What do you think you need to know to be a great designer?

I believe everyone has the capability to be a great designer.  And it isn’t just art, it can be music, film making, interior design, or architecture.  Having a passion for design, I believe, is most important.  Second is knowing the elements and principles of design.   Having a basic understanding of things like color, shapes, balance, and center of interest can help a person make anything and make it well.

Which of these things are the most important to you and why?

Having a passion for design is most important.  You may have the knowledge, but if you don’t have a passion for it, designing will not be fun.  Especially if you have a job in design and you’re only doing it just to make a living.  You will end up hating your job and dreading going to work each day.  I understand in this economy that it’s hard to do what you love and make a living at the same time.  But that’s why I pursued multiple things in school.  It broadens your horizons and heightens your chances of getting a job in an area that you enjoy.

What are your career goals? What’s your plan to achieve your goals?

Someday I want to work in a museum in Japan. I want to work in Marketing, Collections or Registration.  Though I have multiple degrees, getting my foot in the door, job wise, is hard.  I completed multiple internships in museums and am currently a Web Design intern.  As I job hunt, in Graphic Design/Museums, I notice companies are looking for folks with web knowledge, especially in design.  I am taking a Web Design class at OCC to expand my knowledge of web design, and to further broaden my resume and skill set.  Though I am fresh out of school, I will always be in a state of learning, and it would be silly not know learn any sought after skill sets. I believe Web Design is one of the remaining keys to unlock multiple job opportunities.