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.
Graduation
Ceremony
What and How?
Challenges and Results
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.