Lily: When I think back to taking part in the competition, without sounding dramatic, it really was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! Overall, I just loved the whole positive and creative atmosphere that surrounded me from the moment I arrived. I loved being around so many incredibly talented young individuals who all shared my passion for design. It was incredible to see how others interpreted the design brief in their own unique ways. It was extremely inspiring. And Disney World was pretty great too…
Certiport: It never hurts to add Disney World as the cherry on top. Now, other than studying, what else has been keeping you busy since you competed back in 2016?
Lily: I’ve been busy with work as well! A month after the ACA World Championship, a holiday/leisure park back in my hometown of East Yorkshire reached out to me about designing their next ad for the local paper. I readily accepted, and I’m still working for them today. My role has evolved, and I’ve gained so much experience. I’m currently worked as the social media manager, specifically focusing on the company’s Facebook page. I create graphics for the page whenever it’s required and respond to customers.
It’s been an amazing experience because I still get to create and design but also get to broaden my skills and resume at the same time!
Certiport: That’s fantastic! You are learning about the marketing side of things as well as design. What do you do when you’re taking a break from work and school?
Lily: In my spare time I am usually doing something creative like playing the piano or experimenting in Photoshop. Recently I restored and recolored some old family photographs in Photoshop as a Christmas present for my mum. I absolutely loved that project, and it certainly kept me busy for quite a while.
Certiport: How awesome that you can use your Photoshop skills to preserve some family history. I’m sure your family loved that project. How did she react?
Lily: She loved it! My mum and I do a lot of family ancestry research together, so I think that she found the present quite meaningful. It was honestly such a fun process that I would love to do some more for her!
Certiport: What an awesome memory! Okay, we have one final question for you: What advice would you give to other students?
Lily: Some valuable advice I have learned from my university experience is to not get too worried about what others might think of your design work. It doesn’t matter if someone doesn’t feel the same way as you do, if it is something you are proud of and know you put your heart into it, then nothing else matters!
Ready to propel your future in graphic design? Learn more about ACA certification at www.certiport.com/ACA.