MOBILE, Ala. – When you meet someone and instantly become best friends, why not write a children’s book together? That is exactly what Moira Buck and Karly Weaver did during their time at the University of Mobile.
As a senior graphic design major, Buck was required to create a children’s book. She had to write an original story or reimagine a classic story, illustrate, and hand-bind a children’s book as her final project for her Graphic Design Print Production Class.
This project enthused Buck, and she couldn’t wait to get started. Immediately she called her best friend and previous roommate, Karly Weaver. Weaver was also intrigued by the project and offered to collaborate on the assignment. During a 3 A.M. FaceTime call, “I Just Want A Stinkin’ Friend” was born.
During that FaceTime call, Buck and Weaver, a UM 2022 alumna, brainstormed and eventually came up with the entire story. Weaver, an English major, wrote the story, and Buck illustrated and produced the prototype copy.
Buck’s professor suggested that she self-publish it on Amazon using Kindle Direct Publishing. Within three days, over 50 copies of the children’s book were sold.
“I Just Want A Stinkin’ Friend” takes you on a journey with Alex the alligator to find a best friend. As he twists and turns through the Alphabet Jungle, will Alex find his best pal? Read the children’s book to find out!
“Being able to do this project with my best friend was one of the greatest things that I have had the opportunity to do at the University of Mobile. It was a challenge, but one that I am so thankful to have experienced,” says Buck.
At the University of Mobile, students receive hands-on learning experience. In the graphic design program specifically, students are prepared for the future with the stellar curriculum and supervision of Megan Cary, program coordinator and associate professor of graphic design.
“My curriculum emphasizes new and emerging design methods, user experience, multiple internship opportunities and portfolio building. It’s resulted in a higher-than-average employment rate for our graduates,” says Cary.
Buck and Weaver can leave the University of Mobile with not only knowledge, but also the practical aspect of being able to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained.
From the experimental learning and attentiveness of the professors at UM, a promising future awaits all that leave this campus.
For more information about a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design in the College of Arts and Sciences, or to learn about any of the more than 75 academic programs at the University of Mobile, call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222 or visit umobile.edu.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.