Vinnie Caroselli ’20
POE: Graphic Communication
I chose to come to Juniata for the ability to individualize my education. I was able to incorporate my passions while also adding new ones due to the exposure to multiple areas of design and communication. I also chose Juniata for the family environment. I was always surrounded by people who care for and support one another that is truly hard to find.
I have always had an interest in graphic design, and Juniata was able to help foster not only my passion for that, but also for communication, which led me to choosing my POE. The more intimate classes and ability to work with clients in those classes really helped me build my portfolio and become the creator I am currently.
Were you individualized or did you choose a designated path?
Individualized merging Integrated Media Arts and Communications to create a Graphic Communication POE.
What drew you to choosing your creative path?
Being able to bridge the gap between oral and visual communication was something I quickly became passionate about doing after being introduced to the Communication Department my freshman year. Being able to individualize my creative path allowed me to become the most strategic communicator I could possibly be.
I’ve always had a passion for graphic design ever since I was introduced to it freshman year of high school. After developing an equal passion for creative writing and the field of communication during my first year at Juniata College, I knew individualizing my POE was the right choice for me. Being able to combine the lessons learned in all three of these areas of study has helped me be the creator I’ve always wanted to be.
Why did you choose Juniata College?
I chose Juniata College because I knew I could individualize my studies. I knew good and well that I could receive a worthwhile education by strictly studying graphic design, but I also discovered that my passions went further than just those of the traditional design practices and Juniata allowed me to dive into those passions. I also chose Juniata because of its familial elements. From my first tour to my last days on campus, I always found myself surrounded by people who care for each other and that was something I didn’t find at the other colleges I toured. I also really appreciated the small class sizes, the emphasis on real-world experiences within the IMA Program and opportunities to develop a portfolio filled with client based projects.
Post-Grad:
Where are you currently employed and what is your current position title?
I am currently employed by Sheetz as a Graphic Designer. My formal title is Graphic Designer I
What is your favorite thing about your current position?
So far, my favorite thing is working with such a highly energized and experienced team. There are people that I work with that have been working in the industry for over twenty years and then there’s me who has just begun to dip their feet in the waters of the professional world, but being able to work alongside these people brings me such excitement because I know that means I have endless room to grow. I would also say another favorite thing is being able to officially say I am a professional Graphic Designer. It is something that has been a dream of mine since high school and finally being able to wake up knowing I am doing what I’ve dedicated lots of hours towards is such a fulfilling feeling.
Another favorite thing is working with such a growing brand. We are always having conversations about how to expand our influence and figure out design best practices to make sure we’re delivering quality and effective customer-facing design materials. We’re always searching for new ways to enhance our designs and I think helps keep the job fresh and exciting.
How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?
It took me about ten months to get hired for my current position after graduating.
What are your main sources of inspiration?
My main sources of inspiration for work comes from websites like UnderConstruction.com/BrandNew and social accounts like @peopleofcraftsmanship, @branding_design, and @thedesignkids
How would you describe your art/design style?
Simple vector-based shape and line work. I’ve always been drawn to simpler vector based shapes and line work, but have been finding myself taking more risk and incorporating textures and wacky typographic styles in my most recent designs. I think I’m in a nice transition in the development of my style so it’d be hard to pick just one.
How do you balance your work life and home/social life? Any tips for soon-to-be grads?
Right now, I’d say the hardest thing to do is balancing work and home life while working at home. Trying to separate your workspace and your relaxing spaces can be difficult and it’s hard not to just plop down on the couch and do work. But I’d say to create two separate spaces if you can so that the temptation to work from bed or your couch goes away.
I’m fortunate enough to work at a company that values work/life balance especially in an era where work-from-home has become so common. I work from home 99% of the time, but never catch myself logging on over the weekend to complete work of staying online past 5:00PM to wrap-up projects. I think a good piece of advice for soon-to-be grads would be to make sure places you’re interviewing for also emphasize a work environment like that so that you don’t find yourself burning out and working more hours than you are getting paid for.
Any final thoughts?
Stay positive in your job search! You’ll get denied more than once and that can really take a toll on your perceived self worth but don’t let that get you down. Juniata and the IMA Department have equipped you with more than enough to be successful, and whether that success comes in ten weeks or ten months, it will come.