Being part of the organizing committee for Western Balkans University’s first graduation ceremony—as the lead graphic designer—was both an honor and a huge responsibility. The university was still shaping its identity, and this event marked a historic milestone: the celebration of our first generation of graduates. Nearly every decision carried symbolic weight, and many of them relied on design to capture the significance of the occasion.

We began with the diploma design, perhaps the most meaningful element for students. It wasn’t just a piece of paper—it was the physical proof of years of dedication. I spent months researching, sketching, and producing hundreds of variations before presenting options to the university leadership. After countless refinements and test prints, we landed on a design that felt timeless, elegant, and worthy of the moment.

Next came the graduation gowns and sashes. Since they needed to be custom-made and shipped internationally, the timeline was tight. I organized several meetings to align on the look and feel, then used AI tools to quickly visualize possibilities. With a few final tweaks, the designs were approved, and production was set in motion.

Once those essentials were in place, attention turned to the details that would bring the ceremony to life: invitations, backdrops, awards for the dean’s and rector’s lists, congratulatory scrolls, and the event agenda. These had to align seamlessly with the theme we had chosen for the ceremony. Finally, there was the digital component: the screens that would guide and enhance the event. For this, I collaborated with a video editor to create smooth, cohesive visuals that tied everything together.

Looking back, the process was as demanding as it was rewarding. Every design choice contributed to a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the graduates, their families, and the university community. Being able to shape the visual identity of such a landmark event was one of the most meaningful projects of my career.