Interview with the Intern: Naomi Smuczer
Spring is finally here, which means better weather, more daylight, and colours that aren’t grey. It’s also a season that feels full of fresh starts, and that’s especially true for the students of St. Clair College’s Graphic Design program as they head into their legendary internships.
Starting an internship can be exciting, but also a little nerve-racking, especially in the design world. The classroom and the studio are two very different environments, and the shift from student projects to real client work can be a big one. That’s exactly why getting real-world experience is so important.
This year, we’re excited to welcome Naomi Smuczer to the Generator team. Over the next six weeks, Naomi will get a taste of what day-to-day life is really like for a graphic designer in the industry. And, in true Generator fashion, let’s get to know her a little better.
Hi Naomi, welcome to Generator. How are you settling in so far?
Hi! I love it so far, its definitely an adjustment. I’ve never done this agency style of work, limited to what I’ve done at school, so its great to dive into a new experience. I’m enjoying the change of pace, being able to work on multiple projects daily, meeting new people, and learning about different companies. It really gets the design part of my brain flowing while gaining real-life experience.
Speaking of ‘meeting new people’, tell us a little bit about yourself? What do you like to do for fun? What are your hobbies?
My name is Naomi Smuczer, I am freshly 23 years old; happy birthday to me! My parents are immigrants from Romania, making me a first generation Canadian; and I’m very proud of it! I always hold my Romanian heritage close to my heart, but it’s beautiful to blend cultures and learn from them. My hobbies include art, drawing, playing instruments, painting, doing my nails, and trying to get into knitting. I like to keep active when I can—pilates and going on walks are my go-tos.
Art seems to be very ingrained into you. What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
I’ve always been someone who gravitates towards art, bright colours, carefully placed type, and a pretty label. These things always stood out to me, so from a young age I knew some sort of design or art career would be in my future, I just wasn’t sure which one. As I grew older, I was working as a barista and someone who had taken the graphic design program brought it to my attention. I realized that’s what I was looking to do, I just didn’t know what it was called. Three years later, here I am and I love it!
How do you stay inspired?
I’m always seeing new design, looking into the latests trends, and saving any inspo that I find intriguing—new and fresh or something that just catches my attention. I find that having a mood/inspiration board helps ideas flow and allows me to look back when creating. It’s more than a job, it’s how my brain works, so I think it’s important to always have some sort of visual inspiration to look at whenever I want to create.
Staying inspired is so important to us creative-types. Are there any artists and/or designers that you look up to?
It’s so hard for me to pick designers or artists that inspire me. Truthfully there are literally hundreds, and I find aspects from each one that I love and want to be inspired by. Most people will name some famous world-renowned artist, for me it’s more my friends, some Insta-famous artists and designers, and my teachers I personally get to work with—I’m always amazed by their creativity. So many local artists, vendors, coffee shops, businesses, and designers will create an idea so unique that I’m always learning. It never comes from just one person. Everyone views design differently and they see details in different ways. It would be a shame to only follow one person’s artistic journey.
Now that you’re out of the classroom and working in a real-scenario environment, what are you hoping to learn and experience here at Generator?
I’m really trying to settle and adjust to a new schedule. It’s so different to be at Generator—working 9-5—compared to sporadic class schedules and a pile of homework. I really want to get a feel for the agency lifestyle: working with clients, helping them create something they’ll be proud to look at, and strengthening ALL my design skills so I can grow, evolve, and become a better designer. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work alongside designers who have so many skills to share and learn from.
Deadlines are one of the things you’re going to have to get used to. What do you do when you find yourself in a creative rut?
Whenever I’m in a creative rut—and I’m still learning to live by this code, so don’t get it twisted—I try to breathe. Sometimes our brains just need a break. No one can create top-shelf work by staring at their screen for eight hours straight. It’s important to take a break; find inspiration online or out in the world, go for a walk, chat with a friend, or just shift your brain to a different perspective. I think this helps your brain to slow dow, but also helps you come back to that project with a new mindset and fresh ideas. Ultimately, your final product will be better. Sometimes you just need to stop and have a snack 🙂
As a design student, you’re obviously well-versed in the Adobe Creative Suite. What’s your favourite design software to work with.
OH!! I am an InDesign lover! Controversial I know, but I love, love, love using it for design, layout and typographic alignment.
What area of graphic design do you feel you specialize in or want to specialize in?
I specialize in design, layout and branding, illustration, and motion graphics. As a junior designer, I know this will likely change over time, but right now it’s the part I enjoy most, and I believe that enjoyment often comes through in the quality of my work. It’s easier to excel at something you enjoy. I’ve always leaned my work towards being more illustrative—from my logo designs to product packaging. I enjoy seeing a brand through from start to finish and helping a client execute their ideas. I enjoy motion because my mind can think in various phases; seeing how something static would move, making it move and seeing it come to life.
How are you warming up to Mando, the office dog? Has he tried to steal your lunch yet?
Mando?? Is that even a question really? I love him—who wouldn’t? He’s the cutest fluffy buddy and greets me every morning. Also yes—my lunch is slowly is disappearing….. no other comments on that.
BONUS QUESTION: If you were a Pantone, what colour would you be and why?
If I were a Pantone colour I would be Pantone Colour of the Year from 2001: Fuchsia Rose (PANTONE 17-2031). This is just me as a colour! I feel my aura really exemplifies a bright fuchsia pink—or at least that’s how I feel.
Stay tuned for more blog entries from Naomi during her at Generator! Follow us on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages for updates.
