Not all of us have the ability to design a flyer, a poster, or a social media post. Many of us can’t even draw a straight line. Ruth Miller, graphic designer for the High Desert Grange, seems to enthusiastically do all of this with very little effort.
Because of her unique creative abilities, Ruth was recently awarded second place in the 2020 National Grange Publicity Item Contest. The contest is open to all Grange organizations and it requires entrants to submit a publicity item that promotes the Grange. This item can be a flyer, poster, advertisement, short video, radio commercial or announcement, a social media post, a press kit or media release, a shirt, a button or other wearable item, or anything else that promotes the Grange. She found out about the contest from The Patrons Chain, the official newsletter of the National Grange and, with encouragement from a fellow Granger, Gloria Montero, Miller decided to enter her work. She submitted all she had designed for the High Desert Grange in the twelve months prior to the deadline, including a very detailed brochure that features Grange members doing what they love. In addition to her second place ribbon, her efforts secured a cash prize of $100.00 for the High Desert Grange.
Ruth’s talents are a testimony to the fact that a person doesn’t need a degree to be a designer. Mrs. Miller has no formal education in graphic design. In fact, she says, her abilities were earned with the guidance and encouragement of her grandfather and her uncle. Her grandfather, a magazine editor, gave her tips, tricks and suggestions for posterboard layouts for school projects. Her uncle taught her about photography and how to frame a good picture. In high school, she became involved with her local public access cable TV station where she discovered she was an excellent cameraperson. Over the years, her talents have blossomed.
When asked what inspires her when she designs her graphics, she said, “I keep in mind the audience and the destination the product will be used in … whether it’s a Facebook post or a brochure or handout in print, I follow the same idea – simple, easy to read, eye catching.”
Born in California, but raised in the Chicago suburbs, Ruth grew tired of the sardine-like city life and moved to Elko where she lived for ten years. Fernley was her next stop, albeit it brief. In 2012, she and her family relocated to Fallon where they discovered the High Desert Grange.
The High Desert Grange is a family-oriented organization that focuses on community service and offers many opportunities for learning. Their Lego Robotics program was the steppingstone for the Miller family’s entry into the organization. She, her ten-year old daughter, and nineteen-year old son love Legos, so three years ago they became Grange members and immediately signed up for the program. Ruth quickly filled a need to “tune up” the Grange Legos laptops used by the students. One thing led to another and she found herself designing flyers, handouts, and Facebook posts for the organization. She has even improved their website and is now its administrator.
Working with the High Desert Grange has brought many personal rewards for Ruth and her children. They have made many friends. She finds Grange members amazing and very supportive. She has also found resources and knowledgeable people from whom she can learn, as she plans a long-desired garden.
Earning second place and representing the High Desert Grange and Fallon was an honor for Ruth. She was proud to show her creations, but was surprised to place. Competition came from the many Grange clubs throughout the country. This contest was not her only experience with the National Grange. She is an amateur webmaster and has reached out to the National Grange for help on web design as well as for help with resources for graphics. She says that everyone she has ever been in contact with from the National Grange has been amazing.
The High Desert Grange has made a positive impact on Ruth’s life. “I’m proud to be a part of a group that contributes to this community and offers so many opportunities to learn new skills,” she said. She definitely feels more a part of our community through her Grange membership.
To see Ruth’s contest submissions, please visit
https://www.nationalgrange.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-In-House-2nd-High-Desert-Grange-22-NV-Trifold-Brochure.pdf.
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