Hayley Purvis ’21
POE: Visual Storytelling and Design
While at Juniata, I gained confidence and motivation to work hard towards my POE, and the individualization allowed me to create my own educational and career path. Not only that, but I was able to dabble in a variety of classes that allowed me to explore my different interests. I was able to gain great experiences during my time here.
Were you individualized or did you choose a designated path?
I chose an individualized path called Visual Storytelling and Design
What drew you to choosing your creative path?
Why did you choose Juniata College?
I chose Juniata College because of the flexibility that individualizing gives you. I also loved the IMA Department’s Community Partnerships and thought it was a really smart way to gain some valuable experience in client work.
Post-Grad:
Where are you currently employed and what is your current position title?
Right now I’m a contractor with Deep Sky, an Animation & Live Action Studio in Portland Oregon – which is also where I had my 2D Animation & Illustration internship. I’m currently an illustrator on a project there.
What is your favorite thing about your current position?
There are so many things! I get to be a part of a great story with a cool group of people. I get to be creative and draw!
How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?
In the field of animation, about a year and a half. But I was able to find other creative jobs (video production and design) pretty quickly after graduation.
What are your main sources of inspiration?
Stories that make me feel something. I don’t mind the genre or the subject matter of a film or show, I just want to be able to go on a journey with a character and feel completely immersed. I get my inspiration from a lot of different things, not only animation, but books, music, movies, design, fine art, and real life.
How would you describe your art/design style?
I still feel like I’m learning and growing when it comes to my style, but I know I have one! It’s hard to articulate, but I love cool tones, colorful pieces, texture, line work, and exploring nostalgia. I love darker themes and imagery but also love whimsical stuff too!
How do you balance your work life and your home/social life? Any tips for soon-to-be grads?
This is tough, because I’m a workaholic. If I’m not at work, I’m always immersed in a personal project! I’m getting better at having balance, though. It keeps me feeling rested, but also inspired. I try to set aside time every day to relax (no screens whatsoever), read, or do some other hobby that isn’t art-related. It helps rejuvenate me! If I don’t do that, I burn out very quickly.
Final thoughts:
Stay positive with jobs searches!!! I wasn’t sure if I was going to get my foot in the door in the industry I wanted – and being either rejected or ghosted was really hard on me. I felt like I wasn’t doing enough or I wasn’t good enough. It felt like a completely unattainable goal. But, I worked on my portfolio (having a passion project really made it fun for me!), took continuing education classes, and eventually got there! After a year of working on projects and updating my website, I suddenly started getting a bunch replies to my emails and applications. It’s possible!! And, by the way, I’m still learning so much through what I’m doing as a contractor, so don’t worry about knowing everything.