley Turner. During our second check-in with designers, we met with Presley Turner, who introduced us to her romantic collection “Fairest of Them All” based on the enchanting fairy tales we all know and love. The nostalgia aspect of these stories and her childhood play a big part in sourcing her inspiration. “The inspiration for my collection is based on this old storybook of the original fairytales that was my mom’s as a child. She learned to read from that book and then read it to me as a child. So, while drumming up collection ideas, I just happened to go back and look at those stories and was really inspired. Plus, the theme felt really on-trend as Disney is remaking all of their classic stories in live action, so it’s an idea I’m passionate about,” said Turner. Her process mirrored Ayers’ but differed in how she found threads of symmetry for her looks. Turner noted that reading through the storybook played a large role in developing her design concepts and deciding which details she wanted to incorporate. The most significant of these decisions was the incorporation of red beading and details across the collection to symbolize the origin story of Snow White, a personal favorite of Turner. However, the process hasn’t been a “fairytale.” In the Fall semester, the designers were tasked with two complete looks from their collection. “I finished those looks, but halfway through Winter break, I pulled the plug on one of them,” said Turner, “and now I’m a little behind. My collection is about 25% complete, but I’m happy I made that decision because it will be better.” According to Turner and Ayers, this is all just part of the process. From minor adjustments to significant revisits, design is a push-andpull industry. Turner noted, “Redoing things because you hate them is also part of the creative process. With everything you create, you stare at it until you hate it, then at it, until you love it again.” Turner found that to reign true, mainly as she worked to pull inspiration and looks from stories that cross different countries and cultures and have differing messages to create cohesion among her designs. “It’s been beneficial that we can focus on our designs and how we want them to come to life, as the production class handles the operational components of the fashion show,” said Turner. The Euphoria class allocates time and resources to finding models, running modeling workshops, organizing hair and makeup, and finalizing all the details. When we left Turner, she was back at the drawing board to redo the pattern on the outfit she scraped and was heading into a fitting to finalize the “Snow Queen” look for her collection. MARCH
19 On our final check-in with designers Ayers and Turner, they walked us through the challenges they’ve faced in the past weeks, from restarting cuts to accidental rips in “fashion fabric,” which is the material used for the final piece, not the muslin makeup. Ayers showcased the “sister outfit” to the brown gingham set featured in her collection, including the intricate lace details and similar physical structure the two pieces share. She also noted that she had completed two pieces since our last meeting in January. The two included another hand-stitched, rope-detailed collar, a pink gingham skirt, and a denim corset look. “There’s been a lot of fittings trying to make sure everything fits perfectly. But even some pieces are still too big,” said Ayers, “and I have to finish my grant piece for the show.” Ayers enlightened us that not only does the Euphoria Fashion Show showcase their final senior collections, but each designer must also submit a piece for the “Cotton Works Grant” segment of the show. Ayers’ piece for the grant segment features a denim dress with bow embellishment on the front and contrast white stitching. But again, she reiterated the technical work that goes into creating their final collection. “I’ve done a lot of work,” Ayers said, “but I don’t have a lot of physical things to show. I’m right on the cusp of having a lot of stuff ready to go.” When touching base with Turner, she described her process. With four looks in the works and three fittings scheduled for that week, Turner’s attention rested on the pieces inspired by the Evil Queen, The Little Mermaid, Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White. “I’m seeing everything come together, and I’m starting to get really excited,” said Turner. Through finalizing her color palette and fabrics, Turner finds new inspiration in the success she has seen thus far. Kaitlin Ayers Presley Turner Photo courtesy of Kaitlin Ayers Photo courtesy of Presley Turner With the final collections due a week before the show, the designers still have a long road ahead of them paved with hard work to make the show a hit. As Ayers and Turner race toward the finish line, they exuberate a growing passion for their craft and a love for creating. A glowing spirit that inspires the masses.
20 Ma d E f Or wa l Illustrations & images (above and right) courtesy of Kaitlin Ayers
21 k ing Photo by Emily West. Photo by Emily West. Photo by Emily West.
22 FairEST
23 O F T H EM a L L
Madeline Manning and Valerie Chapman sidebar while waiting to shoot the next look. Photo by Emily West.
25 MADELINE MARIE & ME A K I’ll never forget opening the door to the Amazon studio, looking at the blank stage on which I would set my day, and asking myself, How did you get here? It’s not a hard question to answer. It stems from the biggest lesson I learned in college: the easiest thing you can do is ask. When I first met Madeline Manning, I had no idea how inspirational she would become to me. What started as a name I heard in passing, a whisper of an incredible alumni from Oklahoma State University’s design and merchandising program, soon became an unexpected intersection of two creative journeys. My first encounter with Manning occurred when I sought her in February 2022 for an interview for my feature writing class. I remembered her name and thought her life as an entrepreneur in New York City growing her custom dress business would be an exciting topic for my assignment. We connected on Instagram and set up a meeting. “Emily interviewed me over the phone and wrote a beautifully written paper about my life and career. I felt like she really heard me and told my story so well,” said Manning. This wasn’t a hard task. Within the first few minutes of speaking with Manning, I could tell that her success had been hard-won. However, when I started writing my story and reflecting on what she said during our interview, I really began to understand her. Manning moved to New York City in 2019 with no concrete plans, just a dream in her back pocket. She built Madeline Marie, a custom design label, right out of a small corner of her East Village apartment. What started as a quarantine activity turned into a profitable business, which led to networking opportunities within the industry, her designs being featured and worn in New York Fashion Week, and the launching of her brand at an event in October 2023. The Aorft theS
26 I’ve been thinking about what she said during our first conversation in February 2022. She summed up her philosophy for success by saying, “Go to work, hustle, and be kind.” Manning’s “say yes to everything” attitude, zest for life, and creative streak were a breath of fresh air. Burnout is prevalent in creative fields like fashion and marketing. It can be hard to produce innovative ideas regularly, so hearing her perspective on finding a proper work-life balance hooked me. After completing my writing project, I made it a point to maintain a social media relationship with Manning. As we followed each other’s lives aAs we followed each other’s lives and I watched her business boom via Instagram, I found myself continually drawn to her passion for work and overall love of life. She became a source of inspiration for me and a model of how to chase your wildest dreams with no regrets. I was inspired and set a goal to work with her however possible. So, again, I reached out and asked. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect much to come of it, but to my surprise, Manning’s resounding yes started our collaborative journey into managing Madeline Marie’s social media and marketing. Since July of 2023, I have been a part of the team, and every minute has been uplifting. In my time with her, I’ve learned so much about myself and developing a business on nothing but your own laurels. It’s easy to feel disconnected when working remotely, but the disconnect never came despite the vast mileage between her and me. We both put our heads down, did the work, and had fun doing it. Finally, the opportunity came to see her in action. I booked a flight and headed to New York City to join her on set to shoot her new collection. That rainy day in Brooklyn was one of the best days of my career to date. Shooting behind-the-scenes content on set with fantastic talent was so rewarding. I didn’t even mind steaming 40+ garments because it reminded me of another lesson Manning has taught me: Put energy into things that mean something to you. The culmination of our relationship, from creating styling portfolios, TikToks, and website design to on-the-ground experience, meant everything to me. Having a mentor who embodies chasing dreams with no regrets is priceless. I have the chance to support her growth while also developing my skills. The fact that this partnership blossomed organically out of mutual respect makes MAKING A MOVE Photo by Emily West. Photo by Emily West.
27 it even more unique, and I’m glad she feels a similar sentiment. “Since becoming my intern, Emily has churned out incredible content and amped up my Instagram feed and content when it needed that push. She’s extremely responsive and prompt, which is a great quality for this day and age. She has a natural talent but is also very coachable and always willing to try something new. When she came to visit New York, and we had the opportunity to walk around my neighborhood and take photos of each other in my dresses, it meant a lot that she could put herself out there for me to pump out content,” said Manning. She furthered, “That Sunday on set, Emily took amazing behind-the-scenes images that became some of my favorite content—the shoot was amazing.” I never imagined I’d graduate with such enriching experiences and valuable connections. The past year and a half has shown me the value of embracing the highs and lows of creative pursuits and the power of putting yourself out there and taking chances. It may not always pan out, but there is always time to figure it out. Opportunities like this don’t come along often. Seize the moment. Leap. Chase the dream. The easiest thing you can do is ask. Photo by Emily West. Photo courtesy of Madeline Manning.
2017 The New Frontier MODMuze Magazine was founded by Natalie Berg, a student in the Fashion Merchandising Program at OSU. A NewLook 2019 Under the direction of EIC Morgan Malget, Modmuze underwent a rebrand to modernize the organization’s branding and overarching identity. A New Look. Sourced from the Modmuze website. MODMuze was created in November 2017. Fashion merchandising student Natalie Berg proposed creating a student-run magazine to Dr. Cosette Joyner Martinez and a group of friends from her major. From there, the spark was ignited, and Armstrong reached out to Barbara Allen to get communications students involved. With a group of 13 combined merchandising, design, and strategic communications students, MODMuze was born. MODMuze Magazine was founded in Nov. 2017 by Natalie Berg, a student in the Fashion Merchandising Program at OSU (upper right). NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN. The rebrand (lower right corner) and the year 2019 marked the beginning of Editor-in-Chief Morgan Malget’s three-year tenure. MODMuze was rebranded to Modmuze Magazine. The 1st edition of MODMuze was released on February 1. A BLOG IS BORN. As the world slowed in the wake of COVID-19, Modmuze learned to evolve and took a leap into the digital publications space as it launched its “ModBlog.” NOV 2017. 2019 - 2022. FEB 1, 2018. JAN 20, 2020. OCT 20, 2019. Photo courtesy of Modmuze Photo courtesy of Modmuze Photo courtesy of Modmuze Photo courtesy of Morgan Malget
2021 Modmuze In Review Modmuze Magazine, the student-run fashion and lifestyle publication, has taken many forms from its inception to its modern-day appearance. The evolution of such a publication comes from the brilliant minds that work endlessly behind the scenes to ensure its success. Dive with us into the history and milestones of the publication in its early years as we celebrate its accomplishments and look forward to its vivid futures here at Oklahoma State. A Full House House Divided Modmuze released its first edition, which included over 100 pages of content under the direction of EIC Faith Bollom, in its Magnum Kósmos issue. A collaborative edition was released with the University of Oklahoma’s student-led advertising and public relations agency, Lindsey + Asp. Check it out at modmuzemag.com The Modmuze x Lindsey + ASP collaborative edition was released. Modmuze became an official student organization at OSU to include more students from all over campus. Modmuze released its first edition, which is over 100 pages long and titled Magnum Kósmos (lower right). EXPANDING THE REACH. Modmuze began its partnership with the Stillwater Press. Modmuze’s most recent release marking the publication’s 20th issue (above). NOV 26, 2021. AUG 2023. 2022. JACKSON EDITION. FEB 2023. Photo courtesy of Modmuze Photo courtesy of Modmuze Photo courtesy of Modmuze Photo courtesy of Modmuze.
30 Grads of SMSC The Spring 2024 Mass Communications graduate students at Oklahoma State are making waves with their compelling thesis projects, engaging practicums, eye-opening study abroad experiences, and impressive internships. Join us as we detail how this talented cohort demonstrates their cutting-edge skills and passions for their field in the capstone projects.
Photo by Emily West
32 LAUREN PERRY. THESIS. My thesis examines the USA National Gymnastics team’s attempt to repair its brand image after the Larry Nassar scandal. For this, I am doing a case study using Benoit’s Image Repair Theory to evaluate their response within the first four months after the initial allegations. DRU NORTON. STUDY ABROAD. Using my experiences studying abroad in Scotland and Austria, I will create a formal report that details my work on Through an Orange Lens magazine and explore and compare media regulations in the U.S. and Europe, focusing specifically on the innovative use of AI. My report compares the U.S. AI Policy vs. Scotland and Austria’s AI Policy and its use in jobs and schools. Then, I examine how these policies fit within the media realm. JESSICA FLOSS. INTERNSHIP. My internship experience report analyzes my time working with the marketing and communications team at OSU’s College of Arts and Sciences Outreach Department. Utilizing the Integrated Marketing Communications framework as a theoretical lens, I detail my involvement in developing branding strategies and creative content across various communication channels like social media, news platforms, and multimedia. IARA ROCIO ROBERTO. CREATIVE. For my creative capstone, I am producing a news reel documentary about the Latino community in Stillwater, OK. The purpose is to shine a light on the contribution and history of this ethnic group to the town. The project will feature athletes, educators, workers of the service industry, and entrepreneurs.
33 MASON HARBOR. CREATIVE. I am doing my creative capstone project on Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Dave Smith and his journey from high-level prep runner to national champion coach. After graduation, I plan to stay at OSU as a Sports Information Director/creative or return home to my native Atlanta to work in sports or social media! ROSEBENEDICTA UDOGWU. THESIS. My thesis explores the influence of emerging technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) on Advertising Strategies and Consumer Engagement. It seeks to analyze how VR is being integrated into current advertising strategies across different industries, analyze different VR advertisements to ascertain if they are built based on the Hierarchy of effects advertising model, investigate how VR advertising impacts consumer engagement, explore both the opportunities and challenges presented by this technology. SARA HUGGETT. INTERNSHIP. I am doing the practicum option based on my summer internship as a market research intern at the American Heart Association in the CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care division. My experience report discusses the five major projects I worked on through a brand-raising framework. EMILY WEST. CREATIVE. My project channels knowledge of networking and creative practices into a networking magazine for OSU students and alums passionate about their creative industries. It will serve as an illustrative LinkedIn-like space to share current happenings within academia and real-world industries, allowing a network of creatives to flourish under a common thread: OSU pride.
34 The Marketability of International Experience How time abroad makes you a better job candidate
35 tudy abroad programs can expose students to worldly culture through global experiences. These exposures also offer professional growth that can increase students’ marketability, leading to better jobs and higher success rates. Oklahoma State University Global Studies program leaders Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost and dean, and Dr. Jeffrey Simpson, assistant dean and director of global partnerships, explain the unique qualities that study abroad programs enhance among students. We sat down with Kluver and Simpson to discuss the possibilities job candidates with study-abroad backgrounds can tap into by explaining their experiences with business professionals. Dean Kluver detailed how business owners seek out and immediately hire people with international experience, saying it boils down to specific pre-existing characteristics strengthened by these experiences. Applicants with these backgrounds are risk-takers, adaptable, flexible, and willing to step out of their comfort zone, and these are qualities employers need in today’s workplace. While this anecdote helps explain the value of international experiences, it also begs the question of whether or not those who apply to these programs are predisposed to the qualities seen among the involved students. Dean Kluver and Dr. Simpson discuss this topic in our interview below. What skills can students learn or strengthen through global studies courses to help prepare them for the future? Kluver: Studying abroad can help students learn skills for intercultural communication. They realize that the way they’ve always done things may be less effective in new cultural contexts. However, experiences abroad are more apt to refine skills and pre-existing qualities than they introduce new ones. If you have no intercultural sensitivity, going overseas won’t necessarily give you that, but it will hone it and improve it. Studying abroad and having international experience is valuable in various skill sets. In broadening your mind, you can generate new perspectives and see things from around the corner, from a different angle. Dr. Simpson has effectively built writing assignments into those programs so that students can surface their feelings or learn about what they’re learning while immersed in these experiences overseas. Simpson: One of the things I notice most is the confidence that students gain, which they may have had up at that point. This confidence stems from their ability to navigate unfamiliar situations. One of the other experiences students often have is to think about their own culture in a way they’ve never thought about before. More often than not, students come back and express a newfound appreciation for aspects of their life here, whether accessibility for wheelchairs or inclusion within the community as a person of color due to this refined viewpoint of their home culture. That often leads to students exploring and opening their minds to opportunities. Many students come from backgrounds where their environment informs them about careers and opportunities. So when they go abroad, they realize there are opportunities out there that they didn’t even know existed. Students gain self-reflection skills and self-awareness and start thinking differently about who they are in the bigger scheme of things. As a result, when events happen in the world, they can better analyze and discern the information they are receiving. Do you have any tips for students to develop their professional networks while in school or on study abroad programs? Kluver: Before these experiences, only a few students had a real personal connection to a professor, but after these experiences, these students had a good friend. Those relationships will help them when it comes time for a reference. S
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