RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
Sandra Lee is a multidisciplinary artist and designer majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Creative Writing and Art History. Originally from Tennessee, she grew up surrounded by diverse cultures which inspired her interest in creative storytelling. Since her first year, Lee has been actively involved in her community, namely volunteering with local environmental nonprofits to amplify their voices, teaching art to K-12 students, and leading cultural and sustainability-focused organizations on-campus. She recently wrapped up a creative marketing internship at Workiva, a SaaS financial reporting company focused on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) solutions. Lee is passionate about integrating her interests in fine arts and worldbuilding into her work to design innovative solutions for social justice and climate change.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
I’m inspired by the resilience of the world and the human spirit—nature, peers, mentors, movements, music, art, culture, and more.
WHAT AREA OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
It’s so hard to choose since I love so many aspects of design, but I’m especially keen on product, brand, packaging, UI/UX, environmental, and exhibition design.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
That being a designer isn’t just about designing—the very nature of the job is about being adaptive and multidisciplinary. You’re also presenting, collaborating, critiquing, writing, and most importantly, selling your ideas as a persuasive problem-solver.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?
Mike Monteiro; his work about design ethics is something every designer should read. (A good start is his article “A Designer’s Code of Ethics.”)
