Transforming Design Learning: Bridging School to Career
In the vibrant world of graphic design, Dena Irby's story stands out as a testament to passion, determination, and a commitment to making a difference. As a former BFA in Graphic Design student at Sessions, Irby's career trajectory is a fascinating journey that began with a desire to use her skills for a noble cause.
With a background in corporate training and four years as an Instructional Designer, Irby decided to pursue certifications in eLearning and instructional design in 2017 to advance her career. This decision would prove to be a pivotal moment in her life, leading her to Secular Houston, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting secular values in politics.
Irby's passion for the separation of church and state was ignited during her Special Topics I course, where she explored the topic of secular voting. This passion led her to contact Secular Houston for an internship, an opportunity that would change the course of her life. Impressed with her work, the organisation hired her as a graphic designer.
Irby's work for Secular Houston is now the focus of her Internship and Entrepreneurship class. She has designed endorsement posts for candidates Secular Houston is endorsing, which are used on their website and social media. Moreover, her project for Special Topics I was used to create a brochure for Secular Houston's "get out the vote" campaign.
In a bid to educate the public about the dangers of Christian nationalism in politics, campaigns, and government, Irby created informational poster designs. These designs aim to help people recognise and combat this issue, demonstrating her commitment to promoting secular values.
During election years, Irby hoped her designs could be used in real life to help with the cause. Her designs, therefore, are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve a significant purpose in promoting secular voting and combating Christian nationalism.
When working with clients, Irby advises remembering that both the designer and the client are human, and to try to relax when working with a client for the first time. She also encourages using the same workflow learned in school when working with clients, which helps her feel confident about her work and make design decisions.
Irby found Sessions and enrolled in an Associate Degree program, later switching to a BFA program when it became available. She believes that the BFA program has been instrumental in helping her feel confident about her work and making design decisions.
Interviews with former Sessions BFA students Kristin Weidemann, Zach Haselow, Oscar Merritt, and Sally Alawadi are available to learn more about their impact in the workplace. These interviews provide valuable insights into how a BFA in Graphic Design from Sessions can prepare students for successful careers in the industry.
In conclusion, Dena Irby's journey from a BFA in Graphic Design student to a graphic designer at Secular Houston is a remarkable one. Her passion for politics, combined with her skills in graphic design, has enabled her to make a significant impact in promoting secular values and combating Christian nationalism. Her work serves as an inspiration for current and future graphic design students at Sessions.
- Dena Irby's career development in graphic design includes pursuing certifications in eLearning and instructional design as part of her education-and-self-development, which provided valuable skills for her online-education ventures.
- In addition to her work for Secular Houston, Irby's graphic design skills have been utilized for learning materials in her Internship and Entrepreneurship class, demonstrating how her training can be applied across various domains.
- As Irby advises her clients, her graphic design career embodies a balance between professional development and human connection, emphasizing the importance of understanding the clients' needs and trusting in her graphic design skills gained through her education at Sessions.
