Grace Houdek

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Grace Houdek is a senior BFA graphic designer from West Bloomfield MI. Ever since elementary school, Grace has always loved to draw and color within the lines; however, it wasn’t until college that she learned that it’s okay to color far outside the lines and explore what she was capable of. Her time in the graphic design program has not only taught her valuable design skills, posed creative challenges and created lifelong friendships, it has also allowed for career opportunities that turned her passions in logo and editorial design into areas of proficiency. For the past two years, Grace has been graphic designer for the MSU-based publication, The Current, where she collaborates with writers, creates online graphics, designs seasonal magazine issues, and engages in freelance work outside of the publication. Recently, she was honored to be a Gold and Silver ADDY recipient from the 2021 American Advertising Awards. In her free time, Grace enjoys experimenting with new cooking recipes, playing board games, and snuggling with her Goldendoodle, Finn.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

I feel inspired by individuals, and particularly artists, who wholeheartedly love what they do. An artist that strongly inspires me is singer/songwriter Jacob Collier. Jacob’s excitement about music theory and creating complex harmonies is more than apparent in his performances, and his rise in fame does not seem to taint it.

IF THERE WERE NO BARRIERS AND CONSTRAINTS, WHAT PROJECT WOULD YOU WANT TO WORK ON?

I would love to work on the Olympics/Paralympic Games. There is so much intent and passion that goes into the design and branding. Taking the host city’s culture and history into consideration during the design process is a really exciting creative challenge as well.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I am currently watching the show, Joe Pera Talks With You. Based in Northern Michigan, the show follows comedian Joe Pera throughout his day as he teaches you how to appreciate the little things in life (while maintaining a subtle, hilarious undertone).