IDEA School of Design Grad 2024 shares their advice for new students as they enter 4th year!
IDEA School of Design welcomes back the Bachelor of Design graduating class of 2024! We asked them what advice they have for students just beginning their IDEA journey and wish them success as they embark on their final year.
“This is your prime time to explore! Many things may feel foreign and uncomfortable in the beginning, but lean into the challenges, and you’ll surprise yourself with hidden talents and interests! My personal testimony is that I entered IDEA with my heart dead-set on pursuing illustration and felt super dejected when design and interactive projects didn’t work out so easily! Throughout these four years, the program’s wide range of classes helped me realize that my skills in illustration could boost my outputs in other fields, and uncovered my passion for branding. Crazy!”
“Take the initiative of your own learning. Ask questions, listen, be open to change, experiment, and most importantly, persevere. You’re never going to feel good enough (at least, I never did and still don’t), so as long as you give it your all, you will succeed—and while you’re at it, practice being a good human being. It will get you far in your career.”
“Follow your instincts and enjoy the learning process! Every student’s journey through the program will be different, so don’t feel pressured to master everything right away. You can learn a lot from your classmates so remember to be supportive and ask for advice.”
“Experiment and explore your creative horizons! I think IDEA really gives you the chance to experiment and figure out what you want to do. Even if you have already taken a liking to a specific major (for me it was Illustration), the opportunity to learn about all these other skills will allow you to have a broader understanding of the industry (and help you tackle your work from a different perspective!) At the end of the day, everything you learn and create falls under this expansive umbrella called “Visual Communication” which will help you (and has helped me) become a more innovative and perceptive creative.”
“My advice would be to not compare yourself to other students! Everyone is on their own journey here, and while you may be surrounded by awesome students who have gained amazing achievements during their time here, focus on yourself and wonderful things will come to you in time as well :^)”
“Be patient with yourself. We’re all here to learn and grow as creatives. I can’t tell you it’s going to be easy, but it will be a fun and memorable journey if you allow it to be! Just stay positive and keep your head down! Things will work out.”
