NC STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF DESIGN
Anabel Russo (she/her) is a junior studying Graphic and Experience Design.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
I began my college experience halfway across the world in the Czech Republic. Although initially I was anxious about the departure from my friends and family, being abroad ignited my curiosity and interest in design, culture, and people. Learning new perspectives and traditions that vary across cultures inspires me to be an adaptable and inclusive designer. These experiences also taught me the value of being observant and asking questions. There is endless inspiration to be found in the details of everyday life. Whenever I feel stuck in a creative rut, I like to take a moment to spend time in nature, engage in conversation, and share meaningful moments with the people closest to me. I am fortunate to be surrounded by creative classmates, friends, and family who continually inspire and motivate me as well.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
My focus now is on specialization in user experience and visual design. My minor is psychology, so I find it fascinating to experiment with the intersection of my interests in order to create human-centered design solutions. I am drawn to purpose-driven projects that empower the user and companies that prioritize an empathetic approach to design. Agency, government, and technology work are all of interest to me. I hope to utilize emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality in order to inspire connection and improve the lives of others.
WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?
I have been reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, a book about the body’s physiological and cognitive response to trauma. Outside of design, I have a passion for learning about cognitive and behavioral science. It’s a very insightful read that I would recommend to anyone looking to better understand how the human mind is shaped through our experiences. In order to be a more empathetic, accessible, and inclusive designer, I aim to expand my knowledge of human psychology.
