A Q&A with New Graphic Design Alumnus Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis
2021 Graduate of the School of Art’s
Graphic Design Program

In this conversation, Davis talks about his passion for human-centered and user experience design, being among the college’s most recent group of graduates, his fond memories of working in the design studio late-night, his love of exercising and great audiobooks, and his upcoming plans to visit National Parks and friends now that the pandemic is waning.

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

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

From as long as I can remember I have taken art classes and I’ve always found advertising and marketing to be interesting, so applying the graphic design program seemed to be a no-brainer.

I quickly learned in the program that these were only a few career paths that could be pursued, and that graphic design could open up so many more rooms for opportunities than I could have ever imagined.

Davis also recently participated in FORM, the third annual senior show presented by the Graphic Design Program in the School of Art. Check out Davis’ project, Hello Neighbor, which tackles issues of microaggressions and racial bias through design. More of his work is also displayed in this story, below.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your career goals and plans now that you’ve graduated?

Throughout school I became more interested in human-centered and user experience design because they both seemed like areas where I could design for more people and systems that had a stronger chance of having a longer impact.

Both systems place a lot of importance on empathy and make you consistently consider other people’s perspectives.

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

Looking back on it now, even though it didn’t seem like it at the time, one of my favorite moments would be working late into the nights in the studio.

Whether alone or in a group, the night would always take a weird turn, usually for the good and that made for memorable moments.

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

Take time for the people that care for you and try to find some enjoyment in the more monotonous things in the day to day.

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

I still like to draw, that hasn’t really changed, otherwise I like to reduce stress with exercising and long walks so that I can listen to audiobooks.

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

I am currently planning trips to a few National Parks as well as spending some time visiting my friends across the country.