Thursday, October 1, 2026
As part of an introduction to graphic design, students in Lynn Johnson’s high school media arts class completed a project called, “Connecting with Our Community”. For this assignment, they created print and social media advertisements for Dessertino & The Crafty Spoon in Sea Cliff.
Before beginning, students learned about various aspects of graphic design, by engaging in hands-on activities, looking at 2-D design images and discussing advertisements. They researched Dessertino & The Crafty Spoon before visiting the store and interviewing one of its owners, Dina Corigliano and barista Lorraine. During their visit, students acted as both customers and designers to gather information and prepare themselves for their project.
As customers, they got to try the store’s ice cream and pastries, paying attention to the aesthetic and vibe of the shop. As designers, they spoke with Corigliano, who answered their questions and clarified what she wanted them to focus on in their ad campaigns. After their visit, students debriefed as a group to discuss their experiences and brainstorm important points to include in their ads.
They completed their first drafts and engaged in a group critique, offering each other feedback, before finalizing their work. Anyone interested in viewing their finished ads and artwork can check the school website at NorthShoreSchools.org.
Johnson wrote in a statement that she chose Dessertino & The Crafty Spoon so her students could connect with a local community business and apply their learning to a real world challenge.
“I think it’s essential to give students real world experiences so they can apply their learning to authentic situations,” Johnson wrote. “This way students step outside the controls of a classroom and see how each unique situation requires a unique solution. This helps them appreciate the importance of creative problem solving and adapting to the unexpected.”
