I’m a graphic designer, but I'm also a problem-solver, photographer, typographer, encourager, challenger, adventurer, question-asker & coffee lover. I love to find connections between what matters most to people, and see design as a way of being.
sydneywelch.com
I’m a graphic designer, But I think being a designer means more. I believe design is a way of being. For me, it’s a lot of discovery, deep funk, and divine intervention. Some of my favorite work to do includes brand systems, campaign materials, social media assets, and both product and portrait photography, but I’m always open to new opportunities that stretch beyond typical design work.
My design process looks like a rhythm of asking questions, observing, and defining patterns.
Design decisions are made through placing an importance on responsible and informed decision making that is not void of emotion, learning from others, my own values, or the past informing future decisions. Outcomes are delivered through a desire to create something that is inherently good (or true) and that has the boldness to communicate the interconnection that is found between the design processes, design decisions, and the people or community that those things affect.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself?
Looking back, if I could give myself a piece of advice I would say to be confident in where you are in each part of your journey. It's okay to ask questions, to ask for help, and to take risks that may or may not pay off. One of the best pieces of advice I got later on in life was to fail hard, fast, and often. It takes confidence to fail and to get back up again, but looking back it has always been worth it.
What's your favorite A+D memory?
These past four years have been so full of great A+D memories, but I think my very favorite was piling into Prof Speakers classroom, opening the doors on a 70 degree fall day, and enjoying homemade cinnamon rolls while going through critique.
What was your favorite A+D class? THIS IS SUCH A HARD QUESTION. I seriously loved the majority of my classes. I think my favorite was Graphic Design History. It was really influential to me to see the "why" behind so much of design throughout history. It made all my other design decisions following have more purpose and intention.
What moment, project, and/or critique in your Art + Design career at AU has been pivotal to who you are as an artist or creator?
I once went and did a portfolio review with AIGA in Atlanta. While having my portfolio reviewed by multiple design professionals, one looked at my projects and said "you know this isn't normal right? Undergrad portfolios don't look this good. Where did you say you learned from again?" That was huge from me. Every project, every detail, and every word I owe to this department. In that moment the things that my professors had encouraged me in for the past few years clicked for me. I feel like I finally took a step into the unknown of what and where God was calling me.
What's next for you?
I don't know exactly where I'll be, but I know I'll be in a space where design, collaboration, and doing good are all present. I can't wait to step into it.
I hope that my work does good. I hope that it leaves each space it touches better than I found it. I hope that it gives people hope where it can, and gives joy even more. I hope that it addresses problems that have been embedded in communities and makes a positive impact by doing so.
How do you hope your work makes an impact?