GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Born and raised in Washington D.C., Natalie is passionate about healthcare and art. She is committed to helping her community no matter the task and chose to pursue graphic design as a challenge for herself. She hopes to open her own business as a medical designer so that she can educate the public and become a pathway of inspiration for those in a multitude of different disciplines. She hopes to provide honest communication and facilitate understanding between patient and provider that encourages learning and integrity in integrating science and art.
She has always been motivated to become an advocate and positive influence towards youth and hopes that her career path can inspire those to pursue dreams in moments where it feels as though nothing is obtainable.
Natalie’s clients include IRicchie, Rise DC, Events DC, and Marion Ballard. She earned a substantial number of achievements and recognition during her 8+ years of working at the Sitar Arts Center and was invited to represent Sitar in Dupont Circle in 2020. She held a 4-hour live-streamed painting session at the IRicchie and raised community funds by auctioning the painting. When she moved to Virginia, she became an EMT in Stafford County to fulfill her desire to help her community in healthcare.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
People overlook the true meaning behind a feeling when being creative. I would say that I’m filled with many different curiosities and dreams, and when I feel a certain type of way— my art reflects these emotions whether they make sense to others or not. I hope that my work will inspire others to work with the emotions they feel within them.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
I plan to take a critical role that can impact others in a way that advances understanding of medical practices through developing ideas and concepts that are represented with creative design work.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
I have always been taught to work extremely hard to obtain the job I want, and I was always told that obtaining a job isn’t just based solely on hard work, but also presentation of oneself and the ability to be different.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?
Miriam Ahmed, my professor for Professional Design Practices, has been my true inspiration thus far. She has taught me the meaning behind appreciation and passion in producing work/design that I am proud of, and it is inspiring to have a professor who goes above and beyond to ensure every one of her students has as much help to prepare for and to succeed as a designer.
