Janet Delavan

PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Janet is a multidisciplinary designer, illustrator, and current senior pursuing her BFA in Communication Design set to graduate Spring of 2024. Based in New York City, her primary interests lie in branding, editorial design, and bookbinding techniques. Beyond her studies, she serves as the Creative Director for the New School Free Press, a student-run news organization, and assists fellow students as a Print Tutor Specialist with any bookbinding or printing concerns they might have. She believes fostering empathetic and joyful communication through thoughtful visual systems that keep viewers hooked is the priority. Her overarching goal is to incorporate care into the craftsmanship of design and include a genuine sense of fun within each project; creating for others and herself to enjoy.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Going outside, talking to friends, book window-shopping, or making it a game to notice something new every day.

WHAT AREA OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

I plan to specialize in editorial design or any book-making that I can get my hands on. However, what I really enjoy is creating systems – implementing, and repeating a visual language across various forms of media. Working in a brand studio, the publishing world, or in editorial is my hope.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOUR TIME IN DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT?

How important it is to see other student’s work and to bounce ideas off each other. I wouldn’t have known how expansive graphic design could be; there really aren’t any rules! Design school, mostly through practice and feedback, removed the walls I used to put up for myself. I now know myself better as a creative, whereas before, I didn’t realize that I was completely lost in my identity as a designer. I know what I like, I know how to communicate why, and how to apply it. I also realize I’m in a privileged position, learning and attending art school and I’m extremely grateful to have such amazing professors who have been such an inspiration. I’m very lucky that I can pursue a dream career like this within the arts.