Asal’s Corner – Journal Entry 1

Hi! Even though it’s only my second week, I’m getting a good sense of the workflow and the team’s rhythm. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I’m grateful for the chance to gain real industry experience.

The last two weeks have been full of creative challenges and I’ve worked on a range of fun and interesting projects. I’ve been kept quite busy with everything from wine labels to social media posts, flyer, and magazine ads. One of the highlights for me was creating social media content for Naples Pizza and Mastronardi Winery, highlighting what they have to offer. I enjoy designing social media posts in which I get to create bold, eye-catching visuals that not only grab attention but also tell a story and share a message. The designers here have been so helpful and friendly.

Speaking of friendly, Mando the office dog practically never leaves my side. He hasn’t stolen my lunch…yet. But every time eat something, sure enough he comes sniffing around for a bite. I always tell him, “This isn’t for you, buddy!” He’s so cute and always wants to be close, and I love spending time with him. He’s a great friend, and I’m happy we get to share these moments together.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned outside of college is how to apply creativity and problem-solving skills in real-world situations. While college taught me the basics and gave me a strong foundation, this industry is all about flexibility, quick-thinking, and adapting to feedback—you have to be quick on your feet. The pace is much faster than class and working with clients or teams often requires balancing different opinions and perspectives. I’ve also learned how important communication is in a professional setting; clear communication is key to understanding needs and avoiding mistakes. Lastly, the importance of networking and building relationships with colleagues, clients, and others in the field wasn’t something I fully understood in college, but it’s proven to be a huge part of career growth!

I’m passionate about graphic design and excited about the path ahead. I’ve always been drawn to the creative process and I’m committed to continuing to learn, grow, and improve my skills. My goal is to become a professional graphic designer, and I’m dedicated to doing everything I can to succeed and make a meaningful impact in the field.