Angel Yu Statewide Communications Designer

@New York City, USA
September 2024 to 
May 2025

The New York Small Business Development Center (New York SBDC) - the premier business assistance organization in New York State, a government agency - provides expert management and technical assistance to start-up and existing businesses across the state. The New York SBDC is administered by the State University of New York and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, and host campuses.

During my internship as a Statewide Communications Design Intern, I assisted the New York SBDC in their rebranding efforts, contributing to the development of building engaging visual content for social media, digital, and print channels. My responsibilities included supporting the launch of the new brand and website, creating templates, and assisting in communications strategy across their statewide network. 

Each year, the New York Small Business Development Center hosts a statewide conference in a different location. For 2025, the event will be held in Saratoga Springs at The Gideon Putnam, in May 2025. As part of my internship, I was responsible for designing the full visual identity for this year’s conference, including the logo, graphics, and layout elements, while aligning with the official NYSBDC brandbook.

The centerpiece of the branding is a geometric logo inspired by Columbian Spring, a domed fountain pavilion located in Congress Park—an iconic landmark in Saratoga Springs.

I simplified the form using basic shapes:

• The half-circle at the top represents the dome
• The vertical stripes below mimic the flowing springs and columns beneath the dome
  
• The blue palette connects with the natural springs, while orange accents tie it to NYSBDC’s legacy brand color

To create a cohesive system, I designed a skyline illustration and a rolling hills landscape with stylized tree and wave motifs.

The landscape grounds the conference location in place and nature, highlighting the area’s unique charm and spring culture. It also provides a flexible background system that was reused across the digital booklet, poster, and email graphics.

I designed rack cards, brochures, and updated data sheets for the New York Small Business Development Center, along with creating monthly editorial guides and a newsletter to support the rebranding. 

During my internship, I designed graphics for Instagram and LinkedIn that aligned with the company's new brand identity. My work focused on creating visually cohesive and engaging content to enhance the company’s online presence and strengthen brand recognition.

Under Construction

I am still in this internship, learning and designing more!