Professional graphic designer teaches students a variety of Adobe Suite skills to begin their graphic design skills!

Find out more about Riley

• When and why did you develop an interest in your chosen field?

  I decided that I wanted to be a graphic designer bit later than usual. After spending some time in the health care field, I wanted to work in a career where I could be creative and have control over my own job. I gravitated towards graphic design as it challenged me in an inspiring way, and I was drawn to it to create my own business and freelance for myself. I practiced in the field for fun while being in school for a bachelor of Science as I was scared to take the plunge into something that was not as steady as health. I fell in love with the programs but especially Adobe Illustrator, and decided to switch my major and go for it.

• What makes you passionate about your subject?

  Being passionate about graphic design comes from first creating things that I love and am proud of. It's a never-ending learning experience in this field, and even though I professionally create compositions for various companies, I always have room for improvement. I love constantly looking for new ways to learn trends, find designs that make me stand out as a creator, and even take courses myself! The next thing that makes me passionate is that while you might not always create things you love, you are creating things that your client loves. Being able to design something from a simple idea and bring it to life in a way that your client didn't see possible is always a fantastic feeling.

• What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  Tutoring is a humbling experience where I can bring my skills and success and help guide students to create their own projects. The best feeling is when you realize the passion a student has about the same subject as you, and that's when you know they are really going to shine. When someone wants to learn and create as much as you do, it's a beautiful thing, and that's where the magic happens. I feel like being a positive teacher and rewarding students are where they grow. They may face a lot of criticism in their school or work, and that's not my place to add to it. That criticism prepares them for real-life careers, but my goal is to help students find their love for creating and start creating for fun, making them better designers.

• Do you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you? Please explain.

  I had a role model in school where I was constantly drawn towards a color palette and was always apologizing for making my designs feminine. The teacher explained that as long as I can explain my choices for my designs, I don't need to explain myself for varying from the norm. This is where I've learned it's okay to try new things and stand out! It's made me a better designer.

• What are your keys to success?

  The key to being a successful graphic designer is to first practice as much as you can. The best way to immerse yourself in the field is to spend a lot of time creating and finding your passion and creating things that you love. When you enjoy what you make, you learn better. My advice is to do passion projects when you are just learning; it's the best time to try something new! Find a brief for a company you create; maybe it's a bath bomb company and create a brand kit, mockup a web design, and have fun!