DREXEL UNIVERSITY
Maria Dierkes is a senior at Drexel University, pursuing a B.S. in Graphic Design and a minor in User Experience and Interaction Design. Throughout her years as a design student, Maria has developed a strong passion for typography and has made it a central focus in her work. She’s always looking for ways to perfect her craft and apply her design skills in innovative ways. In addition to typography, Maria also has a love for fine art as well as making homemade notes and birth announcements for family and friends. When she is not designing, you can find her in nature, listening to classical music, traveling, or camping. She loves spending time with loved ones and can’t resist a good cup of coffee. Maria is always excited to try new things and take on new challenges.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
One thing that makes me feel inspired is typography as well as researching different art styles and time periods.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
One area of design that I hope to work in one day is the publication field. I had the opportunity to visit Penguin Random House in London while studying abroad and I was so inspired by their work there and how they were able to come up with amazing designs for book covers.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
One thing that design school has taught me is how much I would look at other designs and typefaces outside of the classroom and try to figure out how the designer came up with the idea. My whole world has changed since then.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?
I look up to all my graphic design teachers as they are the ones who have taught me everything and have pushed me to be where I am today!
