Meet our Spring 2024 Graphic Design Intern: Tayyab Younas

Why did you want to intern with Illinois Green? 

Having an undergrad in Electrical Engineering with a final year project focused on grid connected solar power plants, I was always curious to find better and more efficient ways to reduce carbon emissions and address the climate emergency. This curiosity allowed me to address climate issues and devise solutions through design. Illinois Green Alliance’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions in the state of Illinois was an opportunity for me to not just learn ways of reducing building emissions to zero but also design marketing material that promotes green buildings.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned so far? 

For me, the Illinois Green Schools Project is absolutely the coolest thing I’ve learned about. I love that kids are being taught at a fundamental level to consciously make choices that are sustainable and have little to no carbon footprint.

What story are you most excited to share? 

I am excited about the Summit and Limelight logo and rebranding project that I was able to execute this summer. The idea was to represent both events — the Getting to Zero Illinois Summit and Limelight Celebration — through an abstract shape symbolizing a renewable, cyclic process, solar and wind energy, and the gradual thinning of carbon footprints until they eventually disappear. After various design ideations and iterations, we were able to create a design that communicated the concept without being too obvious. I’m excited to see it come to life at the event in September.

Where does your passion for sustainability come from?

My interest in sustainable energy began during my undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering, where I completed my final year thesis on a grid-connected solar power plant and its transmission efficiency. Coming from Pakistan, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, I’ve always been passionate about reducing carbon emissions and finding sustainable energy resources. IGA’s goal of achieving zero carbon emissions in Illinois aligned perfectly with my goal of creating graphic materials for nonprofit organizations working toward social causes.

Where does your passion for storytelling come from?

Storytelling is incredibly important. A single-sided story can create stereotypes, and while stereotypes aren’t necessarily untrue, they paint an incomplete picture of circumstances. My passion for storytelling stems from exploring the multifaceted stories that exist across different cultures. I believe in highlighting the shared human values that unite us, rather than focusing on what sets us apart. In my opinion, the climate emergency is a universal crisis that everyone in the world is facing, and I believe we can unite to combat it together, just as we did with the global pandemic.

What are your goals for your career?

My career goal is to contribute meaningfully to society through my artistic expression as a Graphic and Motion Designer. In the long run, I aspire to have my own design studio (manifestation). In the short term, I aim to learn as much as possible from professionals in my field and through work experiences, continually pushing my creative boundaries and improving myself as a designer with each project.