You started at Brightspot after graduating from college. What convinced you to come here and start your career?
I think what really stood out to me about the company was all of the community outreach I saw when looking at the website. I really connected with the company's mission and values. From the beginning, everyone here was warm and welcoming and I felt really comfortable right away. One of my favorite memories is actually from my interview. It happened on Halloween and my manager, who interviewed me, was in a costume, which immediately put me at ease and made me feel like this was the company for me.
What inspired you to become a web/graphic designer?
I was interested in art from a pretty young age. I always loved my art classes and really enjoyed going to art museums. Then, in college, I figured out that I could turn that passion for art into a career by discovering the graphic design program at James Madison University. It was this program, the professors and my fellow students that helped me realize that graphic design was the right path for me!
Can you talk about the current project you are working on?
The project that I am working on right now that is really interesting is for Healthgrades. They are going through a brand refresh, so right now I'm going through their website and doing a full audit to see what can be improved. We're figuring out how we can merge the new branding with what exists currently. It's been a really good way to get familiar with the site. They are a really nice and collaborative team to work with and they give great feedback. I'm enjoying working on that project.
Looking at your portfolio, is there a particular design project that you are most proud of?
I think my favorite project so far is the Vaccine Hesitancy campaign, which is a cause I really believe in. We are living through tough times right now, and the goal of this project was to advocate for people to get vaccinated and to do it for their family and anyone with compromised immune systems or health conditions. It really just emphasized the selflessness of getting vaccinated, so to be able to work on such a meaningful project was really cool. On top of that, I loved their branding and it was really fun to work with their team and pull that website together.
What are some of your biggest design inspirations?
So I have my favorite artists, but if we are going with specific design inspirations, I'd say Paul Rand. He had this really unique style, and his designs had a huge influence on the industry. If we're talking art, definitely Salvador Dalí and Georgia O'Keeffe. I am actually about to go to New Mexico, which is where Georgia O'Keeffe did a lot of her work. I'm excited to visit the museum dedicated to her.
What advice would you give to college students or those who are starting their careers in graphic or web design?
I think the best advice is to explore everything design-related. There are so many different disciplines and concentrations when it comes to design, so while you have the opportunity and while you're in school give everything a shot. You might not love everything, and you might not be good at everything, but you will find that one area that you're especially passionate about. Then you can pursue that and go deeper into that concentration. Just experiment and don't leave anything on the table!
Besides the people, what is your favorite part about working at Brightspot?
I really like how unique every project is. I never feel like I'm doing the same thing over and over; every project gives me the tools and the knowledge to tackle whatever the next challenge is. I'm constantly learning, and each project is just so new and exciting. I really enjoy getting to work with so many different projects and teams working at Brightspot.
What are your favorite activities or hobbies to do outside of the office?
I love anything outdoors. I love hiking and running. My pandemic activity was starting yoga so that is something I have been attempting. I also love reading and drawing to help me relax at the end of day.
What is your favorite TV show? Would you recommend it?
There is a show I just finished called The Dropout on Hulu. It's really interesting. It's based on a true story, and I think it's definitely worth a watch!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Anywhere? I have always wanted to go to the Galápagos Islands. I feel like it'd be amazing to see all the wildlife there and it looks so beautiful. I would go there in a heartbeat.
