Thoughtform is happy to announce that Kristina Filip will be joining us as a design intern for the Winter of 2022 and Spring of 2023! We sat down with Kristina to talk about her design education, her love of book design, and the importance of getting a new perspective.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
Currently, I am a junior at Drexel University and have been working towards earning a degree in Graphic Design. Before I decided to major in graphic design, I spent middle and high school learning traditional art. I found myself wanting to explore other mediums and fields outside of traditional art and discovered the world of graphic design. I was initially drawn to graphic design because of the wide variety of fields, opportunities, and skills to explore.
What’s an example of design you admire today?
A type of design I have always admired is book design — book covers, the interior, how they are made. I especially love how evocative and expressive book covers can be. How they are meant to capture the vision of the story. Book design has always been a great way to draw in viewers. I especially love taking the time to browse through new and old books whenever I get the chance. Another thing I find interesting about book design is how it has evolved over the years, such as old books being re-designed, for better or worse.
What excites you most about working with ThoughtForm?
I am most excited about being able to learn and improve my design skills with the help of a great, collaborative team. As I begin my career path into design, I am looking forward to the different opportunities and projects I will be able to work on with the ThoughtForm team. So far, I have been able to learn many things from everyone here at ThoughtForm and I hope that not only will I learn more but also use my designs to help everyone else.
What advice do you have for someone just getting started down a similar career path to your own?
Make sure that you are taking time to step back and take breaks. Stepping back from whatever you are working on will allow you to see it from a different perspective. Oftentimes, I find myself hyper focusing on a project. Stepping away helps me to catch any mistakes I’ve made. It allows me to see the project as a whole, not just a fragment. Taking a break or pivoting to a new task is also a great way to avoid a creative block.
Who’s currently on your work playlist?
I usually like listening to the soundtracks of my favorite movies, shows, and video games when I am working. I’m always looking for ambient and relaxing soundtracks that help me get into a zone of focus. Other than that, I have recently been listening to artists like Ginger Root, Modest Mouse, and Janelle Monáe.