Tell us about where you studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers.
I studied illustration at Rhode Island School of Design before transitioning into graphic design. I was lucky to have professors like Doug Scott, Nancy Skolos, and Pouya Ahmadi who guided me and deepened my skills in typography. Switching between illustration and graphic design helps me develop my style and finding my passion.
What weird and wonderful things are you obsessed with right now that inspires your creative work?
I'm always fascinated with objects. Observing found objects inspires my work by capturing their essence in design. Objects hold memories, cultural references, and deeper meanings. Thinking about their form, function, and evolution helps me generate ideas and concepts. Right now, I’m especially obsessed with 8-balls and watermelons.
Favourite travel destinations that inspire you?
Grocery stores, local cafés, and hour-long walks along the river fuel my creativity. Getting fresh air, rest, and food helps me reset. Design is about the world around us, not just what’s in our minds.
In every city I’ve lived in or travel to, I try to find a route I enjoy revisiting from time to time, just like the locals do. Unexpected objects and people in familiar places help me come up with ideas. Practicing self-love helps me stay connected, even though I don’t always do enough.
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
I work with digital illustration, editorial, typography, and motion, but I have the most fun playing with type in Glyphs, InDesign, and Figma. While I work mostly digitally, I spend a lot of time on production and documentation, choosing the right paper, color, printing method, and binding to bring my designs to life.
Being indecisive, I find that a fast-paced environment with deadlines and pressure forces me to focus on the big picture and power through decisions. Restrictions and prompts often push me to create better designs.
Which 3 creatives do you look up to and why?
I look up to Base Design, their work shows how typography connects a brand’s identity while being fun, unexpected and clean. My love for objects led me to Benjamin Edgar , a Chicago designer who connects graphic design, products, aesthetics, and lifestyle. And finally, Joyce Ho, a friend of mine and also a talented graphic designer, whose unique perspective has inspired me to find my own voice.
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2025, both for the world and your career?
I hope to be healthy, motivated, and spread love. In uncertain times like this, I aim for progress rather than achievements. By thinking and living actively, hopefully my goals in life and career will find their way!
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