Shrinidhi Vijay (AD, 2022)
I am many things — a biomedical engineer, an artist, an art teacher, and for a short while, I was a math teacher. Most of these decisions were made based on expectations, from necessity, or as part of a checklist. Brandcenter is the decision I made for myself and my passion.
While I was in undergrad, I realized that my major, biomedical engineering, did not fulfill my creative needs as much as I wanted. I wanted to create, innovate, and make a change. I became the editor-in-chief of the literary society in my college. There was no looking back after that. I became the director of the first regional theatre contingent, directed dramas based on the #metoo movement, and brought out the first completely original literature magazine of the college. It was an experience that left me wanting for more. I was involved in various aspects of art direction, and I didn’t know that it was art direction. I just loved visual problem solving, experimenting with creativity, and I realized, albeit a bit slowly, that I’ve been doing this all my life. I could probably pinpoint that exact moment that changed everything. Suddenly, I wasn’t afraid to pursue my passion anymore, even if it meant switching career paths, moving thousands of miles away from home, and reaching too far out of my comfort zone.
I remember being hesitant to apply to Brandcenter when I was looking at schools and in a way, I was holding myself back. The application process was intensive, and the weight of my unique background almost made me look away, but my dad pushed me to apply. He told me that if I never applied, I’d never know. He was right.
Biomedical engineering taught me how to research and analyze. As an artist, I create and express. Becoming an art teacher taught me the art of being patient. And Brandcenter, most of all, challenges me to become better every day. It has made me realize that this is what I’ve been looking for all this while: a challenge. An analytical, creative challenge like Art Direction.
My first few weeks at Brandcenter flew by. There was a lot to learn, but it didn’t take me long to get up to speed — the professors made sure of that. I am thankful to all of them for being so patient and understanding. The BrandFam is a supportive and positive environment that even if there are days when the imposter syndrome strikes, they’re quick to point out that we are here for a reason. I am humbled and amazed by the talent I’m surrounded by, and now I get to experience what all the Brandcenter alumni I talked to told me about. My internship at Innocean – Americas over the summer has given me a chance to be a part of this creative industry that I’ve always admired from afar. This is truly an incomparable and extraordinary experience.
I am many things, but this is who I want to be.
Shrinidhi Vijay (AD, 2022)