Kendra Colerick is a dynamic and passionate graphic design student at Kansas State University, where she is harnessing her creativity to make a meaningful impact.
Born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, Kendra’s early exposure to nature and animal welfare deeply influenced her values and artistic direction. She skillfully blends her interest in advocacy with her graphic design talents, aiming to promote social change through powerful visual communication.
At Kansas State, Kendra has not only excelled academically but also actively participated in extracurricular activities that align with her commitment to community service. Her work is characterized by a keen eye for detail, a profound understanding of color and composition, and a relentless pursuit of design that informs, persuades, and inspires.
As she continues her educational journey, Kendra Colerick is driven to explore new opportunities that combine her love for design and her passion for making a difference. Her ultimate goal is to work on global advocacy campaigns, particularly focusing on environmental and animal rights issues, leveraging her skills to foster awareness and provoke action.
Kendra, how do you balance your coursework and personal projects without compromising on quality?
Balancing coursework and personal projects definitely requires a lot of time management, but I find that passion fuels my efficiency. I prioritize tasks by deadlines and importance but also allow myself flexibility to switch between projects to keep my creativity flowing. Sometimes, integrating coursework with personal interests also helps, so my projects feel less like obligations and more like opportunities to explore my passions further.
What initially sparked your interest in graphic design, especially considering your diverse interests?
My interest in graphic design was sparked during a high school art class where we got to experiment with different media. I was fascinated by how design could influence perception and communication. The realization that graphic design could be a conduit for change—especially for causes I care about like animal welfare—really solidified my decision to pursue it academically and professionally.
How do you keep your creative juices flowing, especially when faced with designer’s block?
When I hit a creative block, I switch up my environment or dive into other creative activities unrelated to my current project. Sometimes, I go for a hike, play video games, or cook something complex. These activities refresh my mind. Also, looking at works from designers I admire or browsing through design books can provide a burst of inspiration.
What role does technology play in your design process?
Technology is integral to my design process, from brainstorming with digital sketchbooks to finalizing projects with advanced design software. It helps me execute complex ideas efficiently and explore options I might not have considered otherwise. Moreover, staying updated with new tools and trends is crucial in this rapidly evolving field.
In what ways do you think graphic design can most effectively contribute to social change?
Graphic design can simplify complex messages, evoke emotions, and prompt actions in ways that words alone cannot. Effective design makes important social issues more accessible and engaging. For example, well-designed infographics can transform dull statistics into compelling stories that are easy to understand and share, broadening their impact.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers who want to merge their artistic skills with activism?
Start by identifying causes you are passionate about and think about how your design skills can support those causes. Volunteering your skills to non-profits or community organizations is a great way to make a difference while building your portfolio. Also, always be ethical in your design choices—make sure your work respects and uplifts the communities you’re trying to help.
How do you see your career evolving in the next five years, and what goals do you hope to achieve?
In the next five years, I hope to work with major advocacy groups or environmentally-focused companies as a lead designer, creating campaigns that have a national or even global impact. I also aim to start my own design consultancy that focuses on nonprofit and social entrepreneurship sectors to provide affordable design solutions that help them achieve their missions.
Who or what has been your biggest influence in your approach to design?
My biggest influence has been my upbringing around nature and animals, which instilled in me a deep respect for life and community. This background influences my design ethos—I strive to create designs that are not only beautiful but also conscientious and meaningful.
Finally, what’s one dream project you’d love to work on in the future?
A dream project would be to collaborate on a global campaign with an organization like the World Wildlife Fund or Greenpeace, where I could contribute to a major environmental or animal rights initiative. Designing a campaign that has a tangible effect on conservation efforts worldwide would be incredibly fulfilling and a true milestone in my career.
