Creative Connection
Thea found at Northwestern what she treasured back home in the Philippines: a welcoming community that valued faith and creativity. As a graphic design major with a minor in public relations, she witnessed the power of creative communication to foster connection during a three-year advertising internship at the Bridge Center, the college’s hub for intercultural development. Thea was active in Northwestern’s initiatives to foster creativity in young people, including summer art camps and the Creative Pathways career event for high school students. Today, as a Master of Arts in advertising student in Atlanta, Thea is thrilled to take her own next step toward a creative career.What led you to decide to pursue a career in graphic design?
I always loved creating as a kid. Because my dad is a web and app developer, I grew up using the computer a lot. As young as 7-years-old, I was on the computer making digital drawings in Microsoft Paint or exploring Adobe Photoshop, and that just stayed with me!
What do you enjoy most about your chosen field?
NWC has made me realize that to create is to reflect the Creator himself, which has been the driving force of my creative passion. Through graphic design—and art in general—I feel God is giving me the privilege to partake in his creative power and create something beautiful from nothing.
How did NWC prepare you for what you’re doing now?
Versatility is an important skill in the graphic design field. My classes, practicum experiences and internship allowed me to create designs for various organizations and in very different themes. When I took the Graphic Design II class, we designed a poster for a whale festival in Florida! These projects are so important because they teach graphic design students how to read client instructions, adapt to their needs and present outputs to them. These experiences definitely helped me become a well-rounded designer.
In what ways did you grow in your faith at Northwestern?
Besides the opportunities offered by campus ministry such as Praise & Worship and chapel, what influenced my faith the most was the integration of faith in classes. NWC made me realize God isn’t limited to theology; we can worship him through whatever major he has led us to, whether that be in science, business, theatre and even graphic design!
What did you come to value about your NWC experience?
NWC allowed me to gain mentors who will forever be a part of my life. Throughout my journey at NWC, I was always in my mentors’ offices to chat, laugh, cry, pray and rant. I wouldn’t have been able to survive college without them!