As a designer, I have grown a lot over the past year. I’ve gained a lot of confidence in Illustrator and see my illustrations (and drawing in general) improve with each project. All three of these pieces show illustrations I’ve made. However, the first poster also shows my typography skills. Before Type 1, I wouldn’t have thought to make sure each block of type aligned to something else. I used both color and different font choices to convey hierarchy. The second project also shows I know my way around Photoshop; blend modes and gradient maps are two of my favorite ways to manipulate photos. The third project is strictly illustration, which is where I need the most practice.

Layout and typography are where I feel most comfortable, but I have a couple personal in-progress illustrations to continue growing as an illustrator. I’m actually more interested in illustrations than I ever thought I would be. I’ve learned to approach design without a clear goal in mind, but to have a couple different ideas simultaneously and see where they lead. Now when I start a project, I start with my sketchbook and draw a few things out before transferring to the computer. (I used to just start at the computer.) I’m also beginning to see my own style emerge through my work. I’m quite excited about how much I’m learning as a designer.