ANDREA ALDRICH
www.andjoyblog.wordpress.com
Bright and determined to keep my work fun, you’ll see why “Joy” is my real middle name! I am nearing the end of my time at school and have been working towards degrees in both Graphic Design and in English. Packaging design and illustrating are some aspects of design that I enjoy the most, as well as logo design and printmaking. Through my job as a cake decorator, I have spent a great deal of time working with individuals to get them to the end product that they were envisioning. With a bit of communication, I can transform eight pages of detailed instructions into a chocolate cake or an idea into a logo.
ALYSSA BYERLY
www.alyssabyerly.com
Hello! My name is Alyssa Byerly but everyone calls me Aly. I am from a small town called Lapeer, Michigan. I came to Central Michigan University to pursue a degree in Graphic Design. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in art. I have had a passion for art and creative thinking for as long as I can remember, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to pursue a degree in a field I am truly passionate about. Most days I find myself up to my elbows in paint, or designing something fun on the computer. When I’m not painting or designing I enjoy spending time with my hedgehogs, and exploring photography.
PAIGE BLAKESLEE
www.paigeblakeslee.com
I’m Paige Blakeslee, a young wizard from the Detroitish
area.
Graduating from Central Michigan University with my BFA,
concentrated in Graphic Design along with a dual minor in
Art History and Leadership, I specialize in editorial, print design
and typography. I am a self-proclaimed princess who
is looking to use my skill set for good: to change the world,
not just sell it. I am a strong believer in exploring each concept
and letting it unfold on paper or on-screen, embracing
the process and those unexpected outcomes which lead to
revolutionary art. I desire to design a thriving, just, and sustainable
world in which I can roam free with a thousand
puppies (not really, but actually).
I think I’m a riot & I like to let my personality guide
my pieces.
NICK BUSMAN
www.nickbusman.com
Hey, I’m Nick.
I was born and raised in Holt, Michigan. While I originally
came to Central Michigan University to become a programmer;
I ended up becoming a designer instead because of
my love for the design process.
I’ve been working as a web designer here at CMU for the
past 4 years with my awesome and ever changing team
of student developers at Technology Operations. Building
things together as a team and showing off the final product
is a process that never gets old and always keeps me interested
in my work.
Aside from my career, I’m a huge history buff, film lover (especially
documentaries) and someone with a deep conviction
for politics. The interest that drives my love for design is
the same that fuels my politics; a field where there is always
something to learn, always something to understand, and
always something to build on.
CRISTOFARO DINOTO
www.crisdinoto.com
Hello! My name is Cristofaro DiNoto, a multidisciplinary designer
with a specialty in print design. I have accumulated a
vast range of knowledge through two incredible internships
during my time at CMU. I have been able to cultivate several
skills; one being problem solving and also collaborating
effectively with clients, peers, and management teams. My
design knowledge has also been influenced by a variety of
books, one of my favorites being How To, by Michael Bierut.
What motivates me as a graphic designer is that no two
days are the same. I am a firm believer in the saying, “If
you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Graphic design to me is not a job, it is something I thoroughly
enjoy doing day in and day out. I love the aspect of being
able to design for the masses and making a difference
in the world. I am thrilled to see what impact I can create as
a graphic designer.
KAYLA ELTON
www.kaylaeltondesigns.com
My name’s Kayla Elton and Waterford, Michigan is where
my story begins. It was here where I began discovering my
path as a graphic designer. Exploring graphic design in
high school allowed me to gain the courage to pursue it as
a major in college. Through graphic design I found a love
for art history and decided to major in that as well. Between
designing and reading about the history of art, I find time
to stare at the stars, obsess over cats, and devour way too
much pizza.
I find so much enjoyment when I am able to incorporate
humor into my work and it is something that I strive to integrate
into every piece that I make. I am excited to continue
to develop my abilities in vector illustration, branding, and
package design in hopes to find my place as a graphic designer.
HAYLEY HIMANEK
www.hayleyhimanek.com
Hey! Or Hay, which is what some of my friends call me. I have an outgoing personality, which you can’t really interpret from my minimalist and simplistic design style. I discovered Graphic Design in high school when I was involved with their student-run newspaper. Although I had always seen myself as a Journalist or Writer, I found a love for creating graphics that communicated visually, instead of by reading, especially when I won both of the design competitions that we entered in my class. Looking back, the work wasn’t that impressive; however, I knew that my skills could evolve and lead to a fulfilling career. I’ve grown since then into a designer who is passionate about branding and identity development and anything involving creating admirable work that people would want to spend time looking at. In my free time, I enjoy reading a good book, working out at the gym, spending time with friends, or watching a TV show that makes me smile.
ANNAH HORAK
www.annahhorak.com
I grew up in the small town of Fowler, Michigan and currently
call Central Michigan University my home. I am a
graphic designer who absolutely loves what she does and
the challenges and creative approaches that come with it.
I appreciate the people I meet, the places I go, the inspiration
I gather, and the spontaneity with every project.
I value the raw reality of everyday life, the fleeting beauty
of those in-between moments, and I do my best to design
with that in mind. I want my viewers and clients to relate to
my work through recognition of familiarity with situations,
emotions and powerful energy to reflect and take away inspiration
from my pieces.
I enjoy the finer aspects of life – such as corgis, the Great
Lakes, and fried pickles. I am looking forward to my upcoming
graduation in May and am excited to see what the
future holds for me.
Yup, that’s me.
DREW HUGENOT
www.huge-designs.com
My name is Drew Hugenot, from the small village of Crystal,
Michigan. I am a graphic designer, lasagna lover, and
problem solver. I was born in North Carolina and moved
to the mitten when I was four. At the age of six, I called
Crystal, Michigan home. Since college, Mount Pleasant has
been my home away from home.
I once rocked the mullet, named my first cat Punjab, and lost
my first tooth by biting a table leg during naptime in kindergarten.
For five years, I had braces and then never wore my
retainer. During my senior year in high school, I played my
last football game with stiches in my forehead, due to the
bright idea of vaccinating cows at night. When I was nineteen,
my friend and I pierced my nose; twice. At the young
age of twenty-two, I was homeless in California for a short
amount of time. These experiences are what have molded
the weird, instinct driven, charismatic flim-flam graphic designer
before you.
REBECCA JACOBS
Hello! My name is Rebecca Jacobs. I come from a little
town called Linwood, tucked in the country side on the bay
of the Saginaw River. Though I am a designer, and my work
is mostly concentrated on the digital side of art, I have a
strong appreciation for the hands-on side of things.
Making a mess with my art is a thing that makes me the
happiest. When I’m covered in paint, charcoal, ink, or
even dirt, I know I worked hard on a piece and I will be
happy with the result. Design allows me to combine the messy
hands-on side of art with the digital space that is quickly
becoming more prominent in the art world to create something
new and exciting. I think that bringing the hands-on
into the digital space is a way of creating.
LAUREN KING
www.laurenkingdesigns.com
All my life, I’ve been a maker—someone who just loves
to make things no matter the medium. In kindergarten, I
decided I wanted to be the best drawer. In third grade, I
drew comics about a superhero turtle. In middle school, I
drew doodled through class and made superhero stories.
Through high school, I did photography, illustration, and
writing. And throughout college, I’ve been learning graphic
design, animation, game development, and programming.
I’m always learning, growing, and exploring new ideas. I
keep an increasingly long list of books to read, movies to
watch, stories to write, things to draw, and techniques to
learn. I don’t want to be someone who finds a hobby or
style and sticks to it, I want to be someone who is always
exploring something new and creative, pushing boundaries
and finding new things to love about the world.
My biggest hope is for my work to inspire someone to just
make something without worrying about if it’s good or what
people might think. Just start creating and see what happens.
KAYLA KREGER
www.kaylakregerdesigns.com
Hello to the lovely individual reading this. I am Kayla Kreger originally from Canton, Michigan. Coming to Central Michigan University, I knew I wanted to push myself to see how far I could grow creatively. Haven taken several graphic design courses in high school, I quickly realized I had a growing passion for the art of graphic design. I have a fairly outgoing personality, which can be seen through my bold design style and techniques. Originally, I was highly interested with drawing and wanted to continue expanding my skills in that. However, after taking design classes pre-college, I quickly decided I wanted to go in a different direction. I have found that you can incorporate drawing, painting, silk-screening, and other various mediums within graphic design. It was a match made in heaven. I knew continuing with this occupation was one I could see myself being happy with for the rest of my career. I have grown tremendously creatively and technically during my time at Central Michigan University and cannot wait to see what the future holds.
ADAM LEWIS
www.adamlewisdesign.com
You are a product of your environment. I grew up in a very small farm town, and there wasn’t much to do. That meant that my sister and I were left to create entertainment. Together we developed photo-shoots, wrote skits, and made music. My dad worked long days, sometimes seven days a week, keeping to himself, while my mother on the other hand, would work part time, and spend her down time socializing with friends. Fast-forward to now, it is easy to see how I turned out the way I am. My environment helped me to develop a love of all sorts of creative endeavors. I love to communicate with all sorts of people, and work hard to earn what I am given. However, I really love graphic design. Growing up, I would get on the computer, open up Microsoft Paint, and just go. I would take a variety of elements and transform them into a single work. Years later, I still look forward to doing the same thing every day, keeping in mind everything I’ve learned along the way.
ALLIE MARSH
www.amarshdesigns.com
Hello, I’m Allie! Graphic Design has always been a huge passion of mine. Even before I knew what Graphic Design was, I was designing posters, t shirts, flyers and more for various events. Since then, I have learned and grown so much in my design skills and am only designing bigger and better things. I am extremely detail oriented, and have excellent organizational skills, which helped me a lot in my graphic design internship at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort and continues to help me every day in my freelance design work. I love working with bright, fun colors that can engage with the audience in a new way. I also love putting together a classical professional piece to give a puttogether feel. Overall, I am so incredibly thankful to have a career that I wholeheartedly enjoy. After graduation in May, I will be moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan. I hope to attain a job in multimedia design or publication design. I’m so excited to start this next chapter in my life.
OLIVIA MEMBERTO
www.oliviamemberto.com
Hi! My name is Olivia.
The first thing I’m always asked in job interviews is the dreaded
“tell me about yourself”. Most people panic. Who am I?
How can I describe my entire life in a few sentences? Their
mind goes blank and they ask back, “what do you want to
know?” That simple question in return unveils the lack of confidence
in one’s self. The best response that I have learned
through the past 3 years of professional growth is, “I’d love
to.” Those three words speak millions to the confidence I’ve
gained in my strengths as a person. I know what I bring to
the table, and I’d love to tell you. I am an achiever. Strategic.
Consistent. Futuristic. Focused. I strive to see my hard
work succeed in its purpose. I’m not afraid to ask “why?”,
as I believe the desire to never stop learning is the key to
success. As I graduate college and begin my professional
career, I look forward to being asked about myself, as I’m
officially prepared to say, “I’d love to!”
BRANDON MORRIS
www.brandonearlmorris.myportfolio.com
Hello! My name is Brandon Morris and I love designing, or
is that too cliché?
Being a designer offers me the opportunity to approach
each situation creatively and differently. Through my completion
of courses in digital design, animation, typography,
web design, and identity design, I have developed a clear
understanding of how to produce multimedia projects from
conception to completion. My main area of interest is UX/
UI design because I find the idea of predicating human interaction
a thrilling challenge.
If I am not designing, you can find me competing against
other gamers on my PS4. Video games are my get away
and second passion next to design. Gaming for me is a way
to turn off my creative juices while still being able to learn
from visual media in a different forum. Being able to take a
step back helps keep me rejuvenated. With eight years of
design experience, I am excited to see the different areas in
which I can apply my skillsets.
MICHAEL OATMAN
www.michael-oatman.com
Oh Hey! Look at you actually taking the time to read these
things. Let me introduce myself; my name is Michael Oatman,
and even though some other names such as Mike,
Mikey, or Milky have appeared on my Starbucks cup, a
simple Michael will do. I am originally from Howell, Michigan
and after traveling far and wide, I finally came across
Central Michigan University to study Graphic Design.
Before coming to CMU, I knew that I enjoyed experimenting
with photography and Photoshop, but only as I continued to
pursue Graphic Design at CMU did I realize that this was
my passion. Being the perfectionist that I am, having the
ability to constantly adjust small details and invest time into
what I love doing is a dream come true. I get the opportunity
to produce pieces of art that could make a difference,
and that is breathtaking. I am excited for what the future
holds for me, not only as a designer, but as a person and I
am ready for whatever comes my way.
BRENDAN RITCHIE
www.brendanritchiedesign.com
Hello, my name is Brendan Ritchie, I am a senior at Central Michigan University hoping to make it big in the world of graphic design. Knowing I have a lot to offer the industry, I look to solve people’s problems through creativity and design. Graphic images and thoughts of design surround us in today’s world and the branding backbone of every organization is the logo, in which they show and the identity in which they represent. Creating these items and bringing them to life is my favorite part of being a designer. I hope to develop brand identities to elements of life by using some of my favorite tools to develop logos, choose typography and use my time management skills. I know the value of working hard and being organized to successfully get the job done. Playing hard, but always working harder. I strive to bring new and exciting ideas to those seeking design through the eyes of Brendan Ritchie.
ANDREW SIKORA
www.andrewjsikora.com
Hello. My name is Andy and I’m a graphic designer. You probably already know that. A couple things you might not know: I play guitar, I drink a lot of coffee, and my favorite movie is Pulp Fiction.
My time at CMU has been quite the ride, and like most things in my life, it went nothing like how I expected. I never thought I’d learn as much as I did, or grow as an artist and a person as much as I have. While my time spent in class has helped me hone my skills as an artist, my experience working at Central Michigan Life has helped me develop my self as a professional, a leader, and a teacher. Working as the creative services manager, along side my team of graphic designers, has been such an incredible experience; and I would say, during my time here nothing has brought me more joy, knowledge or anxiety.
I want to thank my Mom and Dad for giving me the opportunity to experience something such a lucky few have had the privilege. I would not have made it this far, or be the person I am today without your constant support. I can never pay you back for all that you’ve done for me, but I hope I can make you proud.
ASHLEY SIMIGIAN
www.ashleysimigiandesign.com
Hi! My name is Ashley Simigian from Livonia, Michigan.
When I was little, I never thought I’d end up being an
artist. I tried to find my niche in many different places, but
looking back, one thing was always consistent; I loved the
way things were designed. I always was drawn to things
that were made a little bit different and had more thought
put into them. Today nothing has changed. I look at the
design in everything and I love that I’m now one of the
people who creates those different and quirky things that
I loved so much way back when. In my own practice I try
and put a bit of myself in each design, creating digitally,
as a graphic designer does, but also making physical elements
that work with the digital composition. Thinking and
creating alternatively is my focus and my goal.
KRISTEN SMITH
www.designerkris.com
For me, success wasn’t a straight line. I wish I could say that
I always knew I wanted to be a graphic designer, but that
isn’t the case for me. While I loved art and saw myself as
a creative person, I never thought of pursuing it as a career
until I found myself in my first studio art class, at Central
Michigan University.
I struggled to find a career because I never imagined a job
could be anything more than a way to pay the bills, but
graphic design is more than just a job. For me it’s a creative
outlet, a way to give life to an idea, a way to communicate
with others, but most importantly, it gives me the opportunity
to be a positive influence on our culture.
By combining my graphic design and information technology
skills, I plan on pursuing a career in web design and development.
When I’m not creating illustrations or designing
websites, I enjoy exploring new creative mediums, relaxing
with a good book, or planning my next road trip.
ALYSSA TEMPLETON
www.alyssatempletondesigns.com
Coexistence of work and play harmonize to motivate meaningful creation. Design plays a role in the way I see the world. Everything holds the potential to be both attractive and practical. As a designer, my goal is to take information and conceptually execute it to act as a meaningful and creative work. I am motivated by exploring different visual processes that can act conceptually and also push my personal design style. My design routine is marked by play, or exploring different options to find a solution. The conceptual work, or content of a piece allows for play to take place, and intensify the work. Ongoing play takes place apart from my work and allows me to continue to produce meaningful designs, as well as stand apart from other professionals.
JUSTINA WILSON
courageouscreative.myportfolio.com
Hello! I’m Justina Wilson, a courageous creative made at
Central Michigan University. I am committed to my personal
passion for design, typography and the media and tools of
my craft, and a firm believer in the power of a strong concept
with unexpected executions.
I challenge myself to explore with every project; finding
imaginative solutions for complex problems and taking ideas
from good to great. As an employee, you can count on me
to be a detail oriented team player, organized, flexible and
able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Alongside
all of those, I’m excellent at customer service which
compliments my enthusiastic personality. My goal as a designer
is to explore, try new things and have honest conversations
with an active imagination. I crave to create.