THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY
Tessa Peña is a senior graphic design student set to graduate in Spring 2022. Coming from a family of creatives, Tessa grew up exploring many forms of art and media, eventually leading her to attend Thomas Jefferson University to pursue a career in design. She has studied various sub-disciplines of graphic design such as information design, illustration, and photography to aid her in her creative endeavors. She strongly believes that design branches out into all aspects of life (whether others may realize it or not) and is constantly inspired by the works around her. She loves finding new ways to communicate information and ideas, challenging herself to create and execute abstract concepts and her audience to look at content from a new perspective. She has also worked with various groups, businesses, and agencies around Philadelphia to design unexpected, impactful pieces, and aspires to continue working in the city post-graduation. When she’s not designing, Tessa loves to spend her time traveling, running, and caring for her houseplants as a self-proclaimed plant mom.
IF THERE WERE NO BARRIERS AND CONSTRAINTS, WHAT PROJECT WOULD YOU WANT TO WORK ON?
I’d love to work on a worldwide campaign to advocate environmental conservation. Growing up on the East Coast, I’ve developed a long-time fascination and appreciation for the oceans, forests, and everything between. I admire organizations like Sea Shepherd, and I’d jump at the chance to design professionally for a project like that.
WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?
At the moment I’ve been reading George Orwell’s 1984, watching The Handmaid’s Tale, and listening to lots of indie pop and modern rock (as well as every other genre of music for that matter).
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?
Gavin Strange has been a major inspiration. I admire the wide range of media he uses across his works; from photography to motion graphics, Strange has always brought a certain kind of energy and passion to his projects. He keeps me inspired to use any and all materials in my designs, and reminds me to have fun.
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