PRATT INSTITUTE
Melanie Leung, a designer from New York City, currently attends Pratt Institute as a Communications Design (emphasis in Graphic Design) student. Aiming to explore the interplay between digital and physical realities, Leung is constantly intrigued by the prospect of generating captivating visuals using 3D, print, and other diverse forms of multimedia. mel.graphics
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
I started to embrace the impact of design in all areas of my life. Attending design school has helped me cultivate an open-minded approach in my personal creative process, which I originally didn’t have but will now always have gratitude for.
WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?
I’m reading Design and the Elastic Mind by Paola Antonelli, listening to PinkPantheress’s new album, and watching Perfect Blue as we speak.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?
There is an abundance of designers that I look up to and find out about every day who inspire me. They range from my professors at school to micro-designers on Instagram. Someone who comes to mind right now is Irma Boom, whose artist’s books I really enjoy seeing.
DO YOU CURRENTLY, OR DO YOU PLAN TO, DESIGN FOR ANY CAUSES OR CHARITIES?
Presently, I’m leading the design of zine editions and identity for an upcoming AAPI group launch. I aspire to eventually design for causes that align with my beliefs and am always open to exploring diverse opportunities.
DO YOU FEEL THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS PREPARED YOU TO SEARCH FOR AND FIND A JOB?
Design school is what you make it. My skills unified throughout my time at Pratt, and a large part of this is because of the support I received from faculty, who have always believed in me and created a sense of community within my design experiences.
