Reif 1

Delia Reif
Ms. Gardner
English 10H/ Period 2
March 1 2016
Reflection
For many young students approaching high school or college graduation are forced to
answer that one dreaded question proposed by teachers, parents, friends, and extended family:
What are you going to do now? The thought of one decision that determines what you are going
to do and where you're going to spend the next forty or so years of your life from nine to five is
absolutely terrifying. For some its easy and they have known their whole life where they were
going to take themselves. But the truth is we change our minds because we're only human.
As for me and my approaching career decision, I cant say where Ill be going. For now I
can say I want to do something I enjoy and Im passionate about. This project has made me
really ponder about what Im passionate about. One thing I discovered that I really enjoy is
design and color but I also love business and the aspect of helping someone sell their product.
While doing some careful research and consideration I stumbled upon graphic design. Being
able to create logos, banners, and covers for all sorts of companies and organizations. Graphic
Design is not just about the art form of creating a cool ad or logo but showcasing what the
company stands for and being able to captivate that energy and spirit into an art form. Another
reason graphic desig interested me was my ability to work with computers and programs. As a
kid I had always been in touch with modern technology. My dad had been a computer science
major in college and for business always had to have the latest gadgets and programs. Learning
from him I developed a new sense of technology.
When selecting a graphic designer to interview I chose David Langston. He is a
retoucher in computer graphics for a company in San Francisco called XYZ. I had lots of

Reif 2
questions to ask him because of my interest in his work in order to make my interview less time
consuming for him I narrowed down my questions to a select few. Langston revealed some of
challenges he faces in his everyday work. Langston said it can be tough meeting all of his
clients demands as well as when clients make changes to projects he has spent hours on only
then to go in a new direction. When asked about some of his favorite projects he described a
Nascar campaign for sprint he worked on a few years back, he mentioned he and his team were
challenged to manipulate images per the client's direction. A question I was curious to have
answered was Why did you choose to be a graphic designer? He told me that he started his
trade as a young apprentice before computers. When computers were introduced he chose the
path of retouching. He said he had liked the idea of creatively manipulating images to meet the
client's needs. I also wanted to know what he had found gratifying about his job and with that he
answered, The most gratifying part is when a project is completed and my client is happy with
the results. Langston had also told me some of the skills required to be a graphic designer;
Very familiar with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator & In Design, attention to detail, and a
good work ethic.This greatly helped me with my resume as well. Lastly he told me the daily life
of a graphic designer is always new and that he is always training and learning new things on a
daily basis. A prospective employee would have to be trained in all computer programs
necessary to perform the job.
Through this project I have realized how much I really do need to think about my future
because its coming faster than I had anticipated. When researching graphic design I came
across many different jobs, companies, and responsibilities of graphic designers. This has
helped me gain some knowledge of the graphic design world which would be helpful if I
continue to pursue a career in graphic design.

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Reif 3
A challenging graphic design position that can test my skills and enhance them, while keeping
me on my toes to create articulate and detailed products.

SUMMARY
After spending the last 10 years gaining experience and going to school I now have the skills
needed to exceed employers and clients expectations. Over the past years I have practiced
close attention to detail, customer satisfaction and communication, as well as strength in key
programs like Adobe Designer. I am a young designer with ambition, passion and the ability to
work with others creatively.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graphic Designer
Arin Fishkin Graphic Design, San Francisco
2026-2030
I was responsible for designing monthly newsletters, catalogs, and fliers as well as working
with key clients to meet their advertising needs.
Production Artist
Kimberley Schwede Graphic Design and Illustration, San Francisco
Prepare customer provided art-work for print and other media.

2022-2026

Intern
The Design Boutique, San Francisco
2020-2022
While in college, worked part-time as an intern at prestigious Bay Area design firm. Shadowed
Senior Graphic designer, providing administrative support as necessary.

EDUCATION
BS, California State University Monterey Bay (2022)
Studied Communication Design and earned my Bachelor's Degree while assisting one of my
professors with her CST 101: Technology Tools course Junior and Senior Year.

SKILLS
Expert in Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign.
Proficient with Microsoft Powerpoint, iMovie, PowerDirector, as well as Keynote.

REFERENCES

Reif 4
Professional

Personal

Arin Fishkin
President
Arin Fishkin Graphic Design
(415) 453-1233

Katharine Defanti
Administrative Assistant
John Schloetter & Company
(707) 490-2399

Laney M. Silverman
Owner/Head Designer
The Design Boutique
Graphic Design
(415) 890-5934

Works Cited

Reif 5

Ben Rivera- Graphic Designer at Simpson Strong-Tie. Linkedin. Linkedin Corporation,

2016. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.
Communication Design B.S. California State University Monterey Bay. N.p., 2016.
Web. 28 Feb. 2016.
Graphic Design For Good. Arin Fishkin Graphic Design and Ideas. Arin Fishkin, 2015.
Web. 27 Feb. 2016.
Home. Kimberley Schwede Graphic Design and Illustration. Kimberley Schwede
Graphic Design and Illustration, 2015. Web. 27 Feb. 2016.
Strategic Design and Marketing Solutions. The Design Boutique. Design Boutique,
2015. Web. 27 Feb. 2016.