Gwynette Oller
Gwynette Oller
Graphic Designer
San Francisco, CA
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a graphic designer with an interest towards packaging design. ”
My goal is to not only make graphics on a product interesting but to be eco conscious in how we create a lovely feeling when interacting with the product. Kind of like opening up a pink Chinese pastry box and falling in love with the look and smell of a fresh (daahn tāat) egg tarts.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I am currently a student at the Academy of Art University. Before this I was at a community college and if we go back further in HS, I was proactive in yearbook. I would like to think that helped gear my interest in design subconsciously. But what lead me into starting a profile is to of course seek work! I was sending blind inquires to firms and checking on other job listing places like LinkedIn or dribbble, but not quite tailored to what I was looking for, or often left on read. I am still a student and I would like to find work experience as a Junior.
How do you stand out in your field?
I stand out in the research I do to make sure everything syncs up and makes sense. I am also unafraid to explore funky typefaces.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am working on building a net presence while creating a trait represented in my work.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I tend to go for expressive fonts accompanied by patterns and dual color pallets; but also interested in trying something different.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I wish I could branch out on brand building. As a graphic design students the workload may mimic the structure of projects. But we're not necessarily taught how to attract potential clients or people to work with, or working with people in a team.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Kind of similar to the previous question, I would like to build up my branding to make myself marketable. Often times being left on read on numerous job applications can be exhausting.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
If I could hire someone for $20 an hour, I would pay this person in mentorship opportunities and management in how I would go about my tasks.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would have told myself to be confident and not to compare yourself solely on how someone is portraying their life. It's okay not to have everything together especially in your early 20's.
Social media growing up has been a platform in how people highlight their success, or flexing on an expensive trip/purchase. I wanted to have that taste in life but I always wanted to fast forward past the hard work. It took me a while that people work for what they have. Not all of what is shown is rosy. Progressing at your own pace is what's important.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to set yourself further from other designers, making you stand out!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Currently internships at a package design firm tailored to lifestyle, foods and cosmetics.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I last worked with a friend on how to make a twitch overlay! This was something I was completely new in and I took the time to learn the specs. I was about to price my work for something cheaper than the normal asking price, but my friend paid more for what I was asking. In his words he said: "To not low-ball yourself"
This project taught me to take pride in my work and thatI can be a fast learner. My confidence is something to be worked on while also gaging my prices.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Being around plants & wine!
This member profile was originally published in October 2020.