I’m from New York state and I live in Brooklyn!
While I love the graphic design space, I’ve been doing it a long time and I’m ready for a new challenge. The skillset required for graphic design will definitely translate in a lot of ways, into visual design especially. It’s the best of both worlds, I can try something new without starting from scratch! I also feel it’s deeply important to use my skills to create pleasant, inclusive experiences for users. Given our lives are increasingly digital, my goal is to contribute to improving our lived experience online, within products and platforms, and beyond.
I’ve completed the Design Systems course, am currently enrolled in the UX/UI course, and plan to enroll in the Visual Design course as well. Despite having extensive experience in design already, I’ve found that it’s really important to brush up on certain standards, learn about the nuances in product design and discover different ways of speaking or communicating within adjacent design fields. The class content, online resources, and overall energy of the remote classes are unparalleled and invaluable. I’ve taken in-person boot camps, intensives, and the classic video/forum tutorial route and none do the trick like Memorisely.
The course spaces are very psychologically safe. I truly have so much fun, which says a lot because I take the lunch classes which are 8 AM Eastern and that is EARLY for me. ;) Zander is an incredible teacher and having an open forum class setting allows for so much dialogue and learning. I also love that the courses accommodate all levels, from folks intensely job hunting to getting a refresh on certain topics to new designers. There’s accountability to ensure students succeed - without feeling pressurized.
Honestly I love discovering some of the plugins and online resources that the Memorisely team provides alongside class content. It makes real-life workflows easier and even doing prep Tasks before classes start has improved my daily working life in the design world.
Sometimes I struggle with conceptual problem solving, I find it much easier to address a problem that’s real and right in front of you. This is something I’m working on in terms of learning research methods and how to synthesize data and apply it to problem-solving.
Some days I work from home and others I go to a workspace that I’m so happy to have in Brooklyn. My full-time job is remote (the dream!) I start the day with a cup of tea while class begins. Once the class is over I check some emails and complete any tasks associated with my full-time job and then if I’m staying home for the day I try to do a bit of yoga and monitor my extensive collection of houseplants for moisture levels, new leaves etc. If I’m heading to my workspace I’ll take a walk or bike ride there. I’ll work the rest of the day there and spend some time doing ceramics, painting, or freelance branding work in the evening.
Sometimes I work from home which is amazing. I love a slow morning. As mentioned I am not a morning person - though I’m always happy to get up for a Memorisely class! The studio space I work in (for design + photography and ceramics) is a great work set up, and I’m in the market for a new monitor as well, so that will be a nice addition soon!
I am obsessed with Dark Sky. That weather app never steers me wrong and I heavily rely on it when I’m bopping about the city or traveling. Well worth the $4 price tag. I also love Citymapper and Clear for travel. Skyview is great for those nights out camping in the mountains as well!
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Honestly, a moisture meter for my house plants. I am in a relentless battle to keep them alive and this small piece of technology has changed the game.
Big fan of lo-fi or electronic music while working, otherwise I find some music changes my mood too much and the designs are affected! For work I throw on the below Spotify playlist a lot.
Some favorites are: Tame Impala, Big Wild, Odesza, Tom Misch, Bonobo, Saib, Jai Wolf, Flying Lotus, Four Tet, Emmit Fenn, Jon Hopkins, Fakear, London Grammar, Glass Animals, Khruangbin, Joey Pecoraro, SYML, SZA, Jain, Polo & Pan.. “leaves to go dance”.
