A Q&A with New Graphic Design Alumna Laura Brown

Laura Brown
2022 Graduate of the School of Art’s
B.F.A. Graphic Design Program

In this conversation, Brown talks about how her passion for drawing and painting grew into a love for graphic design, her goal to work in UX/UI design, what she’s learned from her classes and colleagues in the School of Art, how excited she is for the summer and getting to travel, how she enjoys playing video games and Dungeons and Dragons with friends and family, and enjoying time with her two cats

Editor’s Note: Brown has also been an amazing and indispensable member of our college communications team during her time as a student here. Our team and the Dean’s Office congratulates Brown on her graduation, and we are so excited to see the amazing things she’ll do next!

Q: Tell us about your academic passions, research and/or what you studied within the college. What excites you about this?

I have always been passionate about art and grew up drawing and painting. I knew I wanted to include that passion into my studies and eventually my career, and that led me to studying graphic design here at the university.

What really excites me about graphic design is the opportunity to use my creativity and knowledge to communicate and solve problems through design. Learning graphic design after coming from a background in studio art has been challenging in some ways because the design process has been different for me than drawing or painting, but I’ve loved studying it the past few years and learning what I’m capable of creating.

An example of Brown’s design work.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your career goals and plans for after graduation?

I plan to start working as a designer locally here in Fayetteville. I am interested in learning and doing more with UX/UI design, so I hope to work and learn more within that area of design.

Q: What were some of your favorite memories of your time at the college and why?

Some of my favorite memories of my time here have been getting to know the people I have class with and that I work with on campus.

I’ve learned a lot from my classes and from the people within my program. It’s been so helpful to have classmates that I could talk to about my projects and ideas, get feedback on, and just talk to in general!

I also have been working as a designer for the Development and External Relations office within Fulbright College as well as University Housing. Both teams have been amazing to work with and know, and I’ve gotten to learn a lot during my time working with them!

An example of Brown’s design work.

Q: Now that you’ve reached the graduation milestone, what advice would you give to current students striving to do the same?

Even though college can be so busy and stressful, try to find time to take care of yourself and to experience some of the really fun parts of being in college.

College is such an amazing time to meet and hang out with new people as well as explore new educational and career opportunities. Being able to experience some of the opportunities college brings really makes a difference in your college experience.

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of work or the university?

Outside of the university I love spending time with friends and family, and my two cats at home.

I still try to keep up with making art by drawing and painting at home and will hopefully do some more of that after graduating. I also really enjoy playing video games and Dungeons and Dragons with friends.

An example of Brown’s design work.

Q: What’s up next on the horizon for you?

The next step is going to be starting my design career and learning as much as I can. I’m really excited to take my knowledge of design even further.

I’m also really excited for the summer and getting to travel and visit my family and friends out of state.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know?

For students, take advantage of the opportunities and resources that are available to you on campus! There’s a lot that can really help with your overall experience while in college.

Q: Do you have any social media accounts you’d like for us to tag you in when this story posts?

Yes. Although I haven’t posted much yet, I have an Instagram for my art and design work that I plan to use more soon! It’s @laurabrowncreative