THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Hello! My name is Darrell Shelby, and I am a senior at The University of Alabama studying for a BFA in graphic design. Since I was young, I have always had a passion for art and design but did not know how to bring my skills together until I discovered brand and UI design. My goal is to turn this passion into a career in the user interface and user experience industry with a focus on web and mobile design and potentially brand identity design on the side. My approach to creative problem solving is a blend of research, conceptualization, and eye-catching visual delivery; this process has led me to developing a quality body of work that I am proud of and plan to expand/improve upon for as long as I can. Outside of design, I enjoy landscape and architectural photography, as it helps me get out and observe things I would otherwise ignore. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing video games, and getting lost in one of my many hobbies.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
My main inspiration to design is the enjoyment of solving new and interesting problems both visually and functionally.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
I plan to work for a company as a user interface designer, creating intuitive and visually striking websites and apps.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
A big lesson I have learned in design school is not to fall in love with your first idea, instead work through as many iterations of a design as you can and see where it takes you.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?
I look up to both Don Norman, author of The Design of Everyday Things and Steve Krug, author of Don’t Make Me Think. Their books have helped me form my personal philosophy for design.
