Goals
Academic
- Fully invest in my thesis for Graphic Design and my Capstone in Liberals Studies during the fall Semester
- Continue to develop my skills with software pertaining to the field of Graphic Design
- Create a portfolio of my design work for job and graduate school applications
Work
- Continue to grow as a digital educator at Montana State University
- Apply for a steady job post-graduation in spring 2021
Personal
- Dedicate time out of every week to train for Rock Climbing, the sport that occupies the majority of my free time.
- Go rockclimbing in South Africa after my graduation
- Foster a healthy balance between my love for outdoor activities and work schedule
Coursework
How I have become a visual communicator:
In a world saturated by images, sounds, and mechanisms of instant gratification it is a designers role to thoroughly identify its audience in a manner that allows them to effectively speak a visual language relevant to them
Year One
In my first year at Montana State University I took a variety of foundational courses for my graphic design degree. These course included the Basics of Drawing (ARTZ 105RZ), Comprehensive 2D and 3D Foundations (ARTZ 109 RA), as well as Ideation and Creativity (ARTZ 110 RA). The largest takeaways from these courses were understanding the way in which visual language can influence the how individuals view and process the world around them. These course helped build my understanding of an empathetic approach to design in order most effectively communicate to the desired target audience. Continuing the principles of visual language learned during this first year I took a Web Design (145 RA) course to practice curating and constructing effective websites that present a clear and concise visual language.
Year Two
My second year at MSU really allowed me to move deeper into studying graphic design by beginning to more fully develop understanding of design principles and knowledge of the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. In this preliminary overview of design principles I learned how to leverage the knowledge of visual language with thoughtful placement of text and visuals in order to effectively communicate with a target audience. The primary courses in which these skills were fostered were Design Principles (GDSN 223) and Form and Content (GDSN 224). Projects included designing an array of 2D materials, beginning with magazine spreads, posters, and album covers. Upon understanding typographic layouts I began to explore more with holistic brand systems and identity systems design. At the end of my second year in the graphic design program I curated a selection of my designs and art work during my first two years in the program in order to pass a portfolio review to be officially accepted into Montana State University’s graphic design program.
Year Three
Having passed the portfolio review in Graphic Design, my third year at MSU allowed me to dive deep into the upper level professional studios. These studios included a continuation into Identity Systems (GDSN 367), in which I learned the basics of functional logo design to then develop fully branded experiences under one unified design system. Perhaps one of the most influential design studios I took during this year was named Design and Society (GDSN 377). This course focused on empathetic design that is for the good of society and on design that is driving by social responsibility rather than by economic incentives. This course emphasized a prototype and refine design process, which involved user testing of a design and then changing the design to better respond to feedback. Another professional studio I took during my third year at MSU was Guerrilla Advertising (GDSN 378), which focused on using unconventional means of advertising in order to better capture target audiences' attention better in our overly saturated world of visual communication. Lastly, a studio course in Motion Graphics (GDSN 371) allowed me to move beyond 2D dimensional design and explore the way in which time added to otherwise still design adds a more holistic experience to the way in which we can visually communicate. Now more than ever the ability to design things that move has given me an unexpected skill set from my time studying design at Montana State.
Year Four
This year I look forward to diving deeper into my interests in Graphic Designing by focusing on my thesis project. I will also be completing my Capstone project for my second degree in Liberal Studies by focusing on how we can use Hemp as a sustainable material for the designs of the future.
Outcomes
More than just a degree:
I firmly believe that university is more about the process and journey throughout the world of academia than it is about a piece of paper for the diploma. It is about the critical thinking, friendships, the self-discipline that is slowly cultivated year after year.
Visual Communicator
As an aspiring graphic designer, my courses at MSU have taught me the importance of not only clear and concise written and oratory communication, but most importantly visual communication. In the highly visual world we live in today there is, in essence, grammar and nuance to the visual languages we see every day; the graphic design department has taught me the idiosyncrasies of this language.
Multi Cultural Perspective
As a student who has studied Spanish since middle school, I figured a minor in Spanish would be an essential step in becoming bilingual. More than that, however, upon taking higher-level Spanish courses I have fallen in love with the different perspectives these courses have brought to my attention. I hope in the future to use my understanding of the complex Latinx relationships in the western world to better aid my design for social causes.
Interdisciplinary Thinker
A combination of a BFA in Graphic Design, BA in Liberal Studies, and minor in Spanish has certainly not provided for the easiest path through university. However, the diverse range of classes that these programs have allowed me to take has resulted in a path to a diploma that has variety and continuously sparks new interest.
Aspiring Educator
As an Adobe Student Ambassador and youth rock climbing coach teaching and mentorships is a component of my character that I have cultivated over the years. I have loved teaching workshops for different Adobe software to promote digital literacy on Montana State University's campus.
Outside of the Classroom
I am a:
Listener
Throughout my life, I have often found myself in situations that require listening actively to grow better. While some are better with words and communicating, I find my strengths come from engaged listening to those around me. Looking back to my high school years I believe Speech and Debate (Policy Debate) in particular fostered these skills of listening in order to understand others' ideas. As a designer, it is crucial for me to listen to feedback and critique not only to improve a design but also to grow as a creative individual.
Creator
Ever since I can remember I have been fortunate enough to have art in my life. In elementary school it was after-school art programs, in middle school it was taking extra lessons from my art teacher, then in high school, it was a matter of taking as many art classes as I could. Now that I am finally pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts I have found my stride in the creative world and am invigorated by it. As a member and now president of the Graphic Design Guild at Montana State University I seek to engage those around me to improve their creative process. Furthermore, as an Adobe Student Ambassador, I seek to help share creative software with the MSU community to allow individuals to express their creativity digitally.
Educator
As a high schooler, I was a Bridger Care Peer Educator who relayed medically accurate sexual health and relationship information to students in local schools and community groups. This opportunity really showed me the power of delivering important information to those around me. Moving past high school I worked at a traveling school for Rock Climbers where I coached and mentored 15 elite student-athletes and continued to foster a joy for education and mentorship (Photo on the Left of the graduating senior class of The Climbing Academy). Now in my final year at Montana State University, I continue to coach rock climbing to the competitive team at our local climbing gym, offer digital literacy coaching through the office of Technology and Outreach at MSU, and seek to create a creative community of designers through the Graphic Design Guild.
Credits:
Created with images by DedMityay - "Top view of GOALS list on notepad on dark table, business success inspiration and motivation concept" • Rymden - "Close up of male hands and laptop with blank screen. Mock-up of computer monitor. Copyspace ready for design or text"