“In running, it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that.”
Lots of projects in the works!
From the moment my parents handed me a box of crayons, there arose a passion. In my life design is a huge passion, as well as a major influence.
I'm originally from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and am a graduate of Ferris State University. By day I am a designer at a wonderful design firm called brightly.
But who am I really? I’m fun, even occasionally funny. I hold a positive or “It’s all good” outlook toward life. I listen and evaluate situations before I take action. Working hard toward creative communication is my goal. I’m innovative, but grounded in practicality. A problem solver with intent to help people descibes me. I have a dependable foundation, and you can always look at me as a shoulder to lean on. I'm a forward thinker and like to believe every design situation is a learning experience.
View my work www.sarahtodddesign.com & www.keen-collective.com
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"Complacency is the enemy of adventure, innovation, progress, and fun. Chase your passion and your dreams. If you love what you do, others will love appreciating what you do. Learn new things. Explore."
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Summer Challenge: Make Something Each Day
My goal during the month of June, hopefully for the rest of the summer is to post something I have created each day! It might work, wedding creations, personal designs and photography! I am excited to keep myself growing creatively.
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“It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare.”
- MARK TWAIN
“The world is not yet finished and we have such tremendous opportunities. Opportunities to right wrongs and communicate things that are capital-T-True. Seems to me, this usually happens in ways that are not all that flashy. This kind of design doesn’t win a lot of awards. It is not self seeking. It looks like quiet disciplines and a deference to the people we serve. Seek correction through criticism. Find insight in input from people who are nothing like you. If you’re feeling depressed or cynical, humble yourself to the client. To the team. To the work.
If you’re not interested in doing that, I respectfully ask that you find a different profession and stop besmirching a title that I love: Designer.”
I stumbled upon an article that talked about designers today and how we have lost diversity and more importantly what struck me was the opportunity. I know that personally as a designer, I don’t care if I design for a huge name or the corner store down the road. As long as I am making a positive difference and helping people to better communicate who they are, or what they are all about, that is my personal mission. Lately I have been given multiple opportunities to grow as a designer and help clients create their brands. Currently I am working with a wonderful client who has so much potential and wonderful products, and just needs to let their personality and spirit shine through their brand. I am excited to help and grow along side them!
(Source: zbryant.com)
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Glad we both did it! It was nice to see so many people this year come out and run!
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It’s that time of year…everyone is looking for a job, fresh out of college and I fall into that boat this year. I will be graduating this Saturday from Ferris State University’s Graphic Design program, in the College of Business. I am seeking an opportunity to grow not only as a designer but as a person. If an optimistic attitude, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for the unfamiliar keep you going just like me, let’s chat…
Feel free to check out my portfolio at http://sarahtodddesign.com.
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Senior Portfolio Review | Thursday April 19th
Last Thursday marked one of the biggest and most looked forward to days of my college years. Portfolio review has come and gone now, but the amount of knowledge and overall experience I obtained in just a mere 4 hours was incredible.
The Ferris State University Graphic Design portfolio review, is an event held every year for the senior students. Each of us has our own portfolio to present to designers mostly from the Grand Rapids area. We were had the opportunity to network, talk about design, and receive some beneficial feedback.
I was able to speak with 10 different people from all different backgrounds and different views about design. It was interesting to hear comments and feedback on my work, and the positive compliments were nice too. Being able to have an enjoyable conversation about my work was the best part of this event. I felt no pressure and was happy to receive all the feedback that I did.
Sitting here today thinking about the past four years, it is hard to believe it has been that long. These last few years of my life have been the most happy, stressful, but truly rewarding years of my life. I have learned a lot and I cannot to move forward and continue to grow and learn as a designer. I know over the past four years I have developed wonderful friends as well as a great design network and I am excited to see what the next chapter in my life holds, I hope to find a job where I can continue to grow and build relationships.
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Mike Gorman and Yolanda Gonzalez | Visit to Ferris State University
Mike Gorman is the current president of AIGA West Michigan and worked at Square One Design for over 20 years. Yolanda Gonzalez is an illustrator and a photographer with a passion for design. The dynamic duo visited Ferris State University and talked about their experiences and also their newest adventure they are starting, mr&mrs.
One thing they both stressed was as busy as you can get being a designer, “Don’t every stop creating.” Push yourself to design and create in all aspects of your life. “Understand that you might fail, but realize it is all part of the process, enjoy it.” They shared stories and images of their workspace and home. It was interesting to see a glimpse into their lives, and it was also very inspiring to see some of the personal projects they have done over the years. I love to create outside of the classroom or workplace and I want to also continue to push myself to create.
Mike also touched on how good thinking happens when you’re free and happy, which I completely agree with. I know that I personally do my better work when I’m working on something that interests me and I can explore freely.
A third influential piece of advice Mike shared was, “You need to learn from people, but don’t be afraid to be an entrepreneur.” Mike drew a graph on the board that helped think about this balance. There was a bullseye and showed how close to the center there are aspects that you can’t be creative with such as the brand typography, colors, and logo. As you leave the center of the bullseye the grip of standards starts to loosen and designers are allowed to be more creative. This simple illustration was very helpful when it comes to thinking about how you can add more value to a company and possibly help to expand the brand even further.
1. Great projects
2. Great clients
3. Great money
“If you have two of the three on a project you’re probably doing well.” Design is all about relationships. Building trust with your client and really understand where they are coming from and what they need. Working with clients, fellow designers, and print representatives has taught me to really listen and value the relationship I have made. Many of these relationships will remain helpful and be positive resources in my future endeavors.
Mike encouraged us to think about what we are currently doing and what we want to do with our lives and then find the balance. Finding a focus and realize that design solutions are constantly evolving. As my graduation approaches there has been a lot on my mind. I want to use everything I have learned and continue to push myself to grow as a creative person. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter of my life have in store. I think the more I expose myself to people like Mike and Yolanda, the more I feel ready to continue on.
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