What got you into graphic design?
When I was in middle school, Tumblr was a very big thing. I would see so many people posting their artwork and there were just some really nice art and graphics people would put up, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Right around the same time, I got into reading a lot of books. I usually only read books that sounded interesting and those with really awesome book covers. From then on I just began to become curious about how people were able to make such beautiful graphics. So from there, I started watching tutorials on youtube and paying more attention to different styles I like––and here I am today, still teaching myself.
Do you have any inspirations for your style?
I wouldn’t really say that there’s a specific thing that inspires my style and I don’t want to say I have just one style. Because I’m not really an artsy person, I always look to other artists and just anything in my surroundings that I could possibly use. However, I do think I specifically love minimalistic styles, things that look clean, simple, elegant, and sometimes cute.
What is your favorite part of doing graphic design?
My favorite part is just being able to make something that I’m proud of. The best moments though are when I make something and someone actually notices and appreciates my work. It feels nice that I’m not a professional but I am being recognized.
Tell me about this piece you’re featuring.
I’m featuring a piece that I did with a friend of mine, Ben Hiramoto (AU 2020, biology). It was supposed to be art for the Pilipino Culture Night (PCN) for last year. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, we were never able to show our work. This piece is supposed to represent the main character who was struggling to make connections between her life in America and the life her family had in the Philippines. I’m really proud of this because it was the first time Ben and I were able to make something that really represented each of our own styles and visions.
You can check out more of Jel’s work on her art Instagram at @jt.faith.
We are fortunate to have such talented artists honing their craft at AU. The Student Movement will be continuing to feature artists and their work, if you or someone you know should be featured, send us a DM on Instagram at @theausm.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.