Registered student organizations at Central Michigan University allow students to pursue their passions, get crafty and stay connected in the community.

While all the RSOs at CMU are unique in their own way, organizations including The Ceramics Society, Design Herd and Print Club foster expression through creativity.

"It is all about building a community of artists ... which is vital for our future successes," Print Club President and Saginaw senior Tisch Lewis said.

With about 30 members each semester varying between art and non-art majors or minors, the Ceramics Society ignites their creativity through the work of clay. President and Tawas City senior Eric Thornton facilitates the club, which encourages students to pursue their passion.

“The main purpose of this RSO is to provide a way for students to continue to work in ceramics even after they have taken a class,” Thornton said. "We find that most students can only fit in one semester of ceramics, and this is the perfect opportunity to continue developing their skill and association with the studio.”

As members of this RSO, they are given the chance to develop new knowledge, experiences and usable skills. The Ceramics Society educates on proper clay techniques both traditional and innovative, proper tool use, and how to create forms with clay.

According to Thornton, the organization has not only remained connected with art, but also with the community.

“The Ceramics Society has a very special role at CMU. It is our responsibility to help create awareness and camaraderie at CMU and in the community about the arts ... We provide opportunities to enhance the presence and significance of the arts in Mount Pleasant and beyond,” Thornton said.

Also focusing innovation skills, the Design Herd organization accommodates 20 members with interests in graphic design. President and Bronson senior Andrea Lucas has an aim to not only help students become more educated in the graphic design industry, but also to prepare them for a career.

“The purpose is to help graphic design students at CMU become more knowledgeable about professional design and to promote out of the classroom involvement in the industry,” Lucas said. “Some people aren't willing to work hard enough to put themselves out there to meet possible employers. It seems like in today's world it's not what you know it's who you know. The more people you meet, the better off you will be when searching for a job in the future.”

Design competitions, speakers from design firms around Michigan, student and member portfolios and the opportunity to take a trip to some of Chicago's respected design firms are all experiences that Design Herd member and Grandville senior Andrew Russo believes will help develop students talents.

“I joined Design Herd because I am a graphic design student, enjoy being involved with other creative thinkers, having the opportunity to see design talks, being helped to build a portfolio, helping others build a portfolio, getting involved at school and ultimately it helps students become a well-rounded designer,” Russo said.

Furthering his experience, Russo has found the Design Herd beneficial for what his future holds.

“I plan to open a beachwear brand in the near future and have implemented my graphic design skills for logos, flyers, T-shirt designs, etc. Being a part of everything that involves design is very helpful to see what the trends are and builds your knowledge of design,” Russo said.

Russo said it is possible to make a career out of a hobby.

“Most people consider family and/or money a priority, and it may be tough to find time to pursue their hobby as a career around those obligations," Russo said. "Also, people may look to the future and see that there is no possible way to make a living with their hobby. I am a firm believer that if you are passionate enough in something, then anything is possible"