Where and when were you born?
I was born in St. John’s in the late 1980s – locally born and raised!
What is your current job and list some things you like about it?
Currently, I’m self-employed as a graphic designer. The versatility of freelancing is something I enjoy and find inspiring. Being able to choose which projects to devote time to is a huge plus, and I also prefer to interact directly with clients so I can get a firsthand account of their needs and discuss the project with them directly.
How does it relate to your diploma or certificate?
I’m lucky enough to be able to be doing exactly what I went to school for. I still use design and administrative skills I learned while completing my diploma every single day. It was a solid foundation to build my career on.
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done in your lifetime?
The hardest thing I’ve done in my lifetime (so far) has been dealing with grief.
What’s your favourite place in the world?
Downtown St. John’s is my favourite place on the planet. I grew up on Water Street and Duckworth Street; they just feel like home. There’s always something interesting happening downtown and being close to the ocean makes me happy.
Can you describe an experience that changed your life?
My mother lost her fight with cancer while I was in my second year at CNA. The dichotomy of those two experiences happening simultaneously – an ending and a beginning – really opened my eyes to life’s ups and downs and motivated me to make her proud. She was an artist herself and was a big supporter of my design career.
What’s your favourite movie or book?
My favourite books are Watership Down by Richard Adams and Paint It Black by Janet Fitch.
Is your current career path as you originally intended?
My current career path is honestly more than I imagined. Freelancing can be a tough gig, especially with the extra pressures put on us by the pandemic, but it fits with my creative process and how I approach design problems. I love being able to work that way.
What challenges did you face in launching your career?
The administrative side of things was the most challenging thing to get used to. It’s not something that comes naturally to me as someone who is more “right-brained”, so there was some trial and error on that front.
What advice would you give to your CNA first-year self?
Take advantage of the opportunities being a student gives you. Now is the time to ask questions, try new things, make mistakes and learn from them. You will get back what you put into your program!
