This semester was all about failure. As a graphic designer and student, I’ve heard it in all kinds of ways and multiple times: “Failure is okay; it’s part of the process.” I know this, I have lived this, and this was my life this semester. Picture it as if failure were a ninja, surprise-attacking me at every turn, tripping me up when I thought I was in the clear. Needless to say, this has been the hardest semester of my entire school career thus far.
In terms of content learned, it has been amazing! I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be in the Graphic Design BFA program at the School of Art, University of Arkansas. It has pushed me as a designer and as a person, opening my eyes to what is possible not just for me but for the world. I have truly appreciated the journey through design thinking and the philosophies of design. My experiences working on group projects are nuggets of gold! Not that there weren't any difficulties, but it was incredible to see how much more creative we became and how our ideas merged. Working alongside other groups in my Human-Centered Design class, helping TASC put together the block party, showed me how design can positively impact communities. It was another great door of design opened to me. It was also wonderful because my family was able to attend, and they could see my work applied in a real-life setting. I am overwhelmed and amazed at how much there is to learn!
I knew it would be hard while battling depression. I knew it would be hard commuting every day. I knew it would be hard taking so many classes while balancing a home life that includes an amazing husband, two wonderful kids, and a dog. I knew it would be hard for them, going from having me there all the time to not knowing when I’d be home. I knew it would be hard not seeing and talking with friends and family every week. I knew it would be hard. Yet, for some funny reason, I didn’t think it would be this hard, nor did I anticipate the failures along the way!
However, what I didn’t know was how much I would still love design even after all the hardships and failures. I didn’t know how close I would get to my classmates as we journeyed this hard road together. I didn’t know that I might be interested in teaching. I didn’t know how awesome and understanding people can be when you drop the ball big time. I didn’t know that I could survive and make it to the end. But I did, and after some much-needed TLC, I’ll be ready to face it all again, ready to put into practice what I’ve learned from my failures.
Corner of the Graphic Design Senior Studio, Fall 2018