CARNEGIE MELLON SCHOOL OF DESIGN
I’m Ricky, a designer studying Communication Design and Human-Computer Interaction at Carnegie Mellon University. I enjoy building creative tools and software, design systems, and graphic identities that are grounded in visual polish and thoughtful clarity. While interface, interactive, and product-related work are my primary focus, my visual background also extends into the realms of printed matter, editorial design, art direction, and analog forms of making. Aside from work, I enjoy exploring music, photography, and art in whatever ways I can. I love sharing really good music with my really good friends, keeping up a routine of calligraphing beautiful words, and building up my personal collections of vinyl records and vintage home objects.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
I like staying inspired and curious as often as possible, which is quite easy when you’re surrounded by the most talented, inspiring, and kind friends. I also like exploring disciplines outside of design such as ikebana, DJing, and poetry to help inform my design work and interests.
WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?
I recently just got the book ‘Design as an Attitude,’ which I’ll be reading soon, and I’m currently listening to anything by Blood Orange or Ryuichi Sakamoto.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?
I look up to many people, both past and present. Just to name a few, I really enjoy the works of Irma Boom, Elana Schlenker, Tracy Ma, Chloe Scheffe, Alexis Jamet, Chia Amisola, Emily Liu, Molly Mielke, Mitsuo Katsui, Talia Cotton, and Tori Hinn.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
Design school has taught me the value of being resourceful. Through asking the right questions, connecting with the right people, or knowing the right places to get started, I’ve realized it’s never been easier to learn something.
