Considering the Future: Graphic Design
| July 13, 2016
Photo: Shutterstock
From the time we are little we begin to consider the “What do you want to be when you grow up?” question. This question takes on new meaning during the teen years when one’s interests continue to develop and you may start considering vocational courses and future plans. Each month Teen Pages will speak to an accomplished frum woman with a particular career or skill to learn about what they do and how they got there.
Q: Please tell us about your high school years. What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
A: I went to high school in Lakewood and enjoyed it. Thankfully I did well in high school and had a nice group of friends. In tenth grade one of my good friends went through an extremely rough time; it was a difficult challenge for her — and for me. Ultimately I gained new strong friendships from this episode and learned how to deal with life challenges.
Q: Were you always interested in graphic design?
A: Yes! Since fifth grade I’ve been fascinated by computers graphics and marketing.
Q: So how and when did you actually enter the field?
A: In 11th grade I was really gutsy. I went through the phone book and kept my eye out for really bad-looking ads. I then called those companies and offered to make them a new ad for free. I created four ads that made it into the phone book that year. One of those companies ultimately turned into a client of mine. I was also the go-to girl in high school for anything graphic related when it came to extracurricular activities.
In 12th grade I landed my first real job. I designed math books from scratch that are still used by over 30 schools.
Photo: Shutterstock
Q: Wow! How did you balance your high school work with your graphic design?
A: I worked really hard. We had no Internet access in our home; occasionally my father would help me get something that I needed (such as an image or graphic). I worked crazy-late hours. My father learns full-time and at that time he woke up very early and would send me to bed — sometimes at four or five a.m.! Sitting through class — awake — was sometimes challenging. But I just managed!
Q: What kind of training did you receive?
A: I took my first graphics class in high school. From there I found my own tutorials and self-taught myself everything else. I never actually went to an official design course. I did take one web-design course; but I got engaged in the middle so I got a 30 for the final mark! It was the lowest mark I ever received. (That’s because I never showed up to classes or did any homework…)
Still there’s a lesson here. I now successfully do web design. So don’t ever let a minor snag — like a failing grade — set you back in life!
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