Who am I?

The short answer is that I am a Product Design student in my last semester at San Francisco State University. The long answer is that I am one of those people that is constantly reviewing where I am in life and where I would like to be, and changing things around accordingly. In four years of university I've studied journalism, switched to graphic design, left the country, and returned to finish a degree in product design. Now that I'm near the end of all this, I've realized a few things about myself and my inspirations that shape my view on design..

1. I love making things. drawings, books, posters, paintings, packaging, products, gifts, fancy dinners, sculptures etc. Doesn't really matter what it is, I just like being the creator.
    
2. I ultimately care more about people than "stuff." Meaning, whatever it is I'm making, the main focus is always the user. I'm always fascinated and/or frustrated with user behavior, cultural norms, and the psychology behind our consumerist culture.

3. My favorite designs are products that eliminate the need for a lot of other things. Even though I don't yet own an iPhone, I completely recognize its value as a product that eliminates a whole bag full of stuff. Also that pair of shoes that seriously DOES go with everything. Keeping it simple.

 Naturally, my main inspirations and influences are people who do this well, people that design awesome products that simplify daily life. They design an entire experience, as opposed to making more useless "stuff" to throw on the garbage heap. I also admire those who successfully keep personal life and leisure a first priority, no matter how stressed or busy they are at work.

In my lifetime I hope to be able to put people and places first. To live somewhere I love, with people I love, so when I head to work I'm already happy and ready to go. Nothing kills a design like feeling unhappy and disconnected. While artists and musicians can make a living off being miserable, no one is waking up in the morning saying "I hate my life, I hate my job, lets go make some great prototypes.." So, however vague it may sound, that's my vision for my future. I don't know exactly what I want to do professionally, but I do know that I want to remain open to new experiences and to be able to put my personal life first, trusting that the rest will follow.


If I had to sum myself up in 6 words, these might do..
- observant
- introspective
- empathetic
- curious
- creative
- detail obsessed