My First Blog: Reflections After The Guest Speaker Event

     This is the first blog that I am posting after attending the guest speaker event. Hearing from Anthony really made me think about my own path forward and what kind of designer I want to become in the future.

Where would you like to be five years after graduation?

    This is surprisingly a hard question for me. These days, things change so fast—I never really know where I'll end up five years after graduation. Hopefully, I'll be working as a graphic designer somewhere I can be creative and be inspired by work—maybe in a small home studio, or at a brand I really connect with(not a big company, though). By then, I hope to have a clearer idea of which direction in graphic design I want to pursue. As long as I'm learning and creating things that feel meaningful, I'll be happy.

What would that path look like?

    The path to get there definitely won't be easy or straightforward—and honestly, this is what makes it exciting. I want to try different areas after graduation, through internships, freelance projects, and maybe even collaborations with newly-found friends at SCCA. Every experience teaches me something new—whether it's about design skills, teamwork, or how to handle feedback.

    I also want to explore motion and interactive design. I love how this field keeps expanding. Graphic design isn't just about making a flyer or advertisement anymore—the more different media you work with, the more you can explore yourself through design.

How would you determine if you were being successful along the way?

    For me, the meaning of success has changed over time. When I was younger, money was probably the biggest priority—and it's still important —but now I think of success in a broader way. Success to me now is more about finding myself and growing as a person. 

    If I can see progressing in my work, creating things meaningful to me, or making designs that genuinely connect me with other people, that's success to me. I know I'll make mistakes along the way (which I regularly do!), but I'm learning how to turn those mistakes into learning opportunities and ultimately into my strengths. I know I am being successful as long as I know I am staying curious and keep improving.

Who are some people you know that could help you along that path?

    Definitely the professors and peers/friends I have met or will meet at SCCA. Hopefully, by the time I graduate, I'll have built great relationships with them so they can support and guide me along the way, and vice versa. 

    I also have a few friends already working as UX/UI designers in different fields, so I can reach out to them for advice or opportunities.

    Over time, I want to build my own network of creatives who motivate and challenge me. I will do my best to participate in as many design-related events around the city and keep current with what's happening in the field. While attending those events, I'll be ready to share my work with others.