(Editorial note: The Media X degree changed its name to media arts and production in November 2024)
Media X graduate Taylor Wick ’23 began her graphic design career on a sheet of paper drawing her favorite cartoon characters. She kept this creative work going through high school and community college. After spending some time there, it became clear that it was time to expand her knowledge of art and graphic design.
“I came here knowing a little bit about graphic design, but at UOP, I got to expand on that knowledge and take more advanced graphic design courses, which really helped my skills,” Taylor said.
After transferring to University of the Pacific from San Joaquin Delta College, Taylor enrolled in the Media X program where she was able to take advanced courses in graphic design and broaden her understanding of the medium.
In 2022 Taylor applied for an internship at the Herrick Steel company in Stockton where she was quickly accepted. She worked hard to convince managers that the company needed a graphic designer. When she graduated, she was promptly offered the newly created position of digital artist at Herrick Steel.
“In a field that isn’t used to having a graphic designer, I feel completely respected,” Taylor said.
At Herrick Steel, Taylor works on everything from bid designs for clients to holiday greeting cards. Most recently she designed 30 pages for a bid on a hospital project. Her team submitted the bid and got the job.
Taylor found inspiration for her color pallets by watching the welders work in the steel yard. She adapted the glowing sparks from the welding to her own art style. Taylor credits her professors and Pacific’s Media X program for her adaptability as an artist.
“The most important aspect of Media X was learning how to fail, it’s OK to make mistakes, and you’re going to make mistake,” she said.
Media X’s approach to hands-on learning allows students to experiment in their respective artistic fields. Taylor said that while professors are always there to help you improve, your education and what you do with it is up to you. Taylor graduated on the Collge of the Pacific’s Dean’s Honor Roll and, after working hard on her 3D character creation for her senior capstone, was awarded Media X Student of the Year for 2023. She advises any student to think outside the box when applying to jobs in their field and consider unlikely places that may not have someone with your skills.