about me

Hi, I’m Hope, a graphic designer from Midland, Michigan and a current BFA student at Grand Valley State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design and a minor in Advertising & Public Relations. My academic experience has allowed me to explore a wide range of creative disciplines, from advanced typography and layout systems to UX/UI, branding, data visualization, CMS content structuring, printmaking, and digital illustration. These courses have given me a strong foundation in both conceptual development and technical execution, and they continue to shape the way I approach design across mediums.

Outside the classroom, I work as a Web & Digital Media Assistant in GVSU’s Information Technology Department, where I collaborate with developers, project managers, and communications teams on CMS migration work, Workday Student implementation materials, digital content strategy, and accessibility-focused layout improvements.

 

This role has strengthened my interest in UX/UI design, especially the ways thoughtful interfaces, user flows, and clear communication make digital spaces more intuitive and human-centered.

I also served as the President and former Director of Merchandising for Alpha Sigma Tau, where I led branding initiatives, designed merchandise and promotional materials, and managed communications for a chapter of 95+ members. My previous role as a Campus Manager for South by Sea gave me hands-on experience working directly with clients, presenting design concepts, collaborating with production teams, and developing custom branded merchandise that balanced style with functionality.

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When I’m not designing, you can probably find me caring for my plants, testing new coffee shop orders, or watching films, I almost majored in film before choosing graphic design, and I’m endlessly inspired by the storytelling styles of directors like Christopher Nolan, David Fincher and Quentin Tarantino. Their use of color, pacing, and character-driven tension has heavily influenced the way I think about visual communication, emotion, and experience design.

 

Across every project, whether it’s a Figma prototype, a print piece, a brand system, or an infographic, I strive to create work that feels intentional, clear, and grounded in storytelling. As I continue my studies, I’m excited to pursue UX/UI design more deeply and build digital experiences that connect people to information in meaningful, thoughtful ways.