Being the Bridge
Growing up, Sunday mornings always began the same way. I would be jolted from my sleep by the sound of our Direct TV gospel music station, choking on the scent of Windex and something else strong and citrus-y. Once I finally fought my way out of bed, I would be welcomed with a good morning hug and a broom from my mother.
It was chore time!
Around noon, the gospel would transition into Mase, George Clinton, Stevie Wonder, and anyone in between. My sister and I would get scolded for doing more dancing than dusting, but eventually our parents would join us. This was what we did — we danced, we sang, we blamed it on the boogie! And this is what turned me into the walking jukebox that I am today.
I began my college career as a music production major, and completed an associate’s degree in that field. There was something so special about those two years. For the first time in my life, I wasn't the observer of the music — I wasn’t the one dancing and singing along to a polished up studio track. I was the one creating that moment for a little girl waking up on Sunday morning. I was experiencing every excruciating step of the creative process, from working with musicians (any audio engineer will tell you that that is the hardest part) to balancing, layering, mixing, editing, de-essing, crossfading, and listening to each piece until it became a part of me.
Being in this field was the first time I ever felt like I was a contributor to the creative world. I had been a participant for my entire life, but there was such pride and triumph in knowing that I was the channel between the product and the audience. Although I didn’t create the music itself, I was the bridge between those who play and those who listen.
That, right there, is why I chose design.
I talk a lot about music because music is my first language. Music is what taught me how to let go of what makes sense and submit to what feels right. Music introduced me to this idea of communicating in a way that will make people want to listen. Music made me the bridge — and music was also my bridge to design.
After finishing my production degree, I felt compelled to move forward. I tried a few different majors, but nothing felt the same. Spending two years making music fanned this creative fire in my spirit, and all I knew is that whatever I did next needed to be like gasoline. I wanted to create, I wanted to deliver a message, I wanted to be a part of this world of innovation and art. So I chose digital media. It was a choice that seemed random, even to me — but if music taught me anything, it’s that sometimes it just feels right. Transitioning from music to visual art was tough, and I went through several late nights of feeling like I would never make it.
But design isn’t about being pretty, or flashy, or full of artistic talent. It is about telling people what you need them to hear. As a designer, I convey a message — whether it is my personal message, or a message that someone else needs me to convey. I am the bridge. Not only is it my job to make people listen, but it is my job to make people WANT to listen.
That’s my favorite thing about the creative field — I don’t have to be a world class artist or a classically trained musician in order to put my stamp on the world. Art is a conversation. Design is a medium.
And, boy, do I have something to say.
