Graphic Design News
Graphic Design Alumni Network
William Lebeda - Graduated 1990 -
Why WTAMU?I got an early acceptance letter my junior year, and then met Steven Mayes over the summer before my Senior year, and that was it. I was hooked… I was dying to go to art school.
Any favorite memories?
Singlehandedly wearing a path from Guenther Hall to Mary Moody. Working in the middle of the night in the Layout. Showing my big superhero paintings in the gallery. And talking with Bob Caruthers.
3 Pro Tips from William:
1) Use a pencil and paper before you turn on the computer.
2) Celebrate the wins because its easy to forget them.
3) Work with people that are better/more skilled/smarter than you are and learn from them… I’m still learning everyday!
Jessica Freeman - Graduated 2012- jesscreatives
Why WTAMU?I chose WTAMU because I loved the smaller community!
Any favorite memories?
Homecoming was always a great time on campus, and getting to study abroad was a great experience, too!
3 Pro Tips from Jessica:
1) Work on more types of projects that you love outside of class.
2) Get as much experience as you can through freelance work or internships.
3) Keep an open mind about where your degree will take you!
Miguel Gutierrez - Graduated 2021 -
Why WTAMU?I first intended to attend Texas A&M but my grades were not at all the best, so I was given the chance to attend a sister school to "improve" or prove my chances of belonging at A&M. Once in WT, however, I made a sudden change of mind and actually fell in love with the campus, changing from boring engineering to graphic design!
Any favorite memories?
Critique days were a great time to look at my peers' work as an opportunity to see how everyone else sees the world differently than I do. They were a chance to improve with everyone's opinions and thoughts on how I could do even better!
3 Pro Tips from Miguel:
1) Graphic design is not all about computer work- You need to get your hands dirty every once in a while with printmaking, ceramics, or painting.
2) Every design is instagram material, don't be afraid to showcase failure- because failure also took time, guts, and an idea that was gold but did not meet demand.
3) Believe in yourself! You got this, keep going!
Jarret Johnston - Graduated 2012 - jarrettjohnston.co
Why WTAMU?I chose WT because it was in my hometown and many of my friends were attending there.
Any favorite memories?
My time at WT was formative to who I am and everything I am doing today. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work on campus as a designer while in school, and participate in a local internship at a highly respected agency in Amarillo during the summer — both contributing to my education and "real world" experience.
3 Pro Tips from Jarret:
1) Find Allies: Your "career" starts the first day of class. Build relationships, say "yes" a lot in your time at college.
2) Learn the business side of art: Too many designers get taken advantage of because "they are doing what they love." We have a valuable gift that very few can do well so don't be afraid to talk about money and get paid what you are worth.
3) The Scariest Decisions are Often the Best: In my experience, the opportunities that feel the most daunting end up being the best decisions.
Elba Duron - Graduated 2020 -
Why WTAMU?I decided to attend WTAMU because it was close to my family, but I could also get to experience the “university life”.
Any favorite memories?
My favorite memories are mostly with the friends I made at WT. I enjoyed the late nights working on projects with my art friends, that’s where we bonded the most. We listened to music, had the best conversations, laughed the hardest, helped each other and even had mental breakdowns together.
3 Pro Tips from Elba:
1) Learn as much as you can from your classmates by asking for feedback and observing their work process. Support and Encourage each other!
2) Experiment with your work, step out of your comfort zone and try things you normally wouldn’t whether it’s a different font style or medium.
3) Look at professional designer’s portfolios to get an idea of what you should have in yours and always work towards building your portfolio.
