If you've ever strolled across Georgetown University, chances are you've seen John LaRue's work without even knowing it. As the art director for the Office of Strategic Communications, LaRue is the creative force behind the campus's vibrant banners, informative signage, and polished event programs. But, what you might not know, is that his journey into design started in the world of baseball, a detail highlighted in Georgetown Faces—a series featuring notable campus individuals.
LaRue's early career wasn’t about fonts and palettes, he was managing media relations for minor league teams, including the DuBois County Dragons, where "A League of Their Own" was filmed. It was here that LaRue was asked to take a swing at designing game programs—a task that unexpectedly sparked his interest in design. "I wasn’t good at it, but I took to it," LaRue told Georgetown University. He had an eye for how fans interacted with information and how to make it more accessible and aesthetically pleasing.
No traditional design background? No problem for LaRue. After a stint at Washington University in St. Louis, he joined Georgetown in 2017, starting as a graphic designer before climbing up to the art director position. Today, his purview includes collaborating with the university’s Visual Identity team to ensure the brand's standards are consistently met throughout various departments. From the digital graphics gracing social media to the logos donned by different departments, LaRue's influence is widespread.
In his current role, LaRue doesn't just stick to university-related projects. He's also the creative mind behind a little book inspired by his dog, Tito. It's an example of how personal interests and professional life can intersect in creative ways. "I don’t have a traditional design background," he said, "But through hard work and great mentorship, I ended up here." His story is not just about a career that accidentally began, but one that was nurtured diligently over time, all chronicled in the Georgetown Faces feature.
What shines through in LaRue's narrative is a pathway defined not by a predestined trek through art school hallways but by a series of unexpected turns. It's a testament to the surprising journeys that often lead us to places of unexpected fulfillment, a sentiment surely felt by many who have ever found their passion lurking in life's left field.
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