Candice Wood
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a Graphic Designer who is constantly exploring new concepts in the industry. ”
I have an aptitude for branding, editing, and social media.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Through out my college career I have studied Journalism and Communication Design. The journalism side allowed me to work with print design, and communication design opened up other avenues for me to explore. When I was able to explore communication design I found that it combined so many things that I loved and was good at. I especially loved the people in the program and people I met outside of school during my internships like graphic designers, art directors and coders.
How do you stand out in your field?
I feel like my training throughout my college career provided me with a well rounded starting point to explore my interests more in depth. I believe that my easy going nature and eagerness to soak in my surroundings (i.e. the expertise of colleagues) make me a commendable designer. I welcome all types of feedback and meaningful discussions on how to improve.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am currently working on my senior thesis project. My project is developing an app for the school newspaper with designs that target the audience they want to reach. I started off with researching different applications and compiling my findings. I proceeded to do interviews with designers, developers, newsroom editors and designers and students. I compiled that information and created wireframes, designs and prototypes. I am in the first round of drafts and its going really well!!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I would describe my style as youthful and on beat with streetwear and new trends. I aim to use a combination of bold typefaces with contrasting weights. My current color palette consists of bold neons and nude shades. Much of my inspirations stem from the work I did at the school newspaper and from the independent studio as well as the large company I most recently interned with.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
As much as I think being cross trained or "in the know" about a few various industries, I'm hoping to focus on the branding side. I would also love to work in house for a company. I was a design intern at Recess and I really loved working with them. They had an amazing team of creatives!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Currently something I am struggling with is the abrupt change in my daily life due to the Coronavirus. I am upset about not being able to complete my work at school the way I had hoped to. Along with some of the changes to my routine being home in Boston has denied me access to certain resources and support systems I had at school.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
If I could hire someone for $20/hr I think at this point in my life I would have them help me with my work and craft my skills. I want to know the ins and outs to more Adobe Applications. The Adobe applications are so vast that I would love to boost my skills to advance and explore all the menu items. If I was older I'm sure that answer would be different like "take care of my kids" or something lol
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told myself to have more faith in my abilities and ideas. The beginning of the Freshman Year of college I was terrified of school. I was terrified of failing, of saying the wrong thing, of giving wrong answers. I felt like my public high school did not encourage activism, discussion and the art of free-thinking. I know now that my college curriculum has benefitted me in so many ways that I could have never imagined. My college and internship experiences in New York City has made me feel prepared and excited for this next step.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would like to talk to Creative Directors because that is where I hope to be someday. I would ask them what are some of the challenges they face, what is some of the best advice they have been given, and what do they think helps to run a cohesive team.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am graduating in May so I am looking for any paid internships for experience or any job in the Boston area that will help me expand my training. I am willing to start off working from home amidst COVID-19.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal job would to be apart of a successful rebrand with a team of 5-6 people all contributing to different parts. Communication is very important so always checking in with each other as well as the client, providing feedback and helping one another get the job done. It is important to be transparent with your colleagues and clients on project timelines, constraints and goals.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Per project would be on a case by case basis.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I would welcome any kind of contact (email, phone, or pigeon post :)
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I keep in contact with all my friends who are designers and will chat with them and share new things. And I'm always doing research on social media and companies I would like to work for.
This member profile was originally published in May 2020.