Graphic Design
Elaina Smith '25
Why did you decide to study graphic design?
I always loved art and creating growing up, and I knew for sure that I wanted a career in art. I decided to study graphic design because I want to work with people to make their visions come to life. It is rewarding to work with someone to help make their dreams a reality and to share that with the world.
What class has been your favorite so far?
My favorite class so far has been Professional Practice for Artists & Designers with Katie Creyts. It was a very valuable class because we learned about all of the things necessary to make a successful living in the art field. Some examples are learning how to network, how to create an identity for yourself, how to price your artwork and more!
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
A unique experience I have had is being the media manager for the Whitworth Art & Design Department Instagram! It has helped me become more involved in what is happening in the department and learn more about the talented art students at Whitworth. As the media manager, I've created poster designs and have posted regularly on our Instagram page.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in graphic design?
Advice I would give to someone interested in studying graphic design is to have fun with it. It can be stressful trying to come up with ideas to create, but this is the time to experiment with different styles to see which style you resonate best with (creating a variety of projects is also good for your portfolio!). A second piece of advice is don't be afraid of being critiqued or getting pushed out of your comfort zone. It will only help you grow as an artist!
What's your dream job?
The ultimate dream is to own my own art store where I can teach classes, sell my artwork, sell art supplies and maybe even frame artwork. In the design realm, I would say my dream is to be a part of the Spotify design team (which combines my two favorite things, music and art).
Who are three people who have made a difference for you at Whitworth?
One person who has made a difference for me at Whitworth is Ben Necochea, the graphic design professor. He has always been so supportive with my work and offers excellent critiques on how to make a stronger design. He is very personable and takes the time to know everyone. Another person would be Katie Creyts. She is always welcoming and takes the time to check in on everyone. She has the best advice, whether that be about life or art. She's also the one who got me the job as media manager! I would say that my best friend Krystal Kern has made a huge difference for me at Whitworth. We met through Instagram the summer before freshman year, and we have been super close ever since. She has supported me through everything, and I don't know where I'd be without her. It is important to have close friendships, especially through college.
How would you describe Whitworth?
Whitworth is a good place to make close connections with people and professors. Because of the small class sizes, Whitworth feels like a close-knit community where learning and interaction comes easily. We are like a family in the art department where we all support and encourage each other.
Dylan Griff '22
Why did you decide to study graphic design?
Having started college with an interest in pre-pharmacy, I saw graphic design as a way to do something more colorful with my life, both figuratively and literally. I wanted to study the vast expanse of art and design because it applies to not only the art-making and design process but it adds a new context for understanding and viewing the world. Graphic design was my choice for pursuing a culturally important role that aligns with my interests and passions in making design work.
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
Some of my favorite studio classes have been 2-D Design and Printmaking because of the complex problem-solving and need to change the way you approach designing a piece. In addition, my art history courses have been some of my favorites as a graphic design student. By studying ancient, Renaissance and modern art we gain a deep cultural knowledge of content, context and composition that adds to what we make in studio classes.
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
As a part of the graphic design major, I took a web design class to get a basic understanding of that form of design and what it entails. Something I had not expected was being able to create my own personal website completely from coding. It has been one of the most meticulous and challenging projects I've come across but was all the more rewarding in building a website that I will be able to use and apply to my further art-making endeavors.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in art/graphic design?
I would advise that if you feel a passion for making art and being a part of a very personal and challenging department then this is where you belong. Traditional art and graphic design majors are very connected; being able to pull from both of these areas of study does something really incredible in the creative process wherever your interests lie. Also, take as many different art and art-related courses as possible, as there will be pieces from each that will shape you personally and your art in unexpected ways.
What's your dream job?
Ideally, I would love to work at a local graphic design company while also making and selling my personal prints. Having avenues for creative collaboration in the community as well as a more intimate and reflective space to create individually driven work would be a wonderful balance. Above all I want to be able to work creatively in both concept and design, wherever that leads me.
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
Changing my major to the visual arts was one of my best decisions during my time at Whitworth. Without having gone to Meredith Shimizu my freshman year and asking her advice I may have found myself on a very different path than I am on now. It has been a privilege to have Meredith as an academic advisor, a professor and an influence on my life. Time and time again, Meredith has been a support for me while I navigate Whitworth and my future goals within the art world. Her presence is always appreciated, and her words have held value in my years at Whitworth.
How would you describe Whitworth?
From my experience, Whitworth is the place where individuals come with a concept of who they are and what they want to become. Whitworth acts as a university and a community that inspires growth, change and understanding. I can't imagine having been a part of another community apart from this one; a place where I have seen friends and peers step into their best selves while becoming confident in faith and their studies.
Jaime Crain '22
Why did you decide to study graphic design?
I started college as a 2D art major because I wanted to pursue my passion for painting and drawing. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I began thinking about where my art degree would take me. I spontaneously added a graphic design major because it's a more “practical” field in the art world. I was originally drawn to graphic design because I loved the idea of applying my love for color, typography and illustration to things the world sees regularly.
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
I enjoyed taking Professional Practice for Artists & Designers because it forced me to think rationally about my future as an art maker. The class pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but as a result, I have a much more tangible idea of where I want my career to take me. Another class I loved was Graphic Design I. This class left me feeling constantly inspired to make things, and I had so much fun challenging myself with the range of projects assigned. Each assignment introduced me to a new way of applying my design skills. Also, the painting classes I've taken have been rewarding because they have allowed me to explore my style and expand my content as an artist.
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
In the fall of 2019, I had the opportunity to collaborate with two other art students on a painting for Whitworth's Christmas card and video. I loved being able to combine each of our strengths to create something that stood for the three of us as well as our university. We were all able to learn from each other as we spent hours planning and working through challenges.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in art/graphic design?
Always take photos of beautiful things, color combinations, typography and scenery. You never know when you'll be able to use your own photos in a project, for inspiration, or for reference. Assign yourself challenging projects when you have free time; never go too long without working on your skill set.
What's your dream job?
After college I would love to design album covers for musicians and bands I admire. I would also enjoy working as a freelance designer because it would allow me to collaborate with a variety of clients and small businesses. Later in my life, though, I just want to paint for a living.
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
Rob Fifield was one of the first people who made me really excited about becoming a professional artist. When I was a freshman, his lecture on color theory reminded me why I chose to follow my passion and showed me how much there is to learn in the art world. Katie Creyts has also been extremely helpful in guiding me through my major and classes because she is willing to help me succeed anytime an opportunity comes my way.
Why did you choose to attend Whitworth?
I chose to attend Whitworth because of the small size, the beautiful campus and the caring people I encountered. As an introvert, I was looking for a university where I wouldn't be overwhelmed by huge classes and could find a small group of like-minded friends. When I toured the campus for the first time, I felt that I was already accepted into an uplifting, supportive community.
Uziel Gonzalez '22
Why did you decide to study graphic design?
From a practical point of view, I felt that focusing on graphic design would better prepare me for a career in art and design after graduating. I've always enjoyed working with technology and being able to combine that with art was what really solidified my decision. Another reason is the ability to choose from several different paths within the design industry. We have been introduced to many types of design like branding, illustration and marketing. I've been able to develop my strengths in my design work and it's helped me see where I want to take it after graduating. I am amazed how much design work is all around us, and as a graphic design major, I've come to appreciate the best work, which arguably is the one we notice the least.
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
Drawing I with Professor Gordon Wilson was my very first art class ever. I remember spending hours on our first drawing assignment, something I had never done before, but I didn't even feel it. It wasn't until this class that I noticed how much I loved artmaking. While it was an introductory class, I saw how much my skills had been developed by the end of the semester.
Typography I with Professor Ben Necochea pushed my design skills even further. Something I always struggled with in design was working with typography so I knew this class would be challenging but beneficial. And it was! Ben really worked to have the assignments open, allowing our personal work to shine through while leaving space to work our skills in type. Another class I've enjoyed is 3D Design with Professor Katie Creyts. I am double majoring in Graphic design and 2D art, so this class presented a different challenge compared to all my other classes. I was now being asked to bring something that exists in 2D, like on paper or a screen, and bring it into 3D. It was another way of thinking, but I found myself really enjoying the class.
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
This last fall, I was able to participate in making a mural through my Community Arts in Practice class. My class was able to create an indoor mural for Women's Hearth in downtown Spokane, which we all designed concepts for. It was a unique opportunity where we got to reach out to the community. I had always wanted to participate in making a mural, and this project/class helped me decide that I want to bring my artmaking into the community with others.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in art/graphic design?
It's rare that you go into college knowing exactly what you're going to major in. I know for many of us, majoring in art and/or graphic design was not something we decided on right away. In fact, I came to Whitworth as a declared biology major. By the end of my freshman year, I had switched my major to graphic design. If you're still unsure about majoring in art/graphic design, I suggest taking some of the art major's core classes. Many of these classes are introductory and could help you decide what you want to go in. Not only that, but you can easily choose to double major or add a minor, as most art classes are cross credited for the different majors in the department.
What's your dream job?
Oddly, I don't have a specific dream job. However, I do know that I want to share my passion for artmaking with others. Even before I decided to major in art, I knew I wanted to help and serve others. I now understand how great of an impact art can make in people and how I can participate in that through my art. Whether it be through teaching art or leading workshops, I hope I can take everything I've learned so far and share it with others.
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
My adviser Gordon Wilson has guided me both academically and artistically from the moment I decided to major in art. Early on, I shared my interest in switching to art, which we both understood would take some hard work to adjust to the change. But I think it's worked out great; I'm now in my junior year and I feel that I made the right decision. Gordon has also guided my art and what I bring through my artmaking. He's helped me understand how some of my stronger pieces come from my experience as a first-generation Mexican American.