Lilyana Bryan

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

Lilyana Bryan is a senior studying visual communication design at Ohio State University. She’s excited about creating enriching interactions that bring communities together and is particularly interested in product design and brand identity. Outside the studio, Lilyana helps lead her school’s Columbus Society of Communicating Arts chapter through planning and facilitating fun events for design students. In her free time she loves adventuring outdoors, rock climbing, and exploring music.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Getting outside! I feel deeply inspired by nature and the design of Earth’s systems. From the spirals and folds in pinecones to lightning storms and sunsets, I’m often grounded in reminders that Mother Nature is the greatest designer. I also love winging it in the kitchen; going in without a plan and combining flavors gets me in a creative mood.

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

Brand identity, product design, and user experience.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

Embracing ambiguity and trusting the process. It’s okay to not know what you’re doing for a bit!

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?

Kendall Markley and Deb Scott. I interned under Kendall for a while and I so deeply admire her leadership and skill as a designer. Deb is a design professor in my program and although I took only one class with her, I grew immensely as a maker under her mentorship.

WHAT ARE YOU READING, LISTENING TO, WATCHING?

Some of my favorite musicians right now include Hiatus Kaiyote, Yussef Dayes, and Jeff Parker. As for books, I always recommend Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.