RENATA DOMINGUEZ

PRATTMWP COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

Renata Dominguez is a Mexican-American multimedia artist and designer. She is a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts degree in Communications Design. Art and design have always been a central part of her life. She grew up in a family of artists and designers who owned an advertising agency. This taught her design lessons while she was growing up and inspired her to follow the same path of becoming a designer.

Dominguez won a scholarship to attend workshops at ArtCenter College of Design in California. She has worked as a Social Media Strategist Intern at Coaching Season, LLC, where she created content for social media, digital communications, and website layout. She is also the president of PrattMWP’s Communications Design Gallery social organization.

She is excited and motivated to enter the industry of design, and she aspires to become an art director at an advertising agency in New York City.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Creating meaningful and innovative designs inspires me most. I strive to create work with emotion and empathy.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

After working on multiple projects in different areas of design, I found I am passionate about branding and packaging. I am very interested in how creativity and strategy work together to create a product campaign that communicates effectively to the audience.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I believe art, design, and music are connected. I always listen to music that connects with a style of design I am working on at that moment. Artists like Gorillaz, David Bowie, Siddharta, Gustavo Cerati, and Zoe inspire me to create.

Patricia Narbona

PRATTMWP COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

Patricia Narbona is a multidisciplinary designer from Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain. She is currently based in Raleigh, NC. She is completing her BFA in communication design at Pratt Institute and primarily focuses on UX design and illustration. She has always been interested in colorful, playful color palettes and geometric shapes. As an illustrator, she is interested in portraying human relationships with themselves and with each other. As a designer, she is passionate about using design to create interfaces that promote sustainability while keeping user accessibility in mind. In addition to illustration and design, Patricia also loves to read, paint, travel, and spend time in nature.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I am mostly inspired by the eclectic color palettes and energetic, geometric lines of the furniture, architecture, and graphic design of the mid-century-modern design and post-modern design movements. However, I also find daily inspiration in street art, vintage books and advertisements, internet design trends, and in music!

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

In the future, I hope to work in the field of web design or UX/UI design. I am also interested in illustration and hope to further develop my skills within this area.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

I did not expect to learn so much about the importance of the design research process, and the influence that this process can have on your final design. I also did not expect to learn about the importance of using design to solve problems and make an impact on society, such as using it to push sustainable consumption or spread messages of positivity.

Sheroma Hodge

FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY

Sheroma Hodge is a creative leader, professional brand manager, photographer and media designer from the Virgin Islands living in Orlando, Florida. She recently earned her MFA in Media Design and was the Salutatorian of her graduating class. Her professional career spans over 20 years with expertise across photography, journalism, communications, and digital and visual design within the private and public sectors, telecommunications, financial services, tourism, sports, entertainment, and many others. Sheroma’s work has been published in numerous publications, online and on television, including NBC’s show ‘The Voice’. She has also had the pleasure of working with a number of creatives and entertainers such as Grammywinning and Grammy-nominated artists. Sheroma is a former Miss Universe British Virgin Islands and was a contestant in the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I'm uber-passionate about film, music, blockchain and the crypto space. I would love to specialize in design in those areas.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I'm currently listening to Andy Mineo's "Never Land II” album and Lecrae's "Church Clothes 4” album. I'm watching the “Earthstorm" Netflix series.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

In my field, I look up to each of my professors in the Full Sail University Media Design MFA program. They brought such effective, yet individualized flair to teaching — which was coated by their invaluable experience and expertise. My professors nurtured my potential and always encouraged me to do my best work.

Jamie Watson

FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY

Jamie Watson is a motion and print graphic designer from Atlanta, Georgia. She just completed her B.S. in Digital Arts and Design. Throughout her almost 10 years designing, she has grown incredibly fond of branding, typography, photography, logo and packaging design. With the direction of the industry headed into the motion world, she decided to take a crack at motion graphics where she learned all the 2 and 3-D animation principles in After Effects and Cinema 4-D. Logo reveal, explainer video, and lyric/word forward animations are her favorite type of motion graphics to create. Before attending Full Sail University, she founded, created, and led her school’s first ever art magazine, built and shot multiple yearbooks, worked as part of student council executive board and won various traditional art contests outside of school, all of which led her to pursue her career in graphic design. When she isn’t working, she spends the rest of her time crafting, exploring and adventuring, or training with her dog, Luna.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

The hardest part of designing is wanting to do everything. Regarding motion graphics, I adore the 2-D style explainer videos. I also would love to design posters and/or album covers for artists and venues.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I just started reading Don't F*cking Panic by Kelsey Darragh. The Perfect Person and This Changes Everything podcasts are some of my favorites when I'm not listening to my everyday pop punk playlists. My partner and I just finished watching Breaking Bad and I’m currently in the middle of Brooklyn 99.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

Aside from all my incredible instructors, famous painters, and designers, some others I look up to are the incredible ladies behind “The Brief Collective,” and the Boring Friends design and apparel Instagram pages.

Isabelle Tan

PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN

My name is Isabelle Tan and I am a Communication Design senior. I was born in Malaysia and was raised in Bangkok, Thailand ever since I was 2 months old. I am passionate about design, typography, and exploring the usage of type as an image. I believe typography is the very core of good design and that it has become a genuine art form in the world of graphic design. I make time to explore themes that I don’t fully understand in science, music, and fashion. I also love collecting books!

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I get inspired to work by things that surround me such as books, music and sound, furniture, and textures (skin, hair, mold/decay, pixels). The form of my work takes a lot of inspiration from mathematical and scientific graphs, data, and musical notations.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?

I really look up to the works of Larissa Kasper, Rosario Florio, Samuel Baenziger, Olivier Hug, Tracy Ma, Damon Zucconi and also Tauer Auerbach. My professors also really inspire me!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOUR TIME IN DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT?

Being a student at Parsons has taught me a lot technically, how to design a brand system, typeset, and code, but most importantly I have honed in on my interests and discovered who I am and how to work with the topics I am passionate about and deeply fascinated by. I feel very lucky!

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I have been slowly reading Caps Lock by Ruben Pater. I feel like it's important to learn about how graphic design is linked to the outlook of our economy today. The music I listen to influences my work a lot! I love anything ambient, electronic, and experimental. A few of my favorite musicians include Four Tet, Biosphere, Fridge, Floating Points, and Uther Moads.

Maya Valencia

PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Maya Valencia is a graphic designer based in New York City. She is in her final year at Parsons School of Design, working on her BFA in Communication Design. Maya works as a design assistant for Caspar Lam and YuJune Park at their design practice, Synoptic Office. She is currently self-publishing her first print magazine, Phase Zero, a publication documenting the current DIY scene in New York City.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Going on walks. Understanding how language is manifested in a city — in the present and in the past — but specifically through cultural movements and their printed matter. The ephemerality of design excites me!

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

Printed matter and installations. Editorial design!

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?

I am surrounded by incredibly talented people — my friends, classmates, professors, family, etc. The following designers/artists are inspiring to me right now: Paul Elliman, Daniel Eatock, and Julian Klincewicz (among many others). The design collective, Tomato — their process, philosophy, history, work, etc. — is most exciting to me at the moment. Richard Turley is interesting!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOUR TIME IN DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT?

1. Only you can see the world the way you do — how can you communicate this to everyone else?

2. What you are making is a material manifestation of an idea that is naturally always changing. Nothing is finite or complete, as there are infinite ways to convey one idea in suitable forms. Take off the pressure.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

Reading: Dune (always). Listening to: Experimental Jet Set, Trash And No Star. Watching:Drugstore Cowboy.

Nicolette Peji

USC ROSKI SCHOOL OF ART + DESIGN

Nicolette Peji is a Mexican & Filipina designer from San Diego, CA, U.S.A and a student at the USC Roski School of Art + Design. She also serves as an AIGA San Diego Tijuana Board Member. As a tri-national designer, she is passionate about sharing untold stories. Her projects focus on finding a deeper “why” and are informed by the genuine experiences of the communities they serve. She is passionate about using design as a tool to make the world a kinder and more inclusive place. For this reason, she has been drawn to projects such as designing the “MLK in LA” exhibition at the USC Fisher Museum of Art to honor the legacy of the most iconic advocate for change in our nation's history. She is a recipient of the AIGA Worldstudio Scholarship, the Farber Grant for Student Excellence, the BBB Ethical Business Award, and the Bezos Family Foundation Scholarship. Currently, she is working with a team of incredible binational designers towards telling the story of her region for the first ever bi-national World Design Capital: San Diego + Tijuana in 2024.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I am inspired by, and aim to amplify, my cultural communities. The iconic pink of the bougainvillea flowers that live outside of every other Mexican household is my most frequently used color. An image of a glowing sun, like the one on the flag of the Philippines, represents resilience in my design work. Words in Spanish or Tagalog, that have no direct English translation, often are present in my projects as well. Furthermore, I prefer my designs to be rooted in social impact and informed by the experiences of marginalized communities like the ones that I come from.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

Community Impact Design: My goal is to work on projects that create unity in a world that seems to be increasingly divided. I love to design brands that tell BIPOC stories and ideate campaigns that spread positive messages.

Tianxi Ren

USC ROSKI SCHOOL OF ART + DESIGN

Tianxi Ren is a world explorer, a design thinking enthusiast, and an interdisciplinary creator. She is passionate about life and always enjoys meeting different people and learning from their experiences. She cares about the people, the natural environment, and the future of the next generation.

As a designer with backgrounds in architecture, graphic design, UI/UX design, and photography, Tianxi designs compelling interactive experiences for people through the empathetic human-centered design process. She wants to create designs that not only fulfill people's needs and solve their problems but also empower them to become creative thinkers and designers in their lives.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I always get inspiration from my life by observing, listening, and feeling. I take pictures of anything that amazes me and put them in a digital diary that documents all my ideas.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I want to be a User Experience Designer for mixed reality. I want to explore how AR/VR can elevate our life to the next level, especially in the healthcare and education fields.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Interdisciplinary exploration. Before I went to the design school, I thought most “design” was done by one person and usually had a specific category, such as product design, graphic design, and architecture design. But my experience collaborating with people from different fields in design school has enriched my mind. Design is a tool, a way of thinking, and developing a good design requires interdisciplinary exploration.

Jazlyn Huynh

University Of Central Oklahoma School Of Design

Hello! My name is Jazlyn Huynh. I am a student studying Graphic Design and Spanish Modern Language. I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with the people that I love. I also like meeting new people and learning from their perspectives whether they're from a different continent or down the street.

The choice to become a graphic designer was fairly easy as it heavily consists of creative thinking. It brings me joy to help people bring their vision to life and ultimately, help their business or brand thrive. I go about life passionately helping others and trying to bring some light to every room I enter. I am a problem solver and dreamer, so ideas constantly run through my head as I go about my days.

I aspire to continue learning and lending a hand to people in any way I can. Through my passion for graphic design, attention to detail, and love for creative problem solving, I hope to do just that.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I feel inspired by my surroundings and discoveries that I experience each day.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I have always loved brand design as you can watch a brand evolve from start to finish; however, I recently have found package design to be quite fun too.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Design school has taught me how capable I am — I never thought I would get to where I am, yet with each year of growth, I am continually surprised.

Kumbit Soh

University Of Central Oklahoma School Of Design

Kumbit (Hanna) Soh is a senior majoring in Graphic Design. Born in Fiji and raised in South Korea and Brazil, she experienced diverse cultures ever since a young age. In the process of moving countries, she often faced challenges communicating in a new language. Realizing that drawing could reach others when words could not, she began to engage with communities through drawing and designing. Today, design is a part of her identity. It serves not only as a tool of communication and relationship-building, but also an agent of self-expression. Kumbit believes that expression and communication through design is unbounded by language barriers, enabling her to reach beyond words.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Good music with a cup of matcha latte. The design community that surrounds me. My family and friends. The hope to become the salt and light of this world.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I want to explore as much as possible, but I would love to work with branding and publication design.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Design is not just about being creative but being able to face challenges, speak up for a change, and cause a positive impact to the community.

WHAT ARE YOU READING, LISTENING TO, WATCHING?

I am reading Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon, listening to DAY6, and recently watched Minions 2.

Joshua Garret

NC STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF DESIGN

Joshua Garrett (he/him/his) is a senior studying Graphic and Ex perience design.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I get inspired when I witness genuine care, specifically in any artisan craft — digital or physical. The nature of Design work can lend itself well to that goal, albeit at varying degrees, but that’s a big reason why I enjoy the 1:1 work-to-results output of design. I am inspired most when I come across people who do artisan work with genuine care; anything from a coffee shop owner to an architect — when you can see they really know what they’re doing and why they do it, it’s really inspiring.

A great example of this is a man by the name of David, who I met in Evansville, Indiana. David and his family owned a coffee shop up there called White Swan, and I was really hit by the humble and driven nature of this guy. I don’t even drink coffee and I was blown away by not only the quality of the drink but also his authentic desire to serve people “a part of himself” or his “life” (I’m paraphrasing). He just really cared and would answer all my silly questions about it with so much humility — the humility of someone who doesn’t seem to compare himself to anyone else.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I’ve become more and more interested in areas like Service Design and Experience Design. I have years of experience in Graphics, which has allowed me some cool moments to step into some of these other areas, whether it’s through a restaurant menu design, a website, or anything that deals with how people enter into an experience and stay there.

With any design work I do, I want to think about it holistically — the start and end of a person’s time with that product, service, or experience. This is also why I love the idea of designing experiences. Anything from a floor layout to a cartoon character that waves at you from the bottom of the drink menu. I love that stuff!

Anabel Russo

NC STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF DESIGN

Anabel Russo (she/her) is a junior studying Graphic and Experience Design.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I began my college experience halfway across the world in the Czech Republic. Although initially I was anxious about the departure from my friends and family, being abroad ignited my curiosity and interest in design, culture, and people. Learning new perspectives and traditions that vary across cultures inspires me to be an adaptable and inclusive designer. These experiences also taught me the value of being observant and asking questions. There is endless inspiration to be found in the details of everyday life. Whenever I feel stuck in a creative rut, I like to take a moment to spend time in nature, engage in conversation, and share meaningful moments with the people closest to me. I am fortunate to be surrounded by creative classmates, friends, and family who continually inspire and motivate me as well.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

My focus now is on specialization in user experience and visual design. My minor is psychology, so I find it fascinating to experiment with the intersection of my interests in order to create human-centered design solutions. I am drawn to purpose-driven projects that empower the user and companies that prioritize an empathetic approach to design. Agency, government, and technology work are all of interest to me. I hope to utilize emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality in order to inspire connection and improve the lives of others.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I have been reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, a book about the body’s physiological and cognitive response to trauma. Outside of design, I have a passion for learning about cognitive and behavioral science. It’s a very insightful read that I would recommend to anyone looking to better understand how the human mind is shaped through our experiences. In order to be a more empathetic, accessible, and inclusive designer, I aim to expand my knowledge of human psychology.

Ben Kaynor

VIRGINIA TECH

Hello! My name is Ben Kaynor, and I’m a senior in Graphic Design at Virginia Tech. I’m interested in branding, UI/UX, and motion graphics, but I love all fields of design. When I’m not behind a computer screen, I enjoy drawing and playing video games. I’m also really into acting: I’m part of the campus’ sketch comedy group and I’ve been doing voicework online for a couple of years. Thanks for reading!

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Good design. When I see other people have that “A-Ha!” moment, I want to have it too.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I enjoy all areas of design, but I’ve recently been most interested in branding, UI/UX, and motion graphics.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Learning to receive and give thoughtful criticism has become a key part of my design process; I don’t think I would appreciate that without the help of my classmates and professors.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?

I’ve recently been smitten with Allan Peters’ style and have been studying his work.

WHAT ARE YOU READING, LISTENING TO, WATCHING?

Ben Marriott’s YouTube channel has been a recent source of inspiration. The techniques he teaches are easily accessible and widely applicable.

Julia Kindle

VIRGINIA TECH

Hello! My name is Julia, I'm a digitally-focused artist studying graphic design. While studying it here, I fell in love with design and hope to pursue a career in advertising and motion graphics. I began taking the idea of becoming a professional artist seriously when I started middle school, and I have been enrolled in art-centered electives since then. Creating is my passion and I put my all into every piece I produce! I get a lot of insight into my own practice when observing how my peers approach design problems. I think it’s super important to have a strong community of designers that build each other up. I can’t wait to explore career options that allow me to stretch my creative muscles as a part of a team!

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Definitely seeing other people’s work! Sometimes I’ll see an amazing work of art that fills me with the urge to create, it's a great feeling. I usually save works that inspire me to a Pinterest board so I can go back to them later.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I would really love a career in advertising! I see work done by companies like Outright and The Martin’s Agency and think, “man I’d love to make stuff like that for a living.” There’s so much room for creativity, and it seems like such an open and friendly environment.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

It taught me the value of making numerous sketches before deciding on a final mark. When drawing I usually would only make one sketch and go from there, but since studying at VT I’ve seen how that practice could prevent me from making even better work. I now make a bunch of sketches before deciding on a direction!

Ricky Chen

CARNEGIE MELLON SCHOOL OF DESIGN

I’m Ricky, a designer studying Communication Design and HumanComputer Interaction at Carnegie Mellon University. I enjoy building creative tools and software, design systems, and graphic identities that are grounded in visual polish and thoughtful clarity. While interface, interactive, and product-related work are my primary focus, my visual background also extends into the realms of printed matter, editorial design, art direction, and analog forms of making. Aside from work, I enjoy exploring music, photography, and art in whatever ways I can. I love sharing really good music with my really good friends, keeping up a routine of calligraphing beautiful words, and building up my personal collections of vinyl records and vintage home objects.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I like staying inspired and curious as often as possible, which is quite easy when you’re surrounded by the most talented, inspiring, and kind friends. I also like exploring disciplines outside of design such as ikebana, DJing, and poetry to help inform my design work and interests.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I recently just got the book ‘Design as an Attitude,’ which I’ll be reading soon, and I’m currently listening to anything by Blood Orange or Ryuchi Sakamoto.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

I look up to many people, both past and present. Just to name a few, I really enjoy the works of Irma Boom, Elana Schlenker, Tracy Ma, Chloe Scheffe, Alexis Jamet, Chia Amisola, Emily Liu, Molly Mielke, Mitsuo Katsui, Talia Cotton, and Tori Hinn.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Design school has taught me the value of being resourceful. Through asking the right questions, connecting with the right people, or knowing the right places to get started, I’ve realized it’s never been easier to learn something.

Jacky Lococo

Carnegie Mellon School Of Design

Jacky Lococo is a junior, studying communication design with a passion for print design, illustration, and brand design. As a designer, she loves to create applicable, elegant, and risk-taking graphic design and interfaces. She enjoys taking on challenges that allow her to develop her design methods and perspectives on design. Being consistently inspired by crafting narratives, she loves to create immersive worlds and stories that audiences can enter into. Through classes and personal projects, she also enjoys experimenting with mediums, whether it be through motion graphics, photography, and 3D modeling. When she's not in the studio or buried in the Creative Suite, she can be found working on a crochet project or trying a new gluten-free baking recipe!

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I am often inspired by compelling stories as well as unique compositions in everyday life.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I’ve been listening to Beyoncé’s Renaissance album quite a bit and watching the Great British Baking Show whenever I get the chance!

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

I really admire the work of Irma Boom!

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

I’ve learned how important the community of students and friends around you are to foster a creative process and culture. Together, our class navigated difficult times during COVID-19, and through the experience, we looked out for one another, helped each other, and tried to support each other. I find myself incredibly grateful that I am able to work, laugh, and interact with them every day.

Mariya Dydyk The Modern College Of Design

My name is Mariya Dydyk. I am a second-year student. Originally I came from Ukraine, where my passion for art started. I have always loved to draw and participated in many art contests. I came to America in 7th grade, where my life and goals changed. I fell in love with graphic design and decided to turn my passion into a career.

After February 24, 2022, my life changed again. I felt so much patriotism and pride for my native country because Ukrainians are strong in spirit and thirst for freedom. So, I started using my creative abilities to help volunteer organizations. Helping Ukraine inspires me and gives me the strength to continue my safe life far from my homeland. As a designer, I aim to become a strong storyteller and create beauty. Finally, I have strong views on life, where justice, equality, and love play crucial roles in our lives.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I feel inspired by my peers, instructors, friends, and Ukrainian people who fight for their identity. Also, the fantastic work of other graphic designers profoundly inspires me.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I am listening to KOLA, a Ukrainian singer. I am rereading Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. Also, I currently finished watching Enola Holmes on Netflix.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

I look up to Yurko Gutsulyak, who is a Ukrainian designer. He specializes in brand identity and packaging design. My favorite quote from him is, “Just as Ukrainian identity, Ukrainian graphic design experiences today a stage of its active development.”

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I want to specialize in branding and packaging design.

Rob Keel

THE MODERN COLLEGE OF DESIGN

Hi, I'm Rob Keel, a fourth-year student. I found The Modern through a podcast, and this great school has helped me improve as a designer. I enjoy designing solutions that serve a functional purpose in a user's life. I found my love for UI/UX design at The Modern when figuring out how I fit into the design industry. I could always do branding projects in school and create different logos and graphics, but it never felt like I excelled at those areas of design. In the last semester of my associate degree, I was finally introduced to UI/UX. I immediately knew that this area of design was for me. I would describe myself as a functional designer. You likely won't find me illustrating or tackling large Photoshop projects. Instead, my strengths lie in solving problems with practical solutions that aim to improve overall user experience.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I feel inspired when I read and listen to other designers talk about their process and the decisions they make during a project.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

Currently, I am listening to a lot of podcasts. I love the Overly Human podcast. I am also a big Ted Lasso fan and am waiting for the next season to come out.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

Leah Henderson and Chris Beach have had a major impact on me as a designer. Their approach to UX and teaching has pushed me to become a better designer.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I want to work as a UI/UX designer in tech or consulting.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Design school has taught me how important empathy is in the design process.

Maria Jose Nunez Bonequi Sessions College For Professional Design

Maria Jose Nunez Bonequi is a digital artist from Mexico City but currently lives in North Carolina. Her passion for art started a long time ago when she was just a little girl, her grandmother used to make handmade decorations and paintings and introduced Maria to the art world. It wasn’t until she was 12 that she decided to take art more seriously and took several art classes during middle school when she moved to Argentina. Years later she was determined to become a professional digital artist and moved to the United States to pursue her dream and enrolled in Sessions College.

Maria is currently registered for an Associate Degree in Illustration and is about to graduate this upcoming spring of 2023. Her favorite medium is digital art, she specializes in Illustrator and Procreate but she also masters traditional mediums like watercolors, acrylics, and ink. Her plans after graduation are to start her career as a freelance illustrator that focuses merely on comic books, children’s books, and background illustrations. However, she is also planning on creating a comic book or an animated show of her own!

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I think I take a lot of inspiration from my heritage, my art has been influenced a lot by Aztec and Mayan cultures. Their legends, their gods, their traditions . . . all of them are so unique and my art is directly, and indirectly, influenced by them.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I am currently reading the Popol Vuh, a book that contains several Mayan texts, listening to the album Trench by Twenty One Pilots, and watching Pinocchio by Guillermo del Toro.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

Someone I look up to is the concept artist Mary Blair, she worked in several Disney classics like Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella. The way she transmitted mood through her artworks is simply mesmerizing.

Micky Jordan

SESSIONS COLLEGE FOR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN

Micky Jordan is a Black Southerner transmasculine and queer graphic designer born in Florida but currently lives in Durham, NC.

Micky has spent the ten years developing and growing my graphic design and communications skills with organizations and campaigns that are intersectional and justice-oriented: through his current role as a Junior Graphic Designer at National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), his 7-year relationship with Southerners on New Ground (SONG) from Organizing Fellow to Communications Director; as the graphic designer for Nicole Townsend’s Asheville City Council run; and as an instructor for Social Movement Technologies (SMT)’s Graphic Design Apprenticeship for Organizers in 2019 and 2021. In his free time, he hosts a podcast called Taking TV Too Seriously with his co-host Michelle and enjoys hanging out with his friends and dog, Jolene. Website: mickyjordan.com

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I find inspiration in so many places! Whether it's from perusing book covers at stores, reading/looking at art books, going to museums and looking at design and art on social media, social change and protest art, or my new hobby, board games, I like to take in art from anywhere whenever it speaks to me. I love seeing how art and design can tell stories to their audiences in different ways.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I watch SO many tv shows and movies. I have been watching a lot of dating reality shows like Love is Blind and Too Hot to Handle. I also love The White Lotus and Ru Paul’s Drag Race and just finished season two recently! I’m usually listening to podcasts like Why Won’t You Date Me, Best Friends, and Drag Her, and I’m currently playing SZA’s new album SOS over and over.

Matthew Brodsky

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

NEWHOUSE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

I grew up in Chicago, where my interest in graphic design started. In high school, I created commissioned sneaker-themed artwork for friends and family. Since then, my love of graphic design has only grown as I’ve broadened my skills to include the universe of visual media, such as storytelling, typography, UI/UX, immersive design, and motion design. Creating graphic artwork for the sports and entertainment industry has been my passion. My artwork was recently showcased at the 2022 Design Core Sneaker House art exhibit, presented by Footlocker in Detroit. In addition, I’m collaborating with my UI/UX professor at Syracuse, along with another founder, to create Soleless, a trading card brand that creates virtual and physical user experiences. I design all artwork, products, and augmented reality experiences, such as Snapchat lenses for the brand. I am a passionate and curious designer who is eager to gain any opportunity to learn a new design technique or software.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I am often most inspired by the experiences of those closest to me. The stories and backgrounds of my family and friends provide amazing narratives for design. These interactions spark creativity as well as motivation to get better and better. I am also inspired by the support I get from mentors, especially my professors at Syracuse, as I test the boundaries of graphic design. I am thankful to have a network of such inspiring people who share an appreciation for the results of my hard work.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

Lately, I have been listening to a lot of podcasts. I like listening to podcasts about design, technology, history, sports, and comedy. I always want to learn more and understand the world better. I also often listen to music, specifically, from artists primarily from Chicago.

Natalia Deng Yuan

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

NEWHOUSE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

Heyo! I'm Natalia Deng Yuan, a senior pursuing my BS in Graphic Design at Syracuse University. My design work is driven by play through UI/UX design, motion design, immersive design, typography design, pigeons, and chickens! I started off 2023 attending MIT Reality Hack, where my team won the Effect House AR Short Film Festival track. My teammates and I created 16 TikTok effect filters in under 48 hours. Through this hackathon experience, I am looking to pursue a career in XR and UI/UX design. Nonetheless, as someone who knows six languages, I am hoping to continue to combine my multilingual skills with design to help more people.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Designing for good purposes that make people happy inspires me to create more for others. I love it when design help and connects communities together.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I am currently watching people on TikTok using one of the filters I created during the hackathon; trying to understand how a simple filter of pigeons flying went viral.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

In high school, I learned that words are powerful, but in college, I learned that by combining words and visuals, the impact is even more powerful. Visuals can reach wider audiences; whether they can understand the language or not, the visuals can still communicate to a certain degree and evoke emotions.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?

That got to be Don Allen Stevenson, who’s pioneering the future of XR. He shares his insight and experiments of XR, Ai, and web3 with creativity on the internet.

Iya Abdulkarim

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

Iya Abdulkarim is a designer, biologist, and incoming medical student. She earned her B.A. in Biology magna cum laude with Departmental Distinction from St. Olaf College and is a Texas Design in Health Distinguished Student Scholar at the University of Texas at Austin. She is pursuing an M.A. in Design focused on Health and anticipates leveraging her knowledge and experience in design throughout her medical training and practice. As a passionate interdisciplinary innovator, she finds great joy in drawing the connections between seemingly disparate fields and ideas. She also enjoys drawing on paper, digitally, or whatever medium lies within arms reach when inspiration strikes.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Many things! Off the top of my head, I find the undeniable examples of design in the human body to be incredibly inspiring. Anatomical artwork in particular leaves me in a state of awe, ruminating on both the frailty and strength of the human body which requires nothing short of a miracle to function daily.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I am currently reading Heart: A History by Sandeep Jauhar, and listening to the Heartwork podcast by Qalam Institute. Clearly there is a theme here . . . I keep curiosity and creativity at the heart of my pursuits, within and beyond the classroom.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

Fully entering the field of design as a graduate student means I have learned a great deal from some incredible designers across sectors. I look up to the faculty I have studied under in the M.A. in Design focused on Health program.

Libby Riddell

University Of Texas At Austin

Libby is a multidisciplinary designer living in Austin, TX where she is pursuing an MFA in design. She has a background in interior design, and a strong interest in creating a more equitable experience through the built environment. Her thesis investigates design enabled harm and focuses on ethics in design and design responsibility. When she is not in class, she loves biking, paddle boarding, traveling, and walking with her dog, Tito.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Chatting with others, designers, and non-designers alike. I always feel more inspired when working in a group than I do alone.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

Reading: The Firekeeper's Daughter

Listening to: Armchair Expert

Watching: The Mindy Project

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

I love the work of Tatiana Bilbao.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I hope to work in design research and design strategy. I would love to work as a design researcher within the social impact design space.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Design is so expansive and goes beyond what we consider the traditionally accepted disciplines. It has really made me question how we determine who gets to call themselves a designer and who does not.

Sam Grimm

RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

Sam Grimm is a senior majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in the Business of Art and Design. Growing up she was always drawn towards art and design but it was not until she had already started her college education when she discovered graphic design as a career. This ignited a new journey fueled by passion that has led her to where she is today. Her love for the design process and ability to fuse design with strategy brings her projects to life with the intention to invoke thought and action. She has found that finding the reason people care is the core to successful design and she strives to reach the core every time.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I find my inspiration all around me but especially in nature. There is nothing like going outside and experiencing all the textures, smells, and views nature has to offer.

FAVORITE MOVIE, TV SHOW, BOOK, AND/OR PODCAST?

I am always listening to Bad Bunny. His music never fails to put me in a good mood and get my creative juices flowing.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I truly enjoy all aspects of design and because of this I am hoping to work at an advertising agency where there are opportunities to work on a variety of projects after graduation.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Your ability to speak to your work and articulate your thoughts is just as valuable as the quality of your design.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?

I look up to Paula Scher. She is such an icon and has impacted the design industry and community in so many ways.

Nickela Winfield

RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

My name is Nickela Winfield and I am a senior in Graphic Design with a minor in Business of Art and Design. I am from a small, country town in North Carolina. As you can imagine, there is not much to do or see. I learned about graphic design from a video on YouTube of an artist vectorizing a cheeseburger using Affinity Designer. Now, I look back and think about the day my life opened up. Who knew this graphic design thing existed? I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I was excited to learn more. I dove in and fell down the rabbit hole of watching design tutorials. I decided that night that graphic design was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. From there, I researched many colleges but decided after a visit during Accepted Student Day that Ringling College was the perfect choice for me. Now that I am in my final semester, I can confidently say I made the right choice. I have learned so much about presenting work, making intentional design decisions, and using emotion to help tell the story.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I feel inspired knowing that learning never ends. I can always watch a video tutorial or talk to one of my classmates and learn more. There is always something to do, questions to ask, ideas to realize, and challenges to conquer.

FAVORITE MOVIE, TV SHOW, BOOK, AND/OR PODCAST?

I am reading The Black Experience in Design: Identity, Expression, & Reflection. I am listening to Flume's album Palaces and Beyonce’s album Renaissance. My Spotify Wrapped was pretty insane, and I am watching Kaleidoscope on Netflix.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

There are many ways to use design to create a more accessible and diverse world. So, I’m hoping to work in the areas of branding and accessible packaging design.

Isabelle Hollander

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

While growing up, I always had a crayon in one hand and paper in the other. The sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with drawing always had a way of calming me. The drawing was my escape and where I felt the happiest, so it was where I directed my energy. From then, I knew I always wanted to pursue an art career. It was not until I started researching majors for college that I discovered design. As I complete my degree in communication design with a double minor in art history and metalsmithing, I know I made the right decision. I love to find new ways to communicate ideas using illustration and bold aesthetics. When I am not designing, I can be found at home drawing with a good show in the background and surrounded by lots of snacks.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I feel inspired when I am engrossed in the design community. Being able to brainstorm, critique and show work with others pushes me to keep designing.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I would love to specialize in package design and illustration. I love creating unique imagery that grabs people’s attention. The idea of my designs in someone's home being used in their everyday life is exciting.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOUR TIME IN DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT?

I did not expect to learn about breaking down letter forms into simple shapes to help determine which shapes would suit a project better. Applying this technique to any project creates cohesiveness.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I have been listening to Six the Musical and the Hunchback of Notre Dame soundtrack all year. The power behind the vocals and the impeccable storytelling energizes me whenever I need an uplifting moment.

Mariangelis Pagan

University Of North Texas

Mariangelis is a senior undergraduate student at the UNT pursuing a BFA in Communication Design. She is shaped by her HispanicCaribbean roots, American experiences, and multiple international trips. She is passionate about creating sophisticated and evocative visuals that bring solutions to life and tell a meaningful captivating story. She comes from a fine art background and her preferred choice of mediums are pencil and oil painting. Her work often draws on inspiration from historic styles that guide a unique approach to a modern project. Mariangelis’ mission is to bring a level of sophistication to every project. When Mariangelis is not busy designing, you'll most likely find her watching one of her many favorite period dramas while her two dachshunds beg for pets.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I am inspired by the life that I dreamed of having since I was little, personal growth and exploration, and experiencing new things.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I have always had the desire to work in Hospitality, Packaging, Spirit Packaging, and Luxury branding. I like to browse the liquor aisles and faun over the design. I aspire to one day have one of my designs sitting on those shelves.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOUR TIME IN DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT?

Something I learned that I did not expect, is that as much as school is about you, growing your skills as a designer, it's also about pushing yourself and learning who you are as a person.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I have a Florence, Hozier, and Aurora playlist that I'm always listening to. I’m a big fan of period dramas, and the one I'm currently watching is “All Creatures Great and Small" by PBS Masterpiece.

Nina Perez

SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO (SAIC)

Nina Perez (she/her) is a Chicago-based graphic designer pursuing a bachelor of fine arts with a focus in Visual Communication Design. Her design practice integrates hand-driven elements and analog processes with digital materials, and often aims to understand the power of design to author and re-contextualize popular historical narratives to incite dialogue and critical engagement. She was placed among the top 10 percent of bachelor of fine arts applicants in 2018, is a Distinguished Artist Scholar at SAIC, and was a 2022 finalist for the Justyna Palka Memorial Scholarship. She has exhibited work at the Oak Park Art League, the Gene Siskel Film Center, the Siragusa Gallery, and Side Street Studio Arts in Elgin among organizations and institutions. She continues to explore the capacity of design to act as a meaningful praxis toward social engagement through collaborative work with community partners and other emerging artists and designers. She has also worked professionally in-house as a web/ecomm focus designer at CB2 | Crate & Barrel, and has freelanced with Boston-based design studios Colossus Creative Co. and A&Co., as well as other small businesses and local nonprofit organizations.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Within my design practice, I’m often most inspired by good stories — I think design in its essence is a sort of visual storytelling, and having powerful stories to tell often feels like the most empowering thing to have in your toolbelt as a designer.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

Professionally, I am hoping to continue developing a broad and diverse design portfolio that spans a wide range of disciplines from brand identity and packaging to web design and motion graphics, although I am also hoping to continue a personal print-based design practice. I have fallen in love with Risography during my time at SAIC and I would love to continue that work moving forward, even if it’s just for myself.

Max Weiss

SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO (SAIC)

Max Weiss, the individual behind the public-facing project Forge and Format, is a designer and artist who is based in the city of Chicago. His undergraduate study at SAIC has allowed him to infuse traditional design training with fine art practices, leading to a diverse portfolio that encompasses everything from publications to electronic sculpture. Despite this creative breadth, Max believes that design principles lie at the core of any successful project regardless of medium.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Learning how to use new tools — whether they be part of a physical process (i.e., laser cutting) or the latest wave of software — always results in a fresh wave of ideas for me to explore and integrate into my existing practice.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

Historically I have been drawn to iconography, visual identity, and type design, but I have yet to engage the latter beyond some logotypes and rudimentary hand lettering. That is what I would like to devote my attention to next.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

The guidance and experience offered by professors — or anyone else in the industry — should be duly noted, but it is ultimately up to the individual to take an approach that makes the most sense to them in the context of any problem they are presented with. There is no explicit or universally-applicable solution that can be instructed.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/ WATCHING?

I listen to a lot of music while I work, but some of my favorite albums as of late are False Idol by Veil of Maya, Artificial Void by Unprocessed, and Dead End Kings by Katatonia. I’m especially looking forward to more tracks from Time, The Valuator as the band gains its footing again.

Marcus Djuhadi University Of Cincinnati

Marcus Djuhadi is a senior studying Communication Design at the University of Cincinnati DAAP. He envisions opportunities to enrich people's lives through meaningful interactions with digital products, services, and brands. Energized by collaboration, he loves building a deep understanding of others and honoring their voices to craft solutions. Recently, he's been curious about the role of narrative in design, experimenting with generative methods to amplify stories worth sharing.

Beyond the studio, Marcus helps lead his school's Design for America chapter through strategic initiatives benefiting the Cincinnati community. This passion for design innovation has taken him across the country, where he's worked with the brilliant teams at Punchcut, WeWork, Grand Studio, Evolve Collaborative, and Relish Works. In his free time, he enjoys tap dancing, throwing clay on pottery wheels, and hosting the ultimate game night.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I feel most inspired when I step away from the screen and into the kitchen to test recipes. Currently, I'm investigating new flavor combinations for pies!

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

Innovation strategy, product design, service design

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Perfection is the enemy of progress. Through school, I've grown comfortable with learning through scrappy prototypes, navigating ambiguity, and making decisions.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I'll never get tired of listening to The Moth Radio Hour podcast or Maude Latour's discography.

Eddie Loughran University Of Cincinnati

Eddie Loughran is a designer from the outskirts of Chicago. He is currently completing his BS in Communications Design at UC. As a designer, Eddie values the impact that both type and imagery have on storytelling. He’s most known for his bold use of typography and colorful image manipulation, specializing in Photoshop and Illustrator with a passion for emerging technologies. In his free time, he can be found watching spooky movies or working on his ongoing self-initiated poster series.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Outsider artists, alternate/rejected design concepts, the Pinterest algorithm, plunderphonic music, nostalgia, pulp horror movies, and that elusive “ah-ha” design moment happening at two in the morning.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I’ve always viewed myself as a storyteller first and foremost. I’m comfortable playing around with any medium that I believe will help best communicate a creative vision. After graduation, I plan to work at Empire Design, specializing in film and tv marketing.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Aside from just general time management skills, I found a lot of value in how open-ended projects often were. I always sought to go above and beyond what project briefs were asking, which always led to me developing a concept that I was very passionate about. In hindsight, this freedom of expression has been what encouraged me to develop my own look and feel, and subsequently what kick started my career.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?

Historically, the designers I’ve drawn the most inspiration from are Tibor Kalman and Katsuhiro Otomo. In my personal work, I find myself frequently referencing the great polish designers Franciszek Starowieyski and Jakub Erol.

Casey Litchfield Portland State University

Casey Litchfield is a Senior in the Graphic Design program. Born and raised in Milwaukie, Oregon, Casey was always surrounded by creative energy. Growing up Casey always had a fascination with science and art, and this fascination only grew over time. As a designer, Casey enjoys exploring the intersection between science and design, while also mixing in his experience as a queer individual. His work aims to tackle abstract concepts and provide them with a new perspective. Bright and playful energy runs through his design work, with a constant focus on engaging viewers, and providing new insights to them. As Casey’s journey begins to close at Portland State University, he hopes to continue on his path of science and design, while constantly pushing himself to see new possibilities.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I am constantly inspired and in awe of the structure and systems of nature and our planet! We as humans have learned to live and create our own vision from these pre-existing organisms and environments, and our ability to create such visions is truly extraordinary to me.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

How crucial research is to a project. By digging as deep as possible into a subject, you begin to understand it in a different light, and that is where you really find the gold.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?

The first designer who really left an impact on me early on in my days of design school was Jessica Hische. Seeing the way she crafted her career, and how she approaches her work was very inspiring to me, and allowed me to see the possibilities of a career in design!

Isabella Medina

PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Isabella Medina is a designer, student and nanny currently living in Portland, Oregon. With interests shaped by her identity as a gay Colombian-American, Isabella came to graphic design through Portland Community College, via portrait photography and small town-magazine layout, and stayed for the friendships and fonts. She’s currently practicing type making, pattern design, and hosting a local creative event series through a project called Snack Time. Some of her favorite projects so far include a screen-printed poster series for a recently passed Oregon gun safety measure, and illustrations to promote endometriosis awareness, after fighting her own uterus while in school.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I’m inspired when I see people with cool tattoos, public libraries, giant hand-painted signs, janitors, 14th century gothic scripts, and color palettes derived from shaved ice flavors. And most deeply, snacks.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I would love to make motion graphics and drawings that help explain tricky things in a fun way.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Learning After Effects IS possible even though the buttons are made for ants.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?

I love Kate Bingaman-Burt for her boundless energy to create, share, explore ideas, and make little pencils out of air-dry-clay.