Biography
My name is Jessica Yuricek. I am a graduate of Youngstown State University with a BFA in graphic and interactive design. I have a passion to create new designs and concepts based on handmade elements. Always thinking outside the box is a quality that describes me for the fact that every project is designed to be unique and creative. To me there is more to being a graphic designer than just a working on a computer. Interacting with society and using other media concepts is a key to making great design. Between printmaking, illustration, painting, woodworking, and just doing something out of the ordinary is what makes me successful as a graphic and interactive designer.
Artist Statement
As a Graphic & Interactive Designer, I have an eclectic style of creativity, but my designs correspond with the content and imagery relative to the project. My work is generated by reflecting the designs of current society along with the use of unique hand made design. The foundation of my work is inspired by the works of Stefan Sagmeister; I believe that your best work is not found solely on a computer, that you need to experiment, make mistakes, and create something that no one have ever thought of. It may be easy just to replicate another design, but my process is to go above and beyond expectations.
I started getting involved in art as a young child and have expanded in many ways ever since. Having to decide on becoming an engineer or a graphic designer, the solution was and easy choice. The aspects of engineering drawing and having to create detailed illustrated drawings by hand influenced me to go further in designing. I realized that art is everywhere, no matter what I found a way to converge design elements and typography in everything I do.
I may use a variety of materials and mediums in my works, but my methodology remains consistent. The process starts with sketches and rough designs to generate multiple variations ranging in media and themes. The final design is determined with the process of elimination and the key element in determining the final design is based on the background research done on the project.
The quote, “Never say sorry unless you mean it,” is what I say everyday when I work on designs. I would rather experiment with new ideas and make mistakes than be like everyone else. There is no reason for a designer to be sorry for trying a new technique, even if it doesn’t turn out the way you expected. I find that for being different and just doing my own thing and just being original, is the very thing that’s making me successful.
Dean's List :: Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Red, white, blue scholarship :: 3 year, $1,500 annual scholarship for a student with a 3.0 GPA or higher and a ACT 22/SAT 1030 or higher.
First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association :: Awarded $1,250 scholarship as a member of the organization for good academic standing, civic activities, and demonstrating overall leadership.