My graphic design journey began at age 11 when I first discovered The Sims. I became obsessed with the game, especially creating new characters in the game’s Create A Sim feature. I enjoyed dressing them in the latest fashions and soon began using them in photoshoots. I taught myself photo editing using a free editing software called GIMP, a popular Photoshop alternative. I even learned how to create my own in-game clothing, makeup, jewelry, and more. This quickly became my favorite hobby and something that I looked forward to every day after school.

After years of using GIMP, I was introduced to Photoshop at the age of 17. With the help of YouTube tutorials, I learned to use the software for creating digital posters, stickers, and wallpapers. It became a creative outlet that I was eager to turn into a career. I knew I loved design, but I had no idea how to make a career out of it. I wanted to learn how to use my love for graphic design to solve real-world problems, and that’s exactly what I set out to do.

That desire led me to Boston University’s Advertising program, where I learned the non-design skills necessary to turn an amateur into a professional: preliminary research, writing briefs, developing initial concepts, taking and implementing feedback, and everything in between. I was able to collaborate with other like-minded individuals to bounce ideas off one another and produce work as a team. I learned to find inspiration everywhere I went - the people I met, the places I visited, and the little moments that others may not pay much attention to.

Which brings me to today. As a BU graduate, I’ve refined my skills in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator, and added other design programs like Procreate to my toolkit. I specialize in creating cohesive brand identities that build connections and awareness with their respective audiences. My approach helps combine the creative with the strategy, ensuring that each design has a clear purpose and solves a specific problem.

When I’m not in Photoshop, you can find me attempting to create the perfect iced latte, completing my new year’s resolution by adding new songs to my 2024 Spotify playlist, or playing cozy video games.

And if you’re wondering, yes, I still play The Sims.