What was your favorite non-design class at UConn, and why?
This is a tough question- the woodshop, metal shop, print shop, and ceramics studios were such special places to me. I would have to say the Vessel Construction ceramics class was one of my favorites because we were asked to question a form that was so deeply ingrained in me after doing pottery for so many years. I'd like to believe you can only have a beginner's mind once, but this course opened my eyes to the idea of the vessel once again in such a beautiful and new way. Also, I just loved any opportunity to be in the ceramics barn on campus 🙂
What was one of your favorite briefs from when you were a student?
One of my favorite briefs during my last year was to find an episode from the podcast 99% Invisible and make something. I found a featured episode of Everything Is Alive, a podcast where host Ian Chillag interviews inanimate objects (played by actors) about their life story. The episode I listened to was with a can of cola, and it was brilliant.
In response to this episode, and with the spirit of the podcast, I began research on people's relationship to objects and the human qualities we project onto them. This led me to comfort objects. I decided to design and make 6 "companions" out of soft yellow fleece. They had long legs and arms, roughly human-shaped, with a round bottom. I left them in the library for one day during finals week. It was a success. Watching people flock to them, tie their arms around their necks, hold them by their bottoms, and dance with them was delightful.
What was your first design job after you graduated?
After graduation, I freelanced for a few months, worked on a start-up and found myself in New York couch surfing with friends. My first job was as a Designer at a PR Communications Agency called Zeno Group. One of my first projects there was a national brand awareness campaign for SiriusXM. It was full of pop-up shows around the country, and I worked on the design system and various creative activations in New York, LA, and Nashville. It was surreal to see my work around the city, something I had only dreamed about in undergrad when we would do studio visits in New York.
Were you in Design Center? Share an anecdote.
Design Center was such a gift in so many ways. It was such a privilege to work alongside faculty and be given independence on client projects. It was so fulfilling to work on briefs that were part of the UConn community, like designing the publication Long River Review, a mural for the psychology department, posters for award-winning poets, and designing the identity system for the MFA graduate show. It was where I learned I loved working on exhibit identity systems! We were exposed to so many types of projects outside of classroom briefs and worked with non-designer clients. It prepared me in so many ways for the professional work I do now.
Did you go to London? Share a favorite memory.
I went to London my senior year, and it was incredible having access to the UAL community and so many amazing museums! It was practically a creative playground. The faculty at Central Saint Martins was so welcoming- I remember sitting outside design writer Dr. Peter Hall’s office and being able to chat with him about various ideas for my senior thesis. It was such a special experience.
During my time there I went to every museum I could think of. My favorite being The Design Museum, which had an exhibit called Home Futures (which couldn’t have been more perfect since I was obsessed with everything living space/furniture design).... (I think I went three times). I frequented the CSM library and wandered around book stores. I bought so many design books on typography, various exhibits I had visited, and design theories that my suitcase was OVER the overweight limit on the way home.
What were some of your biggest lessons from UConn?
The conceptual design thinking that I learned has proven to be the greatest skill I gained through this program. I appreciate the hunger it gave me to ask questions, and the curiosity it instilled in me to explore various material and digital processes. Even though I have just started my career, I have learned that anyone can make something or learn to use a program, but the questions and concepts you contribute are what set you apart.
What do you do now?
I am a visual experience designer at Local Projects, working with cultural institutions to create installations and museums. This is a dream come true as a museum lover. I get to work with organizations who are doing amazing work like the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission and Futures Without Violence. My everyday work consists of designing visual systems for museums and exhibits, sometimes branding, but always working with the various creative teams in the studio like our content team, architects, creative technologists, and many others to bring these experiences to life. It takes a village, and there are so many people to listen and learn from.
Do you have a freelance or creative practice in addition to your main job?
My practice consists of personal and freelance projects that excite me. I try to make time to keep up with my love for woodworking, ceramics, and playing with my 3D printer. I have been able to keep in touch with friends from the UConn art program, and try to collaborate with other creatives as much as possible. I am currently working on some small mobile exhibits (involving my bicycle) with some wonderfully creative people in my life, so stay tuned!
What are you working on now?
I just finished working on my first museum project, and my first on-the-ground install since starting at Local Projects. The Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center tells the story of the Greenwood District before, during, and after the race massacre of 1921 and the history of this resilient community and what it has survived. I was in Oklahoma for a few weeks, and it was incredibly humbling to be part of this work and see it all come to life! Now I will be starting on the exhibit design for another museum, so check back with me next year for updates.
What’s a favorite project from the past year?
One of my favorite personal projects from this past year was participating in 36 Days of Type! It is such a fun challenge on social media with designers from around the world. Every day for 36 days, everyone is designing and posting their letters. This was my first year participating and I designed and 3D printed upper and lowercase versions of all my letters.
How do you start? And how do you know when it’s done?
Every project has a different entry point for me and offers its own challenges and excitement. Research is how I always find my footing in a project, finding the questions I want to ask is where I find my rhythm and momentum. I am still learning to get familiar with the "knowing when it's done" sensation. Usually, it's a point of satisfaction that tip-toes between just enough and overworking an idea.
What inspires you? What influences you?
Listening, reading, and watching. Wandering around museums, book stores, or going on bike rides are when I get the most inspired. I am always curious about how we experience things and project our emotions on the visual content we consume and the physical objects and spaces we live with.
Learning how to use different tools and materials allows me to have a beginner's mind over and over again, which is my favorite place to be.
Reading about designers like Isle Crawford and Hella Jongerius and their design process have been huge influences on my work. Designing with a cool head and warm heart, and understanding that nothing is new, and that there is a rich history behind every idea has shaped my design and research process.
