Annual Capstone Event

The GDES Portfolio Show

Each year, students in the Graphic & Web Design program at North Idaho College present their work in the annual GDES Portfolio Show. The event represents the culmination of the program and showcases the portfolios students have developed during their time in the program.

Unlike many academic exhibitions, the GDES Portfolio Show is designed and produced by the students themselves. Because students progress through the curriculum together as a cohort, the graduating class develops a shared creative identity that is reflected in the theme, branding, and presentation of the show.

Current Show

The Proof — 2026

The Proof is more than a portfolio. It is a collection of work that demonstrates growth, problem-solving, and creative exploration over time. Each piece reflects not only skill, but persistence, adaptability, and the ability to transform ideas into meaningful design. It shows where each designer started, how they’ve evolved, and what they are capable of creating moving forward. Students collaborated to design the show identity, build the event website, develop promotional materials, and prepare the exhibition of their work.

Explore The Proof Meet the Students

Portfolio Show Timeline

Semester 3

Students pitch show concepts

Selection

One concept is chosen to represent the graduating class

Semester 4

The class builds the show — branding, website, materials, exhibition

Spring

Portfolio Show exhibition

How the Portfolio Show Works

Pitch the Show

During the third semester, every student develops a concept for the portfolio show and presents their idea to GDES faculty and technical advisors.

Event name
Theme
Visual identity
Event experience concept

The Concept Is Selected

Faculty and advisors review the proposals and select one concept to represent the graduating class. This concept becomes the official brand and direction for the show.

The Class Builds the Show

During the fourth semester, the entire class collaborates to produce the event. Students work together to create:

Show branding
Event website
Promotional materials
Social media content
Exhibition of student portfolios

Present the Work

The Portfolio Show becomes the final presentation of student portfolios to faculty, peers, family members, alumni, and industry professionals.

More Than an Exhibition

The GDES Portfolio Show is more than a display of student work. It is a collaborative design project that brings together branding, web design, marketing, and event production.

Students gain experience working as a team while producing a professional event that represents their graduating class.

For many students, the show becomes their first opportunity to present their work publicly and connect with industry professionals.

Portfolio Show Archive

Each graduating class creates a unique identity for the Portfolio Show. Over time these shows form a visual history of the program and the creative work produced by its students.

The Proof

— 2026Current

View Show →

Next Level

— 2025

Next Level is a video game–themed portfolio exhibition showcasing the work of emerging designers who have advanced beyond the fundamentals and into refined, professional practice. Inspired by the structure of gameplay, the show highlights each designer’s progression—through challenges, experimentation, and growth. From early concepts to fully realized solutions, every project represents a milestone reached and a skill unlocked. Next Level celebrates not just where these designers are now, but the journey that got them there—and the momentum they carry forward.

View Show →

Students Behind the Show

Each Portfolio Show represents the work of a graduating class of designers. Explore the students who participated in the show and the portfolios they presented.