05/31/2019
Awe-Full's principal creative, Travis Schlitter, has accepted a position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Art and Design at Fort Hays State University. He is excited about bringing his experience to the classroom, to inspire and be inspired by the fantastic students and faculty. And to meet the challenge of continuing to lead all Awe-Full projects.
We are excited to finally share some AWEsome news! FHSU alum and the chief creative behind Awe-Full, Travis Schlitter, will attain a career goal by bringing his advertising and design experience to the classroom this fall. Travis has accepted a position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Art and Design at Fort Hays State University. Within the Graphic Design program, he will focus on digital media and begin developing concentrations in motion design and animation. With the prevalence of video and animation today, design students with a grasp of motion concepts before entering the workforce have a leg up.
After receiving a BFA in 2001 and an MFA from FHSU in 2004, Schlitter chose the professional path over teaching and went to work for BARKLEY. His six-plus years at this large independent advertising agency set the foundation of experiences and relationships he would carry over to Hint and eventually, his own business. Awe-Full partners with other agencies and brands to develop award-winning content for businesses big and small; from Gatorade and McDonald's to the local opera. Awe-Full launched in 2015 when Travis stepped away from a creative leadership position at Hint. Managing a group of talented creatives, Travis pushed the boundaries of interaction between digital and physical spaces and gained recognition for work on brands like LinkedIn and PUMA. Fun fact: Travis ran with nine-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt when they worked together on the PUMA Cell campaign.
Despite specializing in motion design, animation, and visual effects, Travis has also worked as a director, editor, writer, and creative strategist. And whether working in traditional graphic design mediums or immersive virtual reality experiences, he strives to produce meaningful content that tells a story. Travis will continue to lead the group of employees and freelancers that makes up the core of Awe-Full, with no plans to scale back production. “My role might change on several projects, and I will lean on some trusted partners more, but Awe-Full will go on creating,” said Schlitter.
Schlitter stated, “FHSU is known for its graphic design program. My mission is to continue that reputation, grow it, and make it the place to be for motion design as well.” Travis plans to bring his 15 years of real-world experience to the classroom. With time at advertising agencies and production companies, plus the understanding of starting his own business, he has a deep well from which to pull daily lessons. “I have learned a few things over the years that I wish I'd known before entering the professional world, so I plan to pass along knowledge, but I hope to inspire and be inspired. My experience as a creative director has taught me that's the most important thing of all...I also know how my life changed when I discovered design—and if I can help a few kids experience those same revelations, to add some good to someone's life—I can't think of a more rewarding job.”
You can see the creative genius of Travis and his company here: https://www.awe-full.com/. Photo Credit: Sabrina Staires.
