Student Spotlight – 2015 – April/May – Crystal Stephenson

Posted on April 23, 2015 by admin

SoFAD Student Spotlight

Crystal Stephenson 

“In the end, my love for art, is why I focused on Graphic Design.”

 

Social Media:

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The Questions:

What area are you specializing in within Visual Communications? My particular area of study is Graphic Design.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Visual Communications? I originally went back to obtain my GED and did in 2012, but after I did so well, I wanted to go further.  I wanted to show my two children, Chloe 12 and Dylan 8, that edu- cation is important, no matter what age. They are my real inspiration. In the end, my love for art, is why I focused on Graphic Design.

When will you graduate? What do you plan to do after graduation? I will be graduating with the class of 2015. I plan on pursuing an internship, possibly PAC Bannerworks of Mishawaka, or First Source Bank with their art department/ marketing. At the same time I will be focusing on my Freelance business, trying to get my name out there, through social media, art beat, and word of mouth.

What is/was your favorite class and why?  Well, if I had to absolutely choose, it would be my Graphic Design classes. Mrs. Eggelston and Mrs. Boembeke, have given me the skills and confidence to pursue my career. I enjoyed the projects, it gave me a chance to use all of my classes at once. I have made some great friends, who are more like family now.

 

GD by Crystal Stephenson

What high school did you attend and if appropriate what kinds of classes prepared you for success in Vis Com?  The last High School I attended was, Mishawaka High School. I however, obtained my GED from South Bend community School corporation in 2012. In High School I did take every Art class available, including CAD.These classes are what sparked my interest in Designing.

Who is your favorite artist and why?  I do not have a favorite artist, there are so many kinds of Art, that it would not be fair to choose just one. I do enjoy Pablo Picassos’ Blue period, Manet, Edouard and his still life paintings, but for a more modern individual who designs for companies like OBEY, Shepard Fairey.

What is your favorite advertisement and why?  My favorite advertisement campaign comes from AERIE, a sister company of American Eagle. They show younger women in an untouched perspective, not seen in my generation. I believe that as designers we have the power to change our future and “unshame” our youth. Here is an example of this wonderful campaign.

What is your favorite Adobe Application and how is it used?  InDesign is my absolute favorite, it is a layout appli- cation for multiple documents. Typography plays a huge role in my everyday life and Indesign allows me to set my projects up without wasting time. For example: newsletters, and brochures.

Do you have any advice for your fellow designers/artists? Life Quote?  You are surrounded by inspiration, get out there and be inspired. Go for walks, search the web on a rainy day, go to the library, take a drive to an unknown part of town, the more you are exposed to the better prepared you will be. And from the wise words of the Master himself , “Every artist was first an amateur”– Pablo Picasso

Is there anything else you wish to share?
Thanks to the wonderful Professors and Advisors here at Ivy Tech that have guided me and taught me so much. I have made some lifelong friends and now have an actual degree. I leave this College with confi- dence in my future for myself and my family.
Thank you, Ivy Tech.