What kind of work are you doing now? I am currently finishing my MFA degree in Graphic Design. A part time job at a design studio in Washington, DC and freelance design work consume much of the time I'm not spending on graduate-related work. The types of freelance work I have been doing as of late consist of Web site design and marketing materials for manufacturers in various industries.
What is the best thing about being a designer? Few jobs exist where you have the opportunity to interact with businesses and individuals from such disparate industries on a day-to-day basis. On Monday you may be designing a Web site for a financial company, while on Tuesday you are brainstorming logo ideas for a new elementary school. This type of work environment allows you to continuously meet new people and learn about other industries and businesses. Additionally, it's gratifying to see the work you do help a client reach their intended goals.
How did the graphic design program at SU prepare you for the real world? SU's design program taught me to think like a designer. That may sound vague, but being a designer is not simply about "making things pretty." The design program at SU taught me to ask myself more about my solutions to problems--not simply "does this look good?" It takes the commitment of faculty to help guide a student through a problem while empowering him/her with the necessary tools to see the best solution. SU's design program also taught me that working quickly and having strong ideas must go hand in hand. Simply working quickly without a strong concept or having a strong concept but working very slowly will not yield much success--SU's design program played a vital part in my understanding of this. Because of the education I received at Susquehanna, I was able to land a design job as well as get accepted into a MFA in Graphic Design program.
What are your best memories about being in the graphic design program at SU? Top 3 memories about being in the graphic design program at SU 3. Taking trips to DC and NYC for design related events--including a visit to Pentagram in NYC! 2. Working until 3 AM finalizing entries for design competitions. Caution: X-ACTO blades, spray mount and late nights don't mix well. 1. Being called by my teacher at 11 PM on a Friday night letting me know that one of my entries for a design competition was selected as a winner.
What advice do you have for a student trying to select a college design program? If you are serious about entering a design program, do your research. Look at the experience/background of the faculty you will be studying under. What types of design related facilities are offered on campus? How successful are graduates of the program--at what types of firms do they work? How industry focused is the program--does the program teach the skills that employers demand? Also, remember to take a good marketing and business course along the way--you will be more prepared to interact with, and understand the individuals you will encounter in the "real world."
