Issue 3 Issue 3 | Page 7

My Journey to

By Emily Lam

Graphic Design

My journey to find a passion started not too long ago; however, I never thought that graphic design would be something that I would want to pursue. It’s really quite interesting - I would never believe you if you told me a few years ago that graphic design would pique my interest. But I think that’s the best part.

It all started two years ago. I got a new laptop, equipped with Adobe programs like Photoshop and Illustrator. Back then, I used to follow a small-town singer named Evan Kruetzberg from New Jersey, whom I interacted with quite a lot on on Twitter. I don’t know what prompted me to open Photoshop to create a digital drawing for him, but I’m glad that I did. He retweeted the drawing that I did and I received a lot of positive feedback on my work. It was truly rewarding. At first, I thought it was only going to be a one-time thing, but as time progressed, I drew more and more. It was during this time I realized, “Wow, this is something that I could actually love doing.”

I stuck with digital drawing on Photoshop for quite a while; it was just something that I felt comfortable with. I’ve never taken any art classes, nor am I an expert at freehand drawing, so I never invested in any drawing tablets. I know it’s odd to be interested in an art major such as graphic design without any art experience, but I enjoy working on the design element as well. That’s where yearbook comes in.

At first, the realm of graphic design seemed intimidating to me. Because it is considered an art major, my parents feared that it would make it hard for me to find a job, due to the preconceived notion that many art majors have trouble finding a path that is stable for them. As I was applying to schools last fall, I always wondered “Do I have what it takes to get into this school?” “Is my portfolio good enough for them to accept me?” It wasn’t until I received acceptance from several colleges that I realized, “Maybe I am good enough.”

I think what I wanted was a sense of validation. I always felt unconfident about my work because of my lack of experience, but I have realized that if I don’t believe in myself, then who will?

It’s these small moments and sudden realizations in life that take me to places that I never knew existed.

fairly interested in the writing aspect of the book - I never thought much about design. When I joined yearbook in its class setting junior year, my interest changed as a need for the book to have a “wow” factor was emphasized. It was during my time in yearbook that I realized that I could use a hobby of mine to pursue a career in that field. It never really occurred to me until that moment.

I started off yearbook in its after-school club program during my sophomore year...

I never imagined that I would be in the position that I am today, and it’s still hard for me to believe that so many small moments contributed to building the foundation for my passion.

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