Hometown: Austin, Texas

Why did you choose to study graphic design?

I am aiming to focus on a career of branding, advertisement design, and various forms of graphic design to help develop the image of companies. I have always been very impressed by logos, branding, and design and believe they can help to make or break a business. I want to be able to help small businesses grow a strong brand in the early stages as well as help redevelop those designs that are more mature.

What makes earning a degree at NewSchool special?

I have been able to get to know my professors in a way I haven’t been able to at previous schools. NewSchool is a more personal environment and growth is not on a broad scale, but an independent conversation. Learning design here is special because it not only teaches me how to be a “good” designer but actually trains me to look at my environment differently and understand the impact of that design.

What has been your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?

My favorite thing thus far has been the community with the professors. I have attended another large university and a community college and have never been at a level to ask a professor for a letter of recommendation like I have here, have conversations outside of the classroom, discuss global events, and genuinely know their personalities before NewSchool.

What are your career goals after you graduate?

I hope to work at either a firm or within a company to solve design problems with logos, packaging, and branding. I want to continuously work on new, exciting projects and be in an environment where I can excel in creativity and develop strong relationships with clients.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

People may be surprised to learn that I moved to California on a whim and did not know a single person in this half of the country when I moved here from Texas. I have lived all over the South but something about the West Coast called my name and the creative energy it presents is unparalleled.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Incoming students – make friends with everyone. Do not be closed off to a small friend circle, invite new people to things, strike up a conversation with professors in the hallway, and spread the positivity you want to embrace.

Why should a prospective student choose NewSchool?

NewSchool allows its students to actually know what is happening within the school. There is a stronger connection between students and staff than I have seen before. I love being able to easily make appointments, have conversations, and grow to know the professors and staff here. Schools that operate on a much larger scale are not actually learning about their students, rather focusing on a grade. Here, the material we learn is rarely tested and the quality of work is what determines “success.”