I solve problems through design

“The public is more familiar with bad design than good design. It is, in effect, conditioned to prefer bad design, because that is what it lives with. The new becomes threatening, the old reassuring” (Paul Rand).

I have always had an interest in art while growing up. As I got older, I discovered my interest in graphic design - sifting through magazines or books wondering why things were done the way they were in various medias and if they could ever be improved. I had a wonderful opportunity to test and further develop my past-time into a potential career at a career center in the latter half of my high school experience. Fast forward a few years, now, I am graduating college with a concentration in Graphic Design with an overall interest to contribute positive changes in the growth of design, not only in the general public, but also to further the growth of my own designs.

 The refinement of my design pieces has truly been elevating throughout my college career. One of my largest goals was to always explore different styles and aesthetics through each project I was assigned. To understand different adaptations that would generally be taken in the real world with clients. I have been focusing on the authenticity of my work alongside exploring different styles. I feel if your work is truly authentic it has more of a chance to hit home with the audience than it would being solely created off other’s imagery, illustrations or fonts.

 The authenticity in my work is visualized in my work through my own imagery, illustrations and hand-made typography. Generally, my process begins with assessing some key details and research on the functionality of my intended piece, the audience it is reaching out to and the client’s desires. After I establish a solid foundation, I begin to work preliminary thoughts and ideas in my sketchbook. This is where the authenticity of my work shines through various illustrations and hand-made typefaces. I use a tool called Adobe Capture to import these ideas from pencil and paper to a digital platform to further render and refine. Coming to the end of my process is seeing how these things will look implemented, providing a seemingly accurate mock-up in essence of each project whether it is a poster, billboard or vehicle graphics.

 The overarching goal has always been growth, but everyone will have their own desires as to how their piece should look and as a designer it is pertinent to be able to cater to that part of our role. However, the authenticity of the work can ultimately elevate the message being communicated.