Student Testimonials
Recent DCA Graduate:
Nadja Frist
Q: When did you graduate the DCA program?
A: Fall 2006/December 2006
Q: What was your focus?
A: At first I focused solely on print design but after taking my first web design class, Flash I, I fell in love with that area as well
Q: What was your experience within the program in terms of the instructors, classes, classmates, etc.
A: My experience with the DCA program at UCLA Extension was incredible. I've always loved the arts but never was able to correctly harness my talents and funnel them to good use. The DCA program, its instructors, classes and my classmates all helped me tremendously in overcoming this. Scott Hutchinson, the Program Director, has also been an inspiration and helped me immensely in focusing and reaching my goals. The instructors gave valuable real world information and really opened my eyes to how things "work." My classmates were always there for me and continue to be there today through our student group, AIGA Los Angeles UCLA Extension Student Group - UCLAx Design. Our student group has also been an essential element from the group meetings, learning from guest speakers, to the portfolio reviews
Q: Was there any particular class/instructor/project that was inspiring to you?
A: Where do I begin! It's been an amazing ride all around
Q: When you joined the program, was it to build on your design skills or to switch careers?
A: I joined the program because I wanted to switch careers. Office work wasn't fulfilling and I loved art and design, so I decided to pursue my passion
Q: How did you/do you prepare your portfolio for interviews?
A: I've designed my own portfolio case, which includes my "pull out" portfolio on one side and on the other side I have design pieces and forms such as extra resumes, leave behind, that I may need for the interview. Having everything accessible in one place makes things go smoothly and helps take the pressure off
Q: What are you up to now?
A: Currently I'm doing freelance design, which includes web and print. Since finishing my website whichcamefrist.com, portfolio and leave behind... are we ever really finished? ;) ... I will now be starting to apply for jobs
Q: Any last words of advice for students going through the program?
A: My advice would be to dive into the program, be involved, keep your mind opened and let your imagination fly
Recent DCA Graduate:
Haruka Kitagawa
Q: When did you graduate the DCA program?
A: Winter 2007/March 2007
Q: What was your focus?
A: My focus was to have a good portfolio when I completed the program
Q: What was your experience within the program in terms of the instructors, classes, classmates, etc.
A: Since the instructors are working as professional graphic designers besides teaching, it was inspiring to hear their stories about their work, their clients, etc. Those stories made me feel much closer and understand the graphic design industry. Also, it was interesting to meet classmates whose backgrounds are diverse. But all of our goals were the same: to be a graphic designer. It was encouraging to take classes with people who were trying to change their careers to graphic design like myself
Q: Was there any particular class/instructor/project that was inspiring to you?
A: The class that was the most inspiring to me was Design Fundamentals with Jeff Aguila. He helped me understand what good designs are all about and how to build my foundation for creative thinking. In fact, I had him as a mentor for my final quarter/last project
Q: When you joined the program, was it to build on your design skills or to switch careers?
A: Both. I wanted to switch my career to do graphic design but I did not have any design background. The program helped me to fulfill both
Q: How did you/do you prepare your portfolio for interviews?
A: I attended portfolio review events as much as I could. I kept working on my pieces based on people's comments and feedback until I was happy with them
Q: What are you up to now?
A: I currently work as a designer for a web design/online marketing company called Namaste Interactive. I have designed websites, quite a few newsletters and a couple of logos so far. I am also taking the advanced Flash online class since I am more interested in web lately as I'm hoping to be more skillful on web related applications
Q: Any last words of advice for students going through the program?
A: Do everything possible to come up with and execute the best projects in each class. This will be the work that you will be showing to future employers to get jobs and who knows, they might hire you because of that class project you are working on right now!
Current DCA Student:
Jennifer Parsons
Q: What's your work background?
A: Logistics and Sourcing: currently Production Manager for Home Decor and Table Top at Disney Stores North America
Q: What's your focus in the program?
A: Currently Print, but will continue after certification with Web and Motion Graphics (and some photography)
Q: If you're working full time and taking classes, how do you manage your time?
A: I try not to take more than one physical class at UCLA per quarter (as travel time takes up homework time). I take as many online classes as possible, and I don't take more than two full classes per quarter. I tend to do most of my homework on weekends, but try to choose at least two nights a week to chip away at homework as well
Q: How are you keeping on top of your portfolio?
A: I'm about a quarter behind... I plan to update mine with work from the last quarter shortly
Q: What's next (i.e. classes, interviewing, etc.)?
A: More classes, hopefully some interviewing
Q: Any words of advice?
A: Keep plugging away. Eventually it all sinks in. And find fun stuff to do with design... not JUST homework. For example, I make time to design my own Christmas cards; so I can still have the fun of design and not just the work (And, of course, if you can get freelance work, make the most of it). :-)
