Career

Career

Career-wise, I am still exploring and weighing all my options, but I’m open to a multitude of avenues and creative opportunities. I’ve considered working as a logo and type designer, which I believe could be both rewarding and challenging. That said, I sometimes wonder if dealing with trademarks and ownership over time might take away from the creative freedom I enjoy. On the other hand, I have a strong passion for theme park design, especially when it overlaps with complex theological concepts.

One attraction that embodies this intersection is the Ark Encounter in Northern Kentucky. It merges immersive design with rich biblical storytelling, and I already have a personal connection to the design studio behind that project — making it a possible career path I may continue to pursue.

Inspiration & Style

In terms of art and design, one of my biggest inspirations is the neoclassical and Jeffersonian style. Jefferson’s Monticello, for example, really stands out to me. It’s one of my favorites because of its balance, historical beauty, and refined structure. These are all elements that continue to influence the way I think about composition and layout in graphic design. In 2022, I got to visit the Jeffersonian Memorial — which is modeled after that style, and I admired the rotunda (domed roof).

A modern graphic design studio I really admire is Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv. Their logos are incredibly simple, clean, and modern — but also widely recognizable. From Mobil, NBC, Smithsonian, and National Geographic to Chase Bank, PBS, and more, they’ve designed some of the most iconic logos out there. I appreciate how they create strong identities without overcomplicating the design — something I strive for in my own work.

Design-Related Websites I Admire

As far as websites go, there are a few that particularly stand out to me.

Pinterest & Social Media — https://www.pinterest.com/

For design inspiration, Pinterest and other social media platforms (like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook) are your friends! Oftentimes, there could be something you see that’s just what you were looking for — whether it’s a color combo, layout idea, or cool visual element. These platforms are great for getting inspired and keeping up with creative trends.

Envato Elements — https://elements.envato.com/

For an abundance of graphic design-related resources, Envato Elements has got your back. Whether it’s something text-related, or a really cool icon for your logo design, they offer tons of high-quality assets that can really bring your work to life. It’s one of those sites where, no matter the project, there’s usually something useful you can find.

Adobe — https://www.adobe.com/

For graphic design tips and tricks, Adobe is always a solid resource. Even if you don’t use their programs directly, checking out Adobe’s websites and tutorials can be a huge help. They offer a lot of professional advice and step-by-step guidance that can help you grow and get better at what you aspire to do.

Unsplash & Pixabay — https://unsplash.com/ https://pixabay.com/

If you need free images, Unsplash and Pixabay are great options. Pixabay is also connected to Canva, which is known for being one of the best free design tools out there. These image sites can be a bit selective with their offerings, so it’s important to check licensing when picking out visuals — especially if you’re using them for something public or commercial.

AI Sofware & Tools

For practically anything else, AI models are becoming more and more useful. In this day and age, AI is the big push. While I would definitely encourage being careful in how you use it, AI can be a powerful tool — one that should support your creativity, not replace it. Used wisely, it’s more of a tool than a crutch.