UAD_Magazine_Spring2025-Part1 : simplebooklet.com

Carina Gardner, Ph.D. FROM THE FOUNDER’S DESK Welcome to the Spring 2025 Issue of the University of Arts & Design Magazine! Dear Students, Faculty, Alumni, and Friends, Spring is always a season of renewal—and here at the University of Arts & Design, it’s also a time of remarkable momentum. I’m thrilled to welcome the Spring 2025 edition of our university magazine. it is a celebration of the energy, creativity, and innovation that pulse through our students. This issue is ﬁlled with stories that reﬂect the heart of our university. It includes our student’s work, designs, and creative pursuits. You’ll meet incredible emerging artists and designers who are turning passion into purpose, pushing boundaries, and boldly stepping into their creative futures. From student spotlights to stunning artwork, our students are proving that design isn’t just something we do. It is who we are. You’ll also ﬁnd beautiful designs, behind-the-scenes moments, and exciting updates about where we’re headed next as an institution. As always, our commitment is to not only foster great art and design but also to support meaningful lives, sustainable careers, and a thriving creative culture. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Whether you’re a student, alum, parent, or partner, your presence in this community helps shape who we are. I hope you’ll ﬁnd this issue inspiring, energizing, and a reminder of just how much creative potential lives within these walls— and within you. With admiration and excitement, Carina Gardner, Ph.D. CEO, University of Arts & Design

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CONTRIBUTORSMEET THE CONTRIBUTORS Carina Gardner Creative Director CEO, University of Arts & Design Barbara Zimmerman Article Contributor Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design Student Julianna Hukill Article Contributor Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design Student Aja Fillmore Editor in Chief Faculty Brenna Powell Article Contributor Master of Arts in Design Business Student Kristi Egle Article Contributor Art & Design Business Certiﬁcate Sharia Greenwood Morton Article Contributor Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design Student Emily Harper Fish Article Contributor Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design Student Monica Ferdig Article Contributor Master of Arts in Design Business Student 6 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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For many adults, the journey back to creativity isn’t just about learning to paint, write, or play again—it’s about unlearning years of self-denial, perfectionism, and quiet martyrdom. When we think of creativity, we often think of technique or talent. But connecting with our creative spirit means much more. It’s a process of healing, of listening, and, most of all, of allowing. For me, it all began with a question that looped in my mind like a persistent ear-worm: “What would you do with your life if you knew you could not fail?” “What would you do with your life if you knew you could not fail?” AN ARTIST FINDS A WAY Exploring Creativity, Courage, and Breakthroughs Through Art By Monica Ferdig Master of Arts in Design Business Student ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 7

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I didn’t realize how much I had let slip away out of fear and uncertainty. I’d always had a creative spark—maybe even a bit of an obsession. But life circumstances led me down the safest possible path. People were depending on me. I needed to provide, to show up. I couldn’t afford to fail. But the more that question echoed in my head, the more I realized the “safe path” would never get me to where I truly wanted to go—to my passion and my why. I am a creative with every ﬁber of my being. I can wear almost any hat and perform well, but it’s creativity and problem-solving that bring me real joy. Then one day, I saw an ad for Carina’s boot camp. As I read it, something lit up inside me. I wanted the kind of life she described—a life with creative opportunities. At the time, I was a mom working multiple jobs, raising children with special needs, managing a household... it felt impossible. But the idea wouldn’t let me go. If I knew I couldn’t fail, wouldn’t I do it? I did something I still can’t quite explain: I went back to school. Again. I had no idea how I’d manage it on top of everything else, but I knew I wanted that life so badly I had to try. Before long, I hit a wall. I began to question EVERYTHING—every choice I’d made and even myself. What was I thinking?! This was too hard, time consuming, expensive, stressful…especially for someone without a single good creative idea. I had hit the wall so hard I felt completely broken- like a failure. That’s when I discovered something that saved not only my dream, but also my sanity and sense of self. I found Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. I’d always been familiar with journaling, so I assumed her “morning pages” would feel familiar—structured, composed, thoughtful. They weren’t. They were messy. Raw. Unﬁltered. Emotional. And that was the point. These pages pushed me past the polite public version of myself into something deeper and more honest. Not for public consumption. Not even for self-analysis. Just release. Unlike traditional journaling, morning pages aren’t about crafting thoughts. They’re about letting go. No schedule, no emotional debrief required. You don’t have to understand what you’re feeling before releasing it. Sometimes what weighs us down just needs to exist—and then leave. And when it does? Creativity returns. It breathes again. And creativity invites more creativity. Cameron asked another question I originally brushed off: “Are you self-destructive?” It felt too heavy. But then she re-framed it: “What would you try if it weren’t too crazy? What would you do if it weren’t too selﬁsh?” That one hit me. 8 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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I realized I was living under a web of noble-sounding, but deeply limiting beliefs. I believed that making space for creativity would mean letting others down. That indulging my passions would be selﬁsh. But when I tested those beliefs, I found no one was enforcing them but me. I had cast myself as a martyr—ignoring my needs, blaming circumstances for the neglect. But the truth? I hadn’t even given myself permission to want. And when I did begin to want, I discovered I didn’t need anyone else’s permission but my own. One practice that helped me reconnect with myself was re-framing luxury—not as material excess, but as gentle, authentic indulgence. What felt like a gift? What felt beautiful? For me, it was ﬂowers. As a child, I adored them, wanted to give them to my mom, but she didn’t like them. Now, I buy them for myself. Or it might be lemonade on the porch, candles by the ﬁre, or a new piece of fabric. Small things—but sacred things. They say: I’m worth joy. I’m worth beauty. And the more I allowed these moments, the more expansive life felt. Nothing outside me changed—but everything inside me did. Another transformative idea came from Danielle LaPorte: “Every masterpiece that has ever been done could have been better. Just launch and learn. Everything is progress.” That blew my mind. I’d been waiting to feel “ready”—as if true talent meant I’d just know what to do, that I wouldn’t need practice. But the truth is, every master starts as a beginner. Mastery doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from starting—again and again. ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 9

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Cameron writes that perfectionism isn’t about getting it right—it’s about getting stuck. The belief that unless it’s ﬂawless, it’s worthless. That mindset is the enemy of progress. I saw it in myself, and in my daughter, who cried over crayons and glue because her art didn’t look like the teacher’s example. That belief had seeped in early: if it isn’t perfect, it isn’t good. But how many masterpieces started out as messes? Or were actually the third—or 50th— attempt? Cameron also compares creative block to physical recovery. I agree. Years ago, I had a “simple” surgery that turned out to be far more invasive than expected. My body needed more rest than I’d planned, more than I wanted to give. Only when I released the timeline and gave myself what I needed did healing begin. Creative recovery is the same. It takes time, patience, and grace. The urgency and anxiety that often trigger creative block won’t be the tools that guide us out.

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That’s where the idea of Artist Dates from The Artist’s Way comes in—time alone to nurture creativity. I couldn’t let these become another to-do list. I didn’t need one more task to squeeze into my schedule. I needed quiet, undivided moments where I chose myself. I borrowed a dog and went for a walk and had a great “chat.” I dipped my toes in a stream and let the water carry away my worries. I sat with nature and felt ﬁlled. Sometimes I just play with materials with no intention but joy. I tend a garden ﬁlled with beauty. I try new recipes for no reason other than curiosity. I visit museums, concerts, or simply sit by a ﬁre with tea and savor the moment. These artist dates will look different for everyone. What matters is that we intentionally spend time in joy—because that’s where passion and creativity live. Between those dates, I created a small sacred space—an artist’s altar. A physical space ﬁlled with things I ﬁnd beautiful. It reminds me: Creativity is a blessing. I accept. Sometimes we need reminders like that— tangible ones. Sacred spaces that whisper: You matter. Your creativity matters.

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SO WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? I once asked a colleague, and his dream was an empire to pass on to future generations. I understood that. I too want ﬁnancial freedom. But more than that, I want rest without guilt. I want time to be creative, to lift and share beautiful things with the people I love. That’s my version of success. And it matters—because it’s so easy to make art all about numbers and money, the world’s default measure of value. But when you begin with your why, when you start with your dream, it becomes easier to keep creativity alive and follow a path that truly speaks to your heart. To all aspiring creatives who feel like you’ve lost your way: You don’t need permission to begin. You don’t need perfection to matter. You don’t need to earn rest or beauty. You are already worthy of it. So start. Start messy. Start scared. Start with tears, or laughter, or scribbles no one will see. But start. Your creative self is waiting—not to be managed, but to be met and nurtured with grace. ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 13

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Ruins of Glendalough Kilkenny Castle As a designer, it was quite an exciting privilege to travel to Europe this past spring. Each day brought a new art adventure as I immersed myself in the rich heritage of England and Ireland. I was inspired by everything from the grandeur of the Tower of London to the subtle, harmonious greens that blanket the Irish countryside. Self-expression through art and design has been the desire of all humankind since the beginning of time. I was stunned to see ancient stone carvings, tapestries, and elegant architecture from centuries past— testaments to the enduring human instinct to create, embellish, and communicate through design. By Sharia Greenwood Morton Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design Student How Ireland’s Heritage Shapes Modern Design 16 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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Ireland, in particular, left a profound impression on me. With its rugged coastlines, monastic ruins, and intricate textiles, the country is a living museum of design. My purpose in this article is to explore how Ireland’s deep-rooted history and culture continue to shape contemporary design practices—across architecture, textiles, print, and visual arts. ARCHITECTURAL INFLUENCE: ECHOES OF STONE AND SYMMETRY One of the most captivating aspects of Irish design is its architectural legacy. From the Celtic round towers and ancient monastic settlements like Glendalough to medieval fortresses such as the Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny Castle, Ireland’s structures are steeped in symbolism and craftsmanship. These forms have inﬂuenced modern gothic and medieval revival styles, evoking a sense of timelessness in contemporary spaces. Walking through Georgian and Victorian Dublin, I was struck by the elegance of symmetrical facades, intricate brickwork, and famously colorful doors. These neoclassical principles are still echoed today in modern urban planning, both in Europe and the United States. Minimalist aesthetics, too, owe much to Ireland’s natural landscape—its muted tones and open, windswept vistas inﬂuencing spatial design and color palettes in both residential and commercial settings. Temple Bar, Dublin Ireland ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 17

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manuscripts inﬂuence everything from modern typography to branding aesthetics. Irish mythology and storytelling traditions continue to fuel the imagination of illustrators and designers, ﬁnding their way into logo design, digital art, and print media. Designers today often blend historical references with modern layouts, creating branding that feels rich, meaningful, and unmistakably Irish. The Book of Kells, housed at Trinity College Dublin, was one of the highlights of my trip. Its vibrant illuminations and intricate Celtic calligraphy serve as a foundation for Ireland’s graphic design legacy. These ancient ART & VISUAL CULTURE: SYMBOLS THAT TRANSCEND TIME Throughout my travels, I noticed a recurring presence of Celtic knots, spirals, and ogham script—not only in tourist souvenirs but in ﬁne art and digital media. These ancient symbols remain powerful tools of expression in Irish visual culture. The Irish Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century, much like its British counterpart, placed value on hand craftsmanship and local materials. That ethos still resonates today, especially among Ireland’s growing community of independent artisans. Whether in ceramics, textiles, or hand-bound books, the spirit of that movement thrives in studios across the country. Rock of Cashel tapestry ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 19 TEXTILES: THE LEGACY OF IRISH CRAFTSMANSHIP Irish textile traditions are another profound source of design inspiration. I was especially drawn to the ﬁne linen and intricate lace I encountered in shops and workshops. These handcrafted elements speak not only of beauty but of resilience and regional identity. The Aran sweater, originally crafted for ﬁshermen on the rugged west coast, has evolved into an iconic fashion statement that maintains its utilitarian roots while being embraced by global designers. PRINT & GRAPHIC DESIGN: ILLUMINATED INSPIRATION

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THE SPIRIT OF CRAFT IN DINGLE One of the most memorable parts of my journey was wandering the charming streets of Dingle, a coastal town alive with artistic spirit. Every turn revealed a new treasure: hand-thrown pottery, loomed wool blankets, scarves dyed in natural hues, and goldsmiths crafting jewelry with Celtic motifs. Small galleries displayed contemporary paintings, photographs, and sculpture—all rooted in the rich traditions of Irish storytelling and landscape. Dingle is a town where craftsmanship is not just preserved, but lived. It reminded me that art and design are not limited to galleries or academic study—they are found in everyday life, in the hands of makers who are keeping cultural heritage alive. Shops of Dingle A JOURNEY OF DESIGN DISCOVERY This journey deepened my appreciation for how Ireland’s artistic and cultural heritage continues to inﬂuence design on a global scale. From ancient manuscripts to modern storefronts, the fusion of history and innovation is ever-present. As artists and designers, we are all part of this continuum— drawing on the past to shape the future. I encourage fellow creatives to experience Irish design ﬁrsthand—through travel, exhibitions, or by incorporating its rich visual language into their own work. There’s something uniquely powerful about standing in a thousand-year-old chapel or watching a master cut crystal by hand on the Dingle Peninsula. These moments remind us that great design doesn’t exist in isolation; it is a conversation across time.

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The earliest use of trends can be traced back to the 14th century when aristocrats started using their dress to display wealth or position in society. It was later with the development of the printing press that trends began growing through advertising and design. I can only imagine how astonished the aristocrats would be at the immense impact of trends in today’s world of social media, inﬂuencer culture, and mass marketing. While many would argue that they don’t like or follow trends, it would be difﬁcult to argue the fact that trends are massively important and can steer the direction of the global design business industry. HUES NEXT? THE POWER OF COLOR TRENDS IN DESIGN TREND: Deﬁnition- A general direction in which something is developing or changing. From old English in the 1590’s trenden - to revolve or rotate or bend in a certain direction. Perhaps the most anticipated trends in our design industry revolve around color. Pantone famously started their “color of the year” in 1999 (Cerulean Blue) as a way to engage the design community in discussions about color. This has evolved into a global team at the Pantone Color institute who’s purpose is to speciﬁcally search the world for new sources of color inﬂuence. Pantone states that the popularity of color is symbolic of the age we live in. Over the years Pantone has unveiled uniquely named colors such as Peach Fuzz, Radiant Orchid, Mimosa, and most recently Mocha Mousse. By Julianna Hukill Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design Student 22 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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A FEW COLOR RESOURCES ARE LISTED BELOW: 1. Pantone (color of the year announced in early December) 2. Colors + WGSN 3. The Color Marketing Group 4. Fashion Snoops- fashionsnoops.com 5. Trend Union- edelkoort.com 6. Adobe Color Trends- color.adobe.com/trends 7. Canva Color Trends- canva.com/colors/color-trends/ 8. Sherwin-Williams- sherwin.williams.com 9. Behr- behr.com 10. Benjamin Moore (mid October announcement of Color of the Year) 11. Instagram 12. Pinterest 13. Facebook 14. ColorForward by Avient- ColorForward.com 15. OPR’s Color & Trends Forecasts- OPRcolorforecasts.com 16. EEEeColorWorld’s Color and Trend Archives 17. Communication Art’s Color Predictions 18. POP Fashion-reports on color trends in fashion 19. Real Simple-guidelines for applying color trends 20. Better Homes and Gardens-highlights emerging color trends

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The design world in 2025 is a vibrant combination of nostalgia, innovation, and purpose. From graphic layouts to fashion runways, crafts to web interfaces, designers are blending bold aesthetics with cutting-edge technology—all while keeping sustainability and inclusivity at the heart of their creations. Let’s dive into the trends shaping this dynamic year, where the past and future collide in the most inspiring ways. GRAPHIC DESIGN: VIBRANCY AND DIGITAL NOSTALGIA Graphic designers in 2025 are embracing dynamic color extremes, from vibrant accents to calming earth tones. Bold reds have resurged powerfully in branding and digital media, while warm browns and clay hues, including Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Moose, introduce a reﬁned elegance and restorative calm. RETRO MEETS REVOLUTION: Design Trends to Watch Typography trends reveal exciting contrasts. On one hand, bold, high-contrast sans serifs dominate; on the other, vintage-inspired typefaces, Art Deco-styled lettering, sophisticated retro serifs, and pixelated, 8-bit fonts thrive. Playful typographic experiments often combine traditional serif fonts with emojis or hand-drawn details, adding personality and whimsy. Layouts increasingly break away from rigid grids, favoring asymmetrical compositions and collage-inspired techniques. Designers layer textured graphics, overlapping elements, and strong focal points to create visual depth. A prominent theme is digital nostalgia, expressed through digital scrapbooking, collage art, and textured designs inﬂuenced by tactile DIY zine culture. Posters and social media graphics frequently integrate paper textures, grain effects, and handcrafted aesthetics. Balancing maximalist collage approaches, the emerging style of “minimalist maximalism” By Barbara Zimmerman Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design Student ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 25

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Overall, graphic design in 2025 skillfully blends expressive nostalgia with inclusive modernity, combines optimistic and earthy color palettes, merges classic and contemporary typography, and leverages AI-enhanced workﬂows. This results in visuals that are bolder, deeply personal, and culturally impactful. DIGITAL CRAFT TRENDS Professional crafters and designers enter 2025 armed with exciting new trends and timeless inﬂuences. This year, craft and design are marked by a fusion of nostalgic charm and innovative technology. Designers embrace vintage-inspired aesthetics and tactile elements while also leveraging cutting-edge tools like AI and digital fabrication. Sustainability and personalization remain central, reﬂecting consumer desires for comfort, meaningfulness, and creativity in daily life. Trend forecasters like Pinterest and Canva highlight a rise in maximalist and playfully nostalgic styles in everything from event décor to graphic design. The minimalist aesthetic that previously dominated is gradually evolving into cozy, lived-in looks with handcrafted imperfections. combines clean layouts featuring generous white space and simple typography with strategically placed vibrant colors or intricate patterns. Inclusivity remains central to graphic design principles. High-contrast color combinations (often black and white accented by vivid colors) and clear informational hierarchies ensure graphics remain accessible and readable for everyone, shifting accessible design from niche to mainstream. Innovative tools profoundly shape the 2025 graphic design landscape, particularly AI-driven technologies. Generative AI acts as a creative collaborator, enabling rapid creation of illustrations, realistic mockups, and even complete layouts. Designers leverage AI-generated visuals, reﬁning outputs manually to accelerate experimentation. AI software also streamlines layout variations and data-driven infographic production based on deﬁned parameters. Augmented Reality (AR) further expands creative possibilities, as graphic designers craft interactive AR ﬁlters and packaging designs activated through smartphones, effectively merging two-dimensional graphics with immersive three-dimensional experiences. CRICUT AND SILHOUETTE CRAFT TRENDS Cricut and Silhouette machines continue as key tools for digital crafting, allowing intricate designs in vinyl, paper, fabric, and more. Trends shaping craft cutting in 2025 include: Personalization The appetite for personalized and custom items is booming. Makers produce unique name decals, monograms, and personalized gifts. Etsy reports a 175% increase year-over-year in searches for custom and handmade gifts. Nostalgic and Vintage Graphics Retro-inspired graphics ﬂourish, with crafters gravitating towards ‘70s rainbow decals, ‘90s-themed stickers, and vintage t-shirt designs. Boho ﬂorals, neon motifs from the ‘80s, and ‘90s cartoons inspire SVG ﬁles, apparel, and scrapbook elements. Typography Hand-lettered and organic fonts are particularly popular for vinyl and paper crafts, complementing the DIY aesthetic. Vintage typography and retro fonts also see a resurgence, adding charm to various craft projects. Color Schemes Trendy colors echo interior décor styles, featuring earthy neutrals like 26 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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warm terracotta, olive green, creamy beige, and mocha brown. Bright palettes—especially neons and pop-art-inspired hues—are also popular for party items or children’s crafts. Designers expertly combine neutrals with vibrant accents, striking a balance between nostalgic warmth and modern fun. Patterns and Motifs Botanical illustrations, celestial patterns, and folk-art motifs dominate. Western-inspired themes, including cacti, cowboy elements, and cow prints, emerge strongly. Seasonal patterns remain popular but with fresh interpretations of classic holiday themes. LASER CUTTING AND ENGRAVING Laser crafting has gained popularity with desktop laser cutters enabling precise detailing on wood, acrylic, and leather. Digital designers increasingly offer SVG/DXF ﬁles tailored speciﬁcally for laser cutting. Materials and Colors Wood, particularly Baltic Birch and basswood, remains popular, aligning with sustainability and natural-material trends. Pieces are often left raw or painted in neutral matte ﬁnishes. Acrylic offers vibrant, contemporary options. Popular Laser-Cut Products Layered wood wall art, personalized signs, intricate ornaments, and jewelry (especially acrylic earrings and wooden ornaments engraved with vintage designs) are highly sought-after. Mandalas, geometric lacework, and detailed botanical patterns resonate with buyers, combining modern precision with nostalgic charm. Laser-cut typography often features bold scripts, serif fonts with decorative ﬂourishes, and Art Deco-inspired lettering. Emerging hybrid trends combine laser cutting with sublimation and photo engraving, creating distinctive, vintage-inspired pieces. SUBLIMATION AND HTV PRINTING Sublimation and heat transfer vinyl (HTV) remain strong in apparel and drinkware customization. Popular themes include: • Tie-dye, ombre, watercolor washes, and rustic textures (faux wood grain, glitter effects). • Nostalgic motifs such as vintage band tees, ‘90s cartoons, retro sports logos, and travel-inspired graphics. • Western and country themes blending rustic elements with bright colors. • Sports-core designs targeting hobbyist sports enthusiasts. • Vintage holiday themes combined with vibrant, neon text. Fonts favored include chunky retro typography, sporty block letters, collegiate-style lettering, and playful scripts. Font pairings (script with serif, or sans-serif with cursive) are particularly impactful. Sublimation palettes blend earthy tones with vivid purples, lavenders, and saturated hues for standout results. Direct-to-ﬁlm (DTF) printing emerges as an innovative complement to sublimation, allowing vivid full-color transfers onto cotton garments. 3D PRINTING IN CRAFTING 3D printing adds tangible depth to crafting. Popular uses include: • Miniature models and dollhouse furniture. • Custom craft tools such as yarn holders, needle cases, cookie cutters, embossing stamps, and organizers. • Decorative 3D-printed planters styled in earthy, ceramic-inspired ﬁnishes. Filament colors often embrace neutrals and pastels, mirroring contemporary ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 27

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DEFINING COLOR STORIES AND PATTERNS Warm, earthy tones like Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Moose, dominate crafts ranging from wall décor to apparel. Jewel tones such as deep eggplant purple, indigo, and dark teal offer luxurious accents, complemented by unexpected vibrant shades like chartreuse and coral. Patterns diverge into two prominent trends: • Maximalism: Designers mix diverse patterns (stripes, ﬂorals, etc.) in collage-style designs. • Authentic Minimalism: An evolved minimalism emphasizing imperfections and authenticity. Patterns draw from traditional and regional crafts, celebrating cultural heritage with Nordic knitting motifs, tribal borders, and intricate ﬂorals. TRADITIONAL CRAFT REVIVAL Crafts like knitting, crochet, and cross-stitch experience renewed interest, dubbed “Gramma Core,” reﬂecting a societal shift toward mindful, slower lifestyles. Key trends in yarn crafts include: • Long coats and layered knitwear featuring complex textures. • Vibrant colors such as emerald green and deep purple. • Emphasis on sustainability with organic and recycled yarns. Across the crafting spectrum, 2025’s creative direction emphasizes meaningful, personalized storytelling. Consumers seek designs that merge the warmth of nostalgia with the excitement of innovation, resulting in creations that are authentically personal, culturally relevant, and visually compelling. FASHION DESIGN Fashion design in 2025 celebrates vivid self-expression balanced by sustainability. After several seasons dominated by neutrals, vibrant color is making a powerful return. Reds and pinks are particularly prominent, ranging from deep cherry and rich burgundy to soft ballet shades. Gentle pastels and earthy tones offer a harmonious balance to this vivid palette. Maximalist prints inspired by social media and nostalgia have become central, featuring psychedelic patterns, hyper-real ﬂorals, and classic varsity stripes. Animal prints, now considered timeless, ﬁrmly establish themselves as wardrobe staples. Accessories reﬂect this expressive mood, with dainty charms decorating everything from jewelry to handbags, providing personal ﬂair. Simultaneously, oversized bags reminiscent of early-2000s trends make a comeback, offering both style and functionality over previous mini-bag trends. Sustainability moves from buzzword to essential practice, deeply inﬂuencing fashion choices. Eco-friendly, biodegradable, and plant-based textiles gain popularity, combining ethical responsibility with stylish practicality. These innovative fabrics mimic traditional materials’ appearance and durability while signiﬁcantly reducing environmental impact. Technological advancements are transforming fashion design processes. 3D design and virtualization technologies streamline garment development, enabling accurate digital prototypes complete with realistic draping and lighting effects. Augmented Reality (AR) dramatically reshapes retail experiences, allowing consumers to virtually try on clothing and accessories through smart mirrors or smartphone applications. 28 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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RFID(Radio-Frequency Identiﬁcation) technology and smart textiles further integrate fashion with functionality, as garments now feature embedded sensors capable of changing colors based on temperature or tracking wear data. The collaboration between fashion designers and technology experts reaches unprecedented levels, fostering continuous innovation. In summary, fashion design in 2025 embodies bold creativity paired with conscientious sustainability. Designers amplify colors and patterns while employing eco-friendly fabrics and responsible manufacturing practices. Tools like AI and AR enhance every step from initial sketches to ﬁnal consumer experiences, signaling a progressive, thoughtful, and exciting era for fashion. INTERIOR DESIGN Interior design in 2025 is experiencing a vibrant and inviting shift. After years dominated by cool grays and minimalist white spaces, designers and homeowners now embrace rich colors and textured elements to create rooms brimming with personality. Warm, retro-inspired color palettes have emerged as essential trends, including earthy browns, terracotta, deep burgundy, olive greens, and mustards. These caramel and cocoa shades introduce warmth and comfort into interiors. Nostalgic palettes from the 1970s—harvest gold, dusty oranges, and avocado greens—are being re-imagined as sophisticated accents paired against neutral tones. Velvet stands out as the leading texture, gracing sofas, curtains, and pillows in jewel-like hues and earthy tones, instantly enhancing rooms with warmth and tactile charm. Natural stone and wood grains also feature prominently, adding organic elegance. Designers seamlessly blend vintage and modern elements, with Art Deco motifs prominently resurfacing in tile work, rug patterns, furniture silhouettes, and spatial arrangements. The overall aesthetic emphasizes warmth, layers, and emotional depth. Interior layouts in 2025 center around comfort, personality, and versatile functionality. The post-pandemic desire for homes as sanctuaries persists, evolving into intimate ‘pockets of sanctuary’ within larger spaces. Eclectic maximalism is thriving, with walls adorned with diverse artworks and photographs, and shelves ﬁlled with books and unique objects that narrate personal stories. Furniture featuring curved forms remains popular, fostering a soothing atmosphere aligned with contemporary desires for tranquility. Technology and sustainable innovations play subtle yet signiﬁcant roles in shaping interior design. Sustainability and wellness profoundly inﬂuence material choices, with designers favoring eco-friendly options such as reclaimed wood, recycled metals, cork, and hempcrete. Biophilic design, incorporating natural elements into spaces, remains a leading trend, enhancing wellness and connection to nature. Augmented Reality (AR) revolutionizes the interior design experience, empowering designers and clients to visualize furniture and ﬁnishes accurately within actual spaces. This capability encourages bolder, more conﬁdent decisions. 3D printing emerges as a creative force, producing intricate lighting ﬁxtures, vases, and furniture previously difﬁcult to manufacture through conventional methods. Often crafted from sustainable bio plastics or recycled materials, these unique pieces serve as contemporary focal points. Interior design in 2025 artfully blends nostalgia with innovation, prioritizing warmth, heritage, and personal expression, enhanced by smart, sustainable technologies designed to support modern lifestyles. ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 29

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VISUAL AND FINE ART Visual art, ﬁne art, and digital media in 2025 present an intriguing duality, blending technological innovation with renewed emphasis on heritage, craftsmanship, and social commentary. Exhibitions continue to address critical global issues such as climate change, inequality, and identity, featuring art installations designed to provoke thought, educate, and inspire activism. Aesthetic trends highlight a strong desire for escapism and whimsy, providing comfort amid global uncertainty. Artists frequently create enchanting scenes featuring forest creatures, cottage gardens, and mythical beings, evoking nostalgia and childhood innocence. Simultaneously, maximalist surrealism thrives, capturing the intense and often chaotic nature of digital experiences through vivid and complex visuals. Traditional crafts and heritage arts such as ﬁber art and pottery enjoy renewed prestige, with museums increasingly recognizing quilt makers, indigenous weavers, and ceramic artists alongside digital media creators. Mental health has emerged as a signiﬁcant artistic theme, with exhibitions directly addressing anxiety, depression, and trauma, and providing therapeutic, immersive experiences. Mindful installations incorporating meditative light displays and interactive sound environments have become especially prevalent. The appetite for digital art experiences grows substantially, as evidenced by signiﬁcant expansion in the global virtual reality art market. Technologies such as generative AI and NFTs have matured beyond novelty to become integral tools in artists’ creative processes. Augmented Reality (AR) enriches public art, enabling viewers to interactively explore murals and installations through smartphone apps, uncovering dynamic animations and additional artist insights. Innovative technologies also reshape art production itself. Robotics and automation enable large-scale, precise installations unattainable by traditional methods. 3D printing advances have broadened sculptural possibilities, permitting artists to produce works in metal, ceramics, and concrete with unprecedented complexity. Bio-art emerges as a fascinating intersection of art, science, and nature, with living organisms integrated into creative mediums, often reﬂecting environmental themes and the interconnectedness of life systems. The art world of 2025 is notably more accessible, experimental, and interdisciplinary. Boundaries between art, design, and technology continue to blur, enriching the artistic landscape. Visual artists frequently utilize game engines for creating immersive 3D environments, while painters incorporate AR elements accessible through digital devices. This fusion of technology and tradition expands artistic expression, offering diverse experiences from virtual gallery explorations to the profound intimacy of standing before a traditional canvas. WEB DESIGN Web and interface design in 2025 blends futuristic visuals, nostalgic elements, and highly personalized, user-centric layouts. Moving beyond years of ﬂat minimalism, designers now embrace visual depth and interactive richness. 3D elements feature prominently, ranging from interactive product models users can spin and zoom, to subtle dimensional effects in UI components. Cursor-triggered animations, retro patterns, and playful GIFs and stickers add personality to web pages. Typography takes center stage with bold, expressive text dominating landing pages and portfolios. Single-word or phrase-centric designs have become popular homepage aesthetics. Brutalist web design, noted for its raw simplicity and asymmetry, has evolved into “elevated brutalism,” balancing stark, 30 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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monochrome backdrops and minimal styling with reﬁned sophistication, ideal for artistic or technology-focused brands. Another striking trend is the integration of luminous effects—designers utilize glowing gradients, neon highlights on text and buttons, and pastel neon palettes to achieve a dreamy or futuristic ambiance. Dark mode interfaces continue to be favored, emphasizing vibrant neon glows that enhance visual impact. Conversely, digital minimalism remains signiﬁcant, utilizing soft, neutral palettes and generous white space to deliver calm, user-friendly experiences. Asymmetrical layouts, creative scrolling techniques, and elegant split-screen designs have become prevalent, facilitating intuitive information comparison and presentation. However, visual complexity is carefully balanced with a strong commitment to accessibility, performance, and user experience simplicity. Personalization and user delight remain central tenets, driven by data-based customization where content dynamically adapts to individual behaviors and preferences. Gamiﬁcation features, including progress trackers, badges, and engaging interactions, are commonly employed to enrich the user journey. AI-powered chat-bots revolutionize customer support, effortlessly handling natural language inquiries. Continuous scrolling and dynamic content loading have largely replaced pagination, simplifying navigation experiences. Complex mega-menus are giving way to streamlined sidebars and intuitive ﬁltering interfaces. Internationalization has also become standard, ensuring designs accommodate right-to-left languages and diverse formatting requirements. AI-driven tools signiﬁcantly enhance web design workﬂows, automating layout generation, suggesting user experience enhancements, and optimizing front-end performance and accessibility in real-time. These technologies rapidly analyze user feedback, analytics data, and support tickets, swiftly identifying and addressing UX issues. Meanwhile, no-code and low-code platforms empower designers to create sophisticated interactive sites without extensive coding expertise. In summary, web design in 2025 prioritizes immersive, intelligent, and inclusive digital experiences, balancing aesthetic innovation with seamless usability. Design in 2025 blends nostalgia with cutting edge technology, resulting in visuals that feel deeply personal and culturally resonant. The unifying factor across all disciplines is a conscious push toward sustainability, inclusivity, and meaningful storytelling, making design not just visually striking, but culturally impactful. ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 31

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What sets this course apart is how thoughtfully it is structured. It begins with foundational design principles using simple ﬂat graphics and gradually builds toward complex 3D structures and dynamic print-and-cut compositions. This scaffolded approach made even the most advanced techniques approachable. Carina, our instructor, has a gift for translating intricate processes into clear, actionable steps. Her instruction is equal parts informative and empowering, fostering a studio-like environment where experimentation is encouraged and success feels attainable. Throughout the course, I gained not only technical proﬁciency but also a deeper understanding of how shape, structure, and design intersect to create both form and function. I learned how to develop vector-based ﬁles that are compatible with a wide range of cutting machines—from Cricut and Silhouette to professional-grade laser cutters—ensuring accessibility and scalability in my designs. This ﬂexibility is key for any designer hoping to work across platforms or market to a wider audience. One of the most fulﬁlling aspects of this course was the creative freedom it allowed. ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 35

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For my ﬁnal project, I conceptualized and produced a whimsical 3D carousel cake topper, a coordinating treat box, and a matching party banner. Watching my sketches evolve into tactile, functional pieces was exhilarating. What’s more, these designs will be showcased at an upcoming Maker’s Event I’m participating in later this year—an opportunity I might not have had without this course. I’ll also be offering these digital ﬁles for sale through my shop, Sharia Morton Designs, transforming coursework into entrepreneurial potential. But the course doesn’t stop at just design. It dives into the real-world skills necessary to succeed as a creative professional. From product photography and branding to ﬁlming step-by-step tutorial videos, I was equipped with the tools needed to package, present, and promote my work effectively. In many ways, this course is a blueprint for building a creative business from the ground up. It’s not just about making something beautiful—it’s about making something that sells, scales, and tells a story. Ultimately, C507 Die Cut and 3D Design Technology is more than just a class. It’s a launchpad. It invites students to explore the intersection of ﬁne art, design, and technology in a hands-on, deeply personal way. For anyone pursuing an MFA or a creative path that blends art with entrepreneurship, I cannot recommend this course enough. It has not only enhanced my portfolio but expanded my vision for what’s possible in my career as an artist and designer. 36 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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Have you ever been captivated by a piece of art or design at ﬁrst glance because of the colors? Have you ever liked a design or piece of art but felt like the colors just seemed “off”? Welcome to the wonderful world of Color Theory. Of all the course work I have taken in the University of Arts and Design I would say that the color theory class has had the greatest impact in my design work. Prior to taking the class my color choices in design were based strictly on what I thought was “pretty”. I had no real understanding on how to pick colors, why some color combinations work or don’t work, the psychology behind colors, or how colors can help deﬁne your brand. The Color Theory Course starts with a deep dive into the science behind color, how colors interact, and industry color terminology. We then applied the science we learned by making our own color wheel and custom color palettes using acrylic paints which was so much fun! The process of getting our hands dirty making palettes was such an eye opener into how tints, shades, and tones are made. This new found understanding was then a game changer in helping me develop digital color palettes which was the second part of the class. I learned how to develop a strong color palette with variety in contrast and mood. Most importantly I learned how to edit the number of colors in my palettes and the why behind the “less is more” principle. BEYOND THE RAINBOW THE ART AND SCIENCE OF COLOR THEORY By Julianna Hukill Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design Student ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 39

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In addition to the hands on learning we read 2 incredible books for the course. First was Betty Edward’s book Color: A Course in Mastering the Art of Mixing Colors. Betty’s book is a comprehensive pairing of color science with practical application. This is a book really helped to reinforce what we learned in the beginning of the class and how master artists have applied the principles in their work. The second book was The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Julia’s book is a fantastic look into the artist’s mind and the psychology behind why we make art and how to develop our creative voice. Overall I came out of this course with a new found conﬁdence and real intention in my color selection choices. I now choose my colors carefully asking myself: Who is my customer, What product will this go on, What mood do I want the design to convey, How does this represent my brand to make it cohesive? All of the courses have been so valuable in the University but the reason I feel this is the most important course is because all of the studies I have read indicate that color is the primary deciding factor to why a customer chooses a particular design. Color importance is rated higher than the actual quality of the design itself. So while it is extremely important to learn software and develop drawing skill, if you don’t have strong marketable colors in your designs you will be missing the most important part of the design business equation. SO WHAT IS COLOR THEORY? In it’s simplest form Color Theory is the study of how colors relate to each other and how they affect emotions and perceptions. While it is not clear when early man ﬁrst took notice of the effects of color, cave art in South Africa suggests the ﬁrst color used was a red ochre clay dated 11,000 BC. Aristotle however, is credited with some of the earliest documentation in his “On Colors” writing (322 BCE). He postulated that all colors came from black and white and related them to the four elements (water, air, earth, ﬁre). In later years scholars noted that there are multiple color paths to get from black to white. Then in the 1660’s Isaac Newton began his ground breaking studies on passing sunlight through prisms where he identiﬁed that red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet make up the visible spectrum. This spectrum is the narrow portion within the electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen by humans. Fast forward into the future and from Newton’s work we have advancements in optics, physics, chemistry, and the science of color theory. Sir Isaac Newton developed the “Newton disc” to illustrate the relations between colors. James Clerk Maxwell showed that all hues can be created from the three primary colors if mixed in the right proportions. Theory of Colours by Goethe was later the ﬁrst study on the physiologic effects of color. The power of Color Theory cannot be underestimated. For centuries artists have used color as a communication tool to evoke mood, depth, and meaning. It is through the principles of color theory, the use of the color wheel, and the science of color mixing that artists are able to convey a sense of harmony or dissonance in their work. Because of this fact the study of Color Theory is paramount to any artists education. Julianna Hukill, Fall 2024 | B502 Methodology for Creative Innovations and Color Theory for Digital Technology 40 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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AI & ART: FRIEND OR FOE? Exploring the Impact of Artiﬁcial Intelligence on the Creative Field By Barbara Zimmerman Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design Student Over the past year, artiﬁcial intelligence (AI) has moved from novelty status to a disruptive force in the art and design world. Tools like text-to-image and text-to-video generators have become widely accessible, enabling anyone—from hobbyists to professionals—to produce visuals from simple prompts. This technological shift has inspired excitement over new forms of creativity but also raised alarms over issues like artistic integrity, ownership, and the future of creative livelihoods. In this feature, we’ll explore the cultural and ethical implications of AI in the visual arts and digital illustration. Is AI breathing new life into art for everyone—or does it devalue the hard-won skills of artists and designers? As you’ll see, the answer is complex: simultaneously inspiring, unsettling, and undeniably transformative. 42 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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A NEW CREATIVE FRONTIER Many creators have warmly embraced AI as a powerful new tool. By generating concept sketches, storyboards, and design variations in minutes, AI lets artists: • Explore ideas quickly • Present clients with multiple options • Discover unexpected inspirations Professional creators use AI to speed up workﬂow or as a spark for fresh ideas; meanwhile, those with minimal design experience are suddenly able to bring their visions to life—fueling a whole new wave of creators. Some artists even “ﬁne-tune” AI models using their own styles, effectively training the technology to produce art that resonates with their unique aesthetic, then ﬁnishing the piece by hand. These processes showcase how AI, much like photography and digital art before it, can be seen as simply the latest medium in the artist’s toolkit. BACKLASH AND ETHICAL CONCERNS Yet with every innovation comes controversy. Critics argue that AI art platforms scrape massive amounts of data from the internet—often including copyrighted images—without explicit consent. This raises red ﬂags over: • Artistic credit and fair compensation • Unauthorized training on copyrighted work • Potential job losses • Devaluation of human skill In early 2025, 3,000 artists signed an open letter accusing AI companies of “mass theft” for using their artwork without a license. They demanded regulations to protect photographers, illustrators, and designers from losing their livelihoods to AI-generated knockoffs. 44 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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THE FINANCIAL IMPACT Creators also worry about how AI might undercut their income. In a 2025 survey, 54% said AI could reduce their earnings, while 75% wanted the right to opt out of having their art used to train AI models. Meanwhile, legal authorities have been cautious. The U.S. Copyright Ofﬁce ruled that purely AI-generated art cannot be copyrighted because it lacks a human author, which raises questions about who, if anyone, owns AI-produced pieces. “AI may generate stunning visuals, but it lacks true life experience, emotional intent, and originality.” Many artists argue that AI’s reliance on remixing existing images means it isn’t truly creative. Others fear the “soul” of art gets lost when machine-made pieces ﬂood the market. Even those who embrace AI often face backlash from peers who view AI assistance as a form of “cheating.” EMERGING MOVEMENTS AND NOTABLE AI ARTWORKS Despite the controversies, AI-driven creations are entering galleries and festivals worldwide, proving that AI-assisted art has arrived in the mainstream. A new breed of “AI artists” and “AI designers” has gained prominence, often working hand-in-hand with programmers to produce ever-evolving creations that blend human skill with algorithmic output. Some notable trends include: • Hybrid techniques where artists paint or illustrate over AI-generated images. • Interactive installations where AI changes the artwork in real time based on viewer input. Barbara Zimmerman, Spring 2025 | C506 Surface Pattern Design

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Tiffani Hawkins, Fall 2024 | B504 Illustrator Drawing Academy Social media communities that experiment with AI daily, sharing styles from photo-realistic to surreal. For some traditionalists, this type of artwork raises existential questions about authorship. Yet many in the next generation of creatives see it as an exciting evolution of what art can be—similar to how ﬁlm photography gave way to digital. THE HUMAN ELEMENT ENDURES In the face of disruption, artists are not standing idle. We’ve seen large-scale protests, awareness campaigns, petitions, and satirical works critiquing AI. But we’ve also seen advocacy groups that aim to educate fellow artists on ways to use AI ethically and responsibly. “Refusing to adapt is like a ﬁlm photographer scofﬁng at digital cameras.” The conversation in artist communities is vibrant and ongoing, with many professionals acknowledging that AI can assist creativity, provided there’s consent, credit to original artists, and respect for intellectual property. LOOKING AHEAD: AI’S ROLE IN ART Between 2024 and 2025, AI’s impact on art has been profound. It has empowered new creators, revolutionized workﬂows, and sparked global debates over ethics and rights. We’ve seen AI produce award-winning pieces while also igniting ﬁerce protests. Going forward, the crucial question remains: Where does true creativity reside? If a machine can execute an idea in seconds, does that make the human artist more of a curator or director? These debates will likely continue for years, but one thing is certain: the human touch still matters. Market behavior, legal frameworks, and cultural values all afﬁrm that people—with their emotions, life experiences, and storytelling abilities—give art its soul. Many experts believe AI won’t replace artists but rather redeﬁne their roles, just as photography pushed painting in new directions. Instead of “killing creativity,” AI might push artists to emphasize the qualities that only humans can provide: imagination, emotional resonance, and original storytelling. But that’s only if artists have a strong voice in shaping how AI evolves. 46 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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Tiffani Hawkins, Fall 2024 | B504 Illustrator Drawing Academy As AI continues to advance, the art community stands at a crossroads—one where creators must strike a balance between harnessing AI’s incredible capabilities and preserving the very elements that make art distinctly human. The ethical and cultural juggling act playing out now will ultimately shape the next era of art. For better or worse, the conversation has only just begun. If 2024 is any indication, artists will remain passionate, imaginative, and deeply engaged in determining what art should be in the age of intelligent machines. SIDE NOTE: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? • Is AI just another tool, like a camera or a paintbrush, that expands the creative process? • Or does it pose a unique threat to artistry, ethics, and even the deﬁnition of “originality”? Share your take on social media using #AIArtDebate!

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SEASONAL DESIGN IDEAS A Graphic Designer’s Approach to Year-Round Aesthetics By Kristi Egle Art & Design Business Certiﬁcate As designers, we know that each season tells a visual story. From the fresh pastels of spring to the rich, cozy hues of autumn. Seasonal design is about capturing the essence of time through colors, textures, and composition. Whether crafting a brand campaign, social media visuals, or home decor graphics, aligning with seasonal aesthetics keeps designs fresh and engaging. Graphic design is more than just the arrangement of images and text; it is the art of visual storytelling. We are the narrators who use visual elements to convey messages, ideas, and emotions. From the sleek lines of modern minimalism to the intricate patterns of vintage aesthetics, graphic design spans a vast spectrum, each style telling its unique tale. If you think of design in the following three perspectives, it will assist you to create a visual experience for your viewers. Using color as the “Emotional Palette”, which evokes emotion in the viewer. The selection of Typography as “The Voice of Text”. Typography holds the content of your message. My personal favorite, the use of Images as “Capturing Moments”. As a Graphic Designer, if you keep these design perspectives in mind during your design process, it will help to capture the attention of your audience. The journey of a graphic designer is ﬁlled with challenges and inspirations. We constantly push the boundaries of creativity, experimenting with new techniques and technologies, pivoting along the way. Yet, in the middle of the challenges, here’s some ideas of how to bring the spirit of each season into your designs and transport to the visual mind of your viewer and to the marketplace you’re selling to. ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 49

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A DAY IN THE LIFE Coralyn Grant, Master of Arts in Design Business Student My schedule differs a bit from day to day. I usually wake up between 6:30-7:00 am. on weekdays. Two days during the work week I head to the kitchen ﬁrst thing for a small breakfast. Then I work out. We have a small gym in our basement so it’s a quick commute. My husband joins me or If it’s during training season, I am out on my road bike for an hour or two. Then I grab a protein drink and a small snack and get ready for the day. The other three days I join my husband and we get ready together. We eat breakfast and talk about the day ahead before he leaves for the ofﬁce and I start my day. I take 15-30 minutes ﬁrst thing to center myself on the day. I do my morning pages which helps clear my head and gets me ready to focus. I then review my to-do list and check emails. Depending on the day I am on my computer creating digital work, editing videos, updating my shop, or brainstorming ideas. Other days I am in my studio working on physical designs or creating video content. I break for lunch and make some calls then its back to work for a few more hours. Once a week or so, I help my Mom run a few errands or take her to medical appointments. My husband is a CPA so during tax season when he is working late and it is winter here I can really pound out some long hours and get a lot of designs completed. I am very productive this time of the year. During the summer, the workdays are shorter. We like to travel, go on hikes, go mountain biking, and spend time working in our yard and playing with our grandson outside. In the evenings, we have dinner together and go for a walk or watch something on TV. Some nights I will take some time to explore some drawing or painting or go out with friends. I’m usually in bed by 11pm. A Peek into the Desired Schedule of a Designer | an assignment from C505 Business Workﬂow, Production, and Project Management for Creatives 56 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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Julianna Hukill, Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design Student On weekdays I wake up at 6:30am. I usually cuddle with my dogs for 15 minutes and greet the morning sunrise reminding myself what I am grateful for. At 7am I have breakfast and review my daily plan. If it is a workday for my full time job I am at work by 7:50 and ﬁnish work by 5pm. I will then exercise for 1 hour to blow off steam from the days events and then settle in for a nice dinner followed by going to my home ofﬁce to work on my design course work. The design course work goes from 7PM to 1 0PM. During this time I will take 15 minute breaks every hour to play with my dogs otherwise they will go crazy and destroy the house. It also gives me a great mental break. On Tuesday and Wednesday when I don’t have my full time job activities I spend the morning from 7am10am doing design course work. From 10am-2pm if I have errands to run for work or personal I will take care of them. Otherwise I usually have Design meetings to attend on Wednesday. Wednesday late afternoon I like to do a combination of course work and designing usually from 6PM to 9PM. This may include painting or digital design depending on my mood. The weekends are usually a combination of design studies, design production, and designing in the mornings. The weekend afternoons are reserved ﬁrst for family however if they aren’t visiting home then I will do some kind of outing for inspiration and then design. Sarah Prouty, Master of Arts in Design Business Student Running a part-time creative business while aiming to make it full-time presents numerous challenges. Currently, I dedicate 40 hours per week to a well-paying remote job as a software development project manager. This forces me to deliberately carve out time for my design business and educational pursuits, all while striving to maintain an engaged family life. Balancing these commitments is especially difﬁcult as I am concurrently pursuing both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, managing three shops, and holding a full-time job. As a result, my family and business often feel somewhat neglected. This demand of time around my education will complete this December 2025. Despite the arduous schedule, I value the time spent on learning, as it has signiﬁcantly ampliﬁed my knowledge and experience in the design ﬁeld, particularly with tools like Illustrator. Each step of this educational journey is incredibly enriching, and I’ll be both saddened and thrilled when it concludes. The excitement lies in the prospect of focusing more on building my business and spending quality time with my family. I will continue to learn and stay connected with my design family, but look forward to the community side of our interactions. ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025 | 57

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Student Artwk Patterns from C506 | Surface Pattern Design with an Emphasis in Fabric, Paper, & Wallpaper These patterns are student submissions for C506 Surface Pattern Design with and emphasis in Fabric, Paper and Wallpaper. This class provided students with the ability to create and scale fabrics, papers, wallpaper, and other products to develop stunning visuals that work in seamless patterns. Students developed and created full collections for different industries in this course. They analyzed scale and color to develop critical thinking skills for optimizing their use across different industries. If you have the printed version of this magazine, feel free to cut out these patterns for your own personal use projects. 58 | ISSUE 01 SPRING 2025

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