UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Deborah Elam is a senior earning her BFA with an emphasis in Graphic Design. She came to graphic design late; for her first degree, she started as a music major before switching to English literature and German. Her passion for literature, art, and other cultures led her to travel the world, living in Germany and South Korea on multiple occasions throughout her twenties and early thirties. Although visual art had always seemed out of reach, the itch for a more creative life eventually drove her to the realization that in addition to enjoying the works of others, she could create art and design herself. She loves utilizing her background in literature to explore how language and design intersect, with an emphasis on typography and publications. She strives to push her own limits with each design, adding new skills to her arsenal so she can approach every project with the ability to fully express its unique needs.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
I get inspired by the creative projects of my friends and husband, books and movies, traveling, and most of all by slowing down and taking the time to notice the world around me.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
Honestly I can’t wait to be surprised by where my career takes me, but I really enjoy working in branding. I also would love to work with art installations and combining different media, such as poetry and photography.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
I did not anticipate the ability to explore such a wide variety of art disciplines. I had no idea that design school would also include the ability to study ceramics and sculpture.
