THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY
Ashley Anousaya, a Laotian American, is a senior at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, majoring in Visual Communication Design with a minor in Web Design and Development. During high school her graphic design courses quickly became her favorites. Those classes fostered her passion for aesthetics, colors, and technology and inspired her to pursue a career in design. Ashley thrives in collaboration and leadership roles and actively participates in various aspects of school life and community engagement. Currently serving as the president of the Asian Student Association at Jefferson, she also holds the positions of Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor, and Graphic Designer in Jefferson’s Office of Student Engagement. Her joy lies in uplifting and connecting with others, and she finds fulfillment in spreading happiness, color, and design everywhere she goes.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
What makes me feel inspired are the people all around me. Empathy is a huge part of the design process so gaining an initial connection and understanding of the people I design for and just interact with helps me gain so much more insight into them as people and other views I never thought of myself. Creation for me truly stems from connection.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
I am hoping to specialize in branding or UI/UX design. I love branding because you get to see how a whole system comes to life across so many touchpoints. UI/UX design has always interested me in pushing what interactive design can do even beyond websites and apps.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
I underestimated the importance of initial steps in the design process, particularly the research phase of a project. There is so much to do and figure out before diving into a design program/software. I did not expect to grow to love the research stage so much.
