Explain your career path

I have chosen to work as an assistant graphic apparel designer with Dick's Sporting Goods focusing on outdoor apparel. I wanted to use my knowledge in digital art and graphic design in the apparel industry because of how much I enjoyed my experience interning with a small outdoor brand. Seeing my work on clothing is thrilling.

What was your major at Southeast and how would you characterize the quality of that program to prospective students?

My Major at southeast was Digital Art. I had originally wanted to focus on graphic design but was drawn to the freedom and creativity in digital art. I was able to incorporate graphic design into so many different mediums broadening my experience as an artist.

Why did you choose to attend Southeast?

I was drawn to a school that is pushing resources for the arts. Having a separate arts campus created a unique atmosphere that I wouldn't have had at other colleges. I really liked the town of Cape Girardeau and felt that it was just the right size for me.

Who influenced you most during your time at Southeast?

My academic advisor and digital arts professor Emily Denlinger. She was always looking for ways to inspire us and pushing us to express ourselves. She helped my find my voice as a designer and provided so many opportunities to show it off. She never passed up a moment to donate her time and expertise to myself and other students in the program.

Share your best college memory.

I really enjoyed my senior show. I felt that everything I had been working for had payed off and I got to share the moment with all my favorite people.

What is the most important thing you learned while you were at Southeast?

After going through the art program and being exposed to so many different types of art making I really grew in my understanding that every form of art relates to each other. Creativity can be expressed in so many ways other than just what my degree path suggests, and that the best artists worked outside their focus to incorporate many forms of art in their work.

Describe Southeast in three words.

Family, affordable, prolific

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?

Say yes to every opportunity during your education at southeast. You never know which experiences your future employer will be looking for. I had no idea so many things I was doing were going to set my resume apart from the others. 2. If you do not enjoy attending classes relating to your major, you are not going to enjoy a job in that field