What attracted you to the Department of Art & Art History?
There was never truly another option for me. Art is where I feel the most comfortable even when it pushes me. I never saw myself doing anything else – it was always just a matter of figuring out what kind of artist I’d become.
What type of artwork do you create and can you discuss your process?
I create graphic art of all kinds right now. I want to explore as much of the art form and industry as possible and I’m always trying out new methods and areas of digital design. To me, graphic design is 55% hard work researching the project, 40% creative inspiration, and the final 5% is knowing when to stop. Usually, I start a project by researching and looking at many perspectives of the art form I am trying to create. Then I start sketching and throwing ideas up on the computer. It’s usually a back-and-forth of researching and playing with the design, searching for inspiration. If I ever get stuck, I go to friends and family for inspiration.
Which artists do you look to for inspiration?
I really admire Gale Anderson for her work in color and typography, especially her more vintage designs. She was one of the first graphic designers I learned about and I still often go back and look at her work when I’m in an art block. Her designs really helped expand my love for color and old-fashioned type. Another artist I’ve recently taken inspiration from is David Carson who is also known for his use of color as well as his maximalist edgy designs that I find myself wanting to incorporate into work.
Which professors inspired you the most?
Tyler Barnes and Hudd Byard have had big impacts on my education. For most of my college career I studied the fine arts, mostly graphite and oil paint. Though I love both mediums, I wasn’t quite sure where I wanted to go with them. Barnes’s and Byard’s really allowed for my love of graphic design to grow and helped set a path for me.
What has been your favorite class during your years here?
So far Production Design has been my favorite. It was structured enough so that I could explore and learn the different areas of design but it also gave me enough freedom to experiment with my own styles and methods. I found myself having a lot of fun with the assignments and wanting to go the extra mile.
Do you have a favorite memory here in the department?
I would say that my favorite memories from the art department actually came from one of my painting courses. I liked to be detailed in my oil paintings so I would end up staying very late in the studio. My classmates would often stay late as well and we would end up listening to music and laughing all night while we worked.
Do you have any advice for incoming art students?
Surround yourself with the art you love. Follow artists that you admire on social media and keep up to date with news in the design world. The breakthrough idea usually doesn't come naturally but often from what we surround ourselves with and expose ourselves to.
Do you have any hobbies outside of the art department?
I really enjoy nature and plants. I keep a lot of house plants and a garden at home that I like to upkeep as often as I can.
What is your favorite thing about Oxford or the University?
I grew up here so this place is just home to me, even the University. I even used to go to art camps on campus so it’s nice to sometimes have a reminder of how much I’ve grown.
Do you have any plans after graduation?
None of my plans are fixed but I will definitely continue to design and explore the industry in any way I can.