Hello World! Many developers know that term to test the waters of the website or application they are creating. This first blog post is to introduce myself, show you my design journey and test the water of blogging.

Where Did I Learn to Design?

My first introduction to photoshop and photo manipulation was actually in elementary school. We had computer classes that my library teacher was obligated to teach, and compared to the other children I had very little experience to mac computers, Adobe programs (if they were even owned by Adobe at the time) or typing at the speed of my other peers. Even though I knew I was interested in media at a young age, I was not interested in that class.

Soon after, many school boards cut computer classes out of their curriculum, so I did not jump back into using design or photo manipulation until my high school communication technology class. My teacher Mr. Hughes was super chill, and comm tech was by far my favourite class because I could finally express myself without the limitation or pressure of a grade. I also discovered I can be a creative without being a traditional artist, because lord knows I cannot draw. At that time I became interested in film, TV, design, and digital media.

I went to university for media studies and during the summer breaks I took a few freelance design jobs and an internship. THAT is where I really learned how to learn to design – by doing it. There is so much you can learn while being on the job and being the only graphic designer in an organization.

Was University as a Creative Worth It?

Going to the University of Guelph-Humber; a small school known for collaborative hands-on programs, was by far my best school decision because I received a college diploma and bachelor’s degree together. Sitting in a lecture was not my favourite way to spend my four years but still I love to learn; and having that critical lecture knowledge on top of the hands-on computer labs, studio time and projects really put me ahead.

I can admit, university is not necessary for me field unless you love going further with your knowledge and want to eventually teach. It is just a piece a paper that presumably makes your resume look better than designers who are self-learners. However there is an accountability aspect in post-secondary learning that forces you to learn a lot of information and skills in a short amount of time, that most people would not learn on their own. I always say, if you were to waste your time you might as well waste it in school, because the same four years you take working part-time while teaching yourself how to use Adobe Illustrator from YouTube, you could learn from a professional and have a project to back it up.

What am I Up to Now?

I am working at a shipping and trucking company as an in-house graphic designer, as well as a customer service rep and telephone order taker. I am currently expanding my knowledge in user interface design and hoping to specialize in product/digital design. I recently made a Dribbble account so feel free to follow my digital portfolio there!

Sincerely,

Arienne Johnson