Location, Location, Location!

Probably one of the best things about La Roche that doesn't have to do with education is that it's right off of McKnight Road. While there isn't a Walmart, there's just about everything else you could need right on McKnight. (If you really need it, there's a Walmart on Route 8 in Gibsonia and one in Cranberry.) For a graphic designer, La Roche is situated very well. It's a 15-20 minute straight shot into Pittsburgh from school. This is nice because a lot of AIGA (professional graphic design organization) events are in various parts of Pittsburgh. Research for projects has led me into Lawrenceville many times and I know my way around there almost without GPS. Speaking of GPS: though you don't need a car when you come to school, you might want to make friends with someone who does have a car or learn to use the public transportation systems so you can venture out and about. There are also lots of resources for designers on McKnight and in Pittsburgh. Here are some places you'll want to keep in mind:


McKnight Road
-JoAnn Fabrics: craft supplies, art supplies, paper, sign up online for coupons
-PaperMart: party store good for inspiration/boxes/bags
-Michaels: craft supplies, art supplies, sign up online for coupons
-Target
-Dollar Store: located in Northway Mall, good source of materials for some projects
-Borders: best selection of design books around, sign up online for coupons (and on Facebook)
-Half Price Books: how-to books and design books
-Giant Eagle: located in McIntyre Square, open 24 hours, has a RedBox
-OfficeMax: located in McIntyre Square, cheapest printing on McKnight
-FedEx/Kinkos: printing (there's a 24 hour one in Cranberry too!)
-Ross Park Mall: good for research and inspiration on some projects
-North Park Lounge: best lounge fries, the one on Route 8 has pool and games too


Pittsburgh
-Copies on Carson: printing
-Alpha Graphics: printing
-Print Tech: paper, printing
-Dozen Bake Shop: fantastic cupcakes, desserts, and food in general
-xpedx Paper Store: specialty paper, envelopes
-Gallery Crawl: networking, viewing art and entertainment
-MinuteMan Press: printing, also on Route 8
-Utrecht: art and graphic design supplies, student discount
-Artist & Craftsman Supply: art and graphic design supplies
-CMU Art Bookstore: art and graphic design supplies, hard to find items