Rory McGinty
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a graphic designer who just graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo this spring and looking for roles to launch my career!”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
It all started when I discovered Microsoft Word when I was 8 years old and pretended to make magazine layouts that I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer. Originally from the SF Bay Area, I just completed my degree from Cal Poly, SLO with a degree in Graphic Communication. I am currently searching for junior design roles in which I can apply the skills I have accumulated the past four years.
How do you stand out in your field?
What makes me unique is my philosophy is not only to standout, but to be an outstanding return on investment. As a hungry new grad, I am eager to dive into my passions and bring a creative edge, a strong work ethic and fun spirit to everything I do.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am currently working as a freelancer for a wedding stationary + holiday card company in the Bay where I get to apply my minimal and clean aesthetic to a wide range of different voiced cards.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style I would describe as very minimal and intentional. I describe my taste as this because although I like to keep things clean and simple in my designs, I am very intentional in how I mix elements such as type, color and layout together to create something effortless yet possessing. An example of my work that showcases this is a magazine I made for a Cal Poly campus publication.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Although I love all aspects of graphic design, my favorite that I will always jump at is print. There is something so rewarding for me to print out whatever it is I am working on and physically hold it it my hands and once it is finished pass it off to others and see how they interact with it and their reactions. I love designing for magazines, look books, stationary, etc.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I think everyone is frustrated by the current state of the world right now, due to the pandemic. It is very frustrating for me as a new grad looking for open positions and applying to jobs that would usually hire new grads but instead hire veteran designers because they have also joined the job search due covid. This is frustrating because I feel as though it might be a while until someone takes a chance on a new grad rather than choosing the veteran who has more experience to prove their worth.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Cook. I looooooooooove food but lord help the person who marries me because I can't cook for sh*t.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I can be a stress case when entering new chapters of life. I wish I could tell myself that everything little thing & opportunity happens for a reason, which will become apparent with time.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Being a 22 year old designer, I don't know much about my career just yet. The thought of solely pursuing contract/freelance jobs is a scary reality staring me dead in the eyes right now, and I would love to learn more about this career path from someone who's had years of experience being their own boss in this way!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I would love to find a full time role as a visual designer for a company, but am realistic and know that they are few and far between, so I am also looking for contract roles as well!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I want to work with people who want to work and engage with me back. I thrive off of the creativity of others and being inspired from other designers work. I ideally would like to find clients, teams or collabs in which other people are apart of and want to work together to create beautiful work.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I am a comfortable with professional yet casual communication! Email is the best way to reach me.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Pinterest. Behance. Instagram. Others Work.
This member profile was originally published in July 2020.