Lori is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Pennsylvania College of Art & Design with a BFA in illustration. She is now 27 and in her final year of her Masters of Visual Communication and Design degree.
How would you define your style?
Evolving. Until about three months ago, I had dreadlocks past my waist for over 6 years. I was driving to work one day, stuck in traffic on the highway, trying to fix my hair and I realized it was time to move on. I took the next 10 days, first cutting them to my shoulders and then, combing them out one by one. As for the rest of me, I still like to be noticed as being an individual but it’s not something I feel needs to be so drastic.
Best part of being a student at ASU?
My program. Most people don’t know about it, but I got to choose a different graduate degree than my undergrad. I will be the 2nd class to graduate from it so it’s still new so I get to help shape it with some amazing teachers.
Favorite memory from your college career?
Going to Paris and hating it. I know how weird that sounds but I went on a study abroad trip to Spain, France, Switzerland, and Germany. I thought Paris was going to be the most romantic city in the world. When I got there I hated it. At the time I didn’t think it was great but now I know I need to experience something to know it.
Favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Istanbul, Turkey. I went for 9 days in September 2015. I had no preconceived notions about it other than it was probably going to be great. And it was.
What are some thing you are involved in on campus?
I’m the co-events coordinator for a group call Association of Visual Design and Communication. We gather design students together and go to art openings and help each other to get ready for our careers. I also join groups of volunteer students to help feed the homeless, raise money for local non-profit bike companies, or give art direction to graphic designers for non-profit companies.
What do you plan on doing after you graduate?
I’ve got several plans because I know it’s better to have back ups. First, I would like to continue working as a freelance graphic designer and art director. I’m doing this part time now but I have to build my client base. If that doesn’t work I would like to work for a designs firm in the Phoenix area. Either way, I would like to be a teacher of design in any area based on print or the history of.
What do you do with your free time?
Yoga, Pilates, slack lining, hiking, anything to get out and see new places and always with my boyfriend and 2 year old lab, Ingrid.
Favorite place to eat in Tempe, and why?
My house. I love to cook and I cannot eat gluten so this makes eating out hard. I make my own bread, pasta, pickles, jams, mostly everything. Plus my grandmother lived with me for 12 years and she taught me everything she knows from pumpkin rolls to cake decorating.
Favorite class you’ve taken so far?
My first summer studio. We had Al Sanft between 8 students and all of his attention was on us for 10 weeks. He’s a great teacher and I learned so much.
If you could choose to have lunch with anyone, who would it be, and why?
Julien Vallee. He is a graphic designer that does amazing work with paper and a vivid color palette. He now does videos and every single is amazing. Go check him out!
“It’s through mistakes that you actually can grow. You have to get bad in order to get good.” Paula Schar