In the world of graphic design, creativity knows no bounds. At SNU Creative, two talented interns are making their mark, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the team. This article dives into the journeys of these designers, exploring their backgrounds, inspirations, and their experiences at SNU Creative. Let’s get to know the faces behind the designs!
Meet Cristian Tadlock and Antoinette Slaughter, two interns hired by SNU Creative in the fall of 2023. When asked about his background before coming to SNU, Tadlock shared that he had grown up drawing all sorts of creatures, dinosaurs, and Godzilla. He said “ I had an artistic background but didn’t pursue it seriously in school since I had to choose between art and choir—I chose choir for the connections. Over time, I felt more drawn to art as a career so I went to Votech for graphic design and realized it was much more than just drawing. My professor there connected me with a friend at SNU, and now I am here!” On the other hand, Slaughter had no interest in coming to SNU or being part of the graphic design program. Her creativity stemmed from her fascination with fashion and drawing clothing. She said “SNU reached out to me, but I initially disliked graphic design and told my advisor I wasn’t interested. However, a one-on-one meeting with the head professor changed my perspective, showing me how fun it could be. Being here formed me into a better designer because I learned to translate my fine arts background into digital.”
When approaching a new project, Slaughter begins by doing research and looking for inspiration. “I usually do this by scrolling through Pinterest. After creating a mood board of ideas, I will do a couple of sketches, and I start on my project always referring to my mood board or sketches to keep me on track,” she says. When it comes to facing obstacles within the graphic design field, Tadlock says “Burnout has been my biggest challenge since I do graphic design for classes, freelance work, and more. With so many projects, it’s easy to default to doing what is easiest and quickest rather than exploring new tools or techniques. The key is finding ways to keep it fun and engaging—once I rediscover that passion, it’s always worth it.” When advising aspiring designers, Slaughter’s advice is this: “A phrase that I came by and really love is “comparison is the thief of joy.” I would tell future designers to not try to be like everyone else. As a designer, it is so easy to compare your work to others but it is important to stay true to yourself.”
During their time working for SNU Creative, both interns expressed how much they have enjoyed the team aspect of it. Having worked and taken classes together, both students emphasize the importance of working with others. They believe in keeping an open mind and creating a space where everyone can respectfully critique each other and push each other to create the best designs. They also love being in the community with the other Creative interns. Tadlock says “The friendships I’ve made have been the best part. In high school, I chose choir for the relationships, but here, I’ve found that same connection in the art world. SNU’s collaborative environment has completely changed things for me—it’s like the best of both worlds.” Slaughter also adds this; “I love working with the other interns, especially when we’re all laughing in the office. Working under Olivia Lindsly has also been great—she’s incredibly helpful, gives great advice, and pushes me to grow as a graphic designer.”
As noted in this article, the graphic design interns at SNU Creative are not just honing their skills; they brighten the office with their positive attitudes and their willingness to improve together. Their passion and dedication shine through every project they do and we cannot wait to see how their journeys unfold as they impact the world of design in the future.
Photo by: Brisa Lopez