SPU’s Vis Com
class of 2023
We are SPU’s visual communication graduating class of 2023. We are a diverse and talented group of creative minds ready to make our mark on the world through our designs. Throughout our time together, we have honed our skills, challenged conversations, and explored innovative solutions across various design disciplines.
In our pursuit of excellence, we have delved into the realms of graphic design, user experience (UX) design, product design, branding and more. We have immersed ourselves in the principles of aesthetics, functionality, and problem-solving, understanding that design is not just about making things visually appealing but also about creating meaningful experiences. Peer collaboration has been at the heart of our journey. We have watched each other grow into our passions and individual design styles, we have thrived working in team environments, exchanging ideas and embracing diverse perspectives and solutions. Throughout our time in the visual communication program we have learned the value of connection, effective communication and the power of our collective creativity. Our ability to work together and as individuals has produced remarkable outcomes and fostered lifelong connections.
As we venture into the professional realm, we are armed not only with a solid foundation in design principles but also with a passion for innovation and a drive for improvement. We are ready to tackle complex challenges and shape a future where design is an integral part of every aspect of society.
Individually, we bring unique perspectives, strengths, and areas of expertise to the table. Collectively, we complement and empower one another. We are the visual communication graduating class of 2023 and we are ready to embark on our individual journeys. We give thanks to our differences of style, perspective and passions, for they are the very things that allow us to be complementary.
Gallery
What are the Peeps saying?
"The best piece of advice I received in the VisCom program is to not be afraid to fail. It’s easy to get caught up in the goal of being a great designer and to lose touch with the learning process; however, trying out all of my ideas and appreciating the learning that comes through failure has been incredibly valuable for me!"
- Briana Ice -
"One of the most memorable design workshops that I attended was the Speed Portfolio event hosted by AIGA. This workshop was designed to provide students with the opportunity to receive valuable feedback from professionals in the field on their resumes and portfolio. I found the insights valuable and helped me identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in my work. It was also a great event for building connections within the industry.".
- Yuty Le-
"One of my favorite classes was Visual Communication 3: Programs/Case Studies. I enjoyed this class because of how we got to create our own branding for a mock conference of our own creation. While it was challenging when doing the ground work of researching for many weeks, it allowed us to create designs that communicated a strong brand and would also serve as an extensive case study for our portfolios."
- Erick Arriola -
"I definitely grew as a designer by learning how to build and receive constructive criticism and feedback. When I just started the VisCom program, receiving criticism of my work was something I really struggled with because it made me question my design skills and undervalue my work. However, VisCom program at SPU helped me to build my confidence as a designer and taught me how to accept and appreciate criticism. Receiving feedback and constructive criticism is a vital part of a successful design career so I’m really grateful to all professors who helped me view constructive criticism as encouragement and an opportunity to grow".
- Angelina Vasyliuk -
"The best piece of criticism I have received in my tenure at SPU as a visual communications student has been to not be afraid to use my voice. My peers especially have been helpful in giving me the space to showcase my design skills and talents to the point where they can recognize what is authentic to my identity, and therefore can redirect me to design that is “more me”. It has helped shape my path to being a better designer, because rather than trying to fit in in the design world, I am constantly being true to myself."
- Veronica Acosta -
"I don’t know if I really have a job that I’d absolutely love to do after graduation. I’m more focused on just having the ability to challenge myself creatively while also making a living. I think I’d feel grateful for anything that allows me to do that. If I could choose though, I’d love to be involved with film in some way! All of the design work involved with the art direction of a movie has always interested me".
- Makana Kanaiaupuni -
"My biggest takeaway from college is the personal growth I experienced, particularly in terms of building confidence, finding my passion, and pursuing it with determination. College helped me overcome feelings of inadequacy and confusion about my identity, and gave me the tools and support to pursue my lifelong passion for the arts. This experience has had a profound impact on my life, and has set me on a path towards a fulfilling and rewarding career."
- Fasika Kelile -
"My favorite project in the vis com major was our album cover design. I loved this project because we got to choose a song that was impactful to us and design an album cover around my passion for music. There is something so special that comes out of a design that is inspired by personal interpretation of a song. Illustrating also is really fun for me and made this project feel very hands on as I got to explore my style in illustration".
- Ariel Ortega -
"I would tell freshman-year Riley that she IS a designer and IS capable of pursuing a creative career. Coming into the VCD program, I was very self-conscious of my work and had difficulty owning it. I had no technical design experience prior to joining the program, and had to learn everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) on my own quickly. My peers and professors helped foster an environment that was inclusive, comfortable, and hard-working which allowed me to blossom into the designer I am today. I owe it all to Karen and my peers; I am so thankful for them!"
- Riley Kelley -
"My biggest takeaway is building meaningful relationships with my VisCom classmates. In a collaborative field like design, getting to know my peers have enhanced my ability to work together effectively, gain new perspectives, and create unforgettable memories. After all, the relationships you’ve built throughout your college experience can be as meaningful as the skills learned in the classroom. Plus, staying in touch after graduation can lead to lifelong friendships and professional connections, so make sure to cherish them and continue to nurture them as you progress in your careers".
- Kaylie Vo -
I had no clue I would end up as a VisCom student! I initially started out studying ecology because of my love for the outdoors. However through an internship, I found I really liked designing graphics and that was something I could better see myself getting a career in. From there I decided to change majors. It turns out SPU has a strong VisCom program, and switching over was a great choice. And I still get to enjoy being outdoors in my free time.
- Emma Najarian -
"The professors are my favorite aspect of the Art Department because they encourage us to infuse our passion into various design forms. Regardless of the course you’re enrolled in, the professors consistently assist you in making the projects compelling by granting the freedom to choose the subject".
- Paul Park -
"The most challenging part of my education has been learning from failure. It is key in design to push yourself, try new things, understand new processes and programs, and above all accept criticism on design from my peers. I find this difficult because it is intimidating to try new design methods and to share them and not be successful. While it is challenging, it is also very rewarding. When working on a design and beginning to understand ways to implement different software to create something new it can be so satisfying."
- Arianna Kern -
