Path to Prosek: The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Easel

My path to Prosek was shaped by a long lineage of artists in my family. My great-great-grandmother, great-great-uncle, grandfather and mom were all painters who worked primarily in oil and watercolor. While I’ve taken a different approach in my own medium as a graphic designer, that creative gene has always been there.

A big part of that comes from my mom, an art teacher whom I’ve watched constantly push herself to learn, improve and evolve as an artist. Seeing her passion up close has both inspired and propelled me forward. My path might look different from hers, but the same instinct to create and keep improving has carried through, even if my “easel” just looks a little different.

Another core part of my identity is my love of the South, which led me to apply to schools with strong art programs below the Mason-Dixon line. When I visited Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), I felt at home among the Spanish moss. The smells and sounds transported me to Hilton Head Island, where I spent my summers visiting my grandparents in their villa on the 9th hole of the Harbour Town Golf Course.

That sense of familiarity stayed with me once I enrolled. I was doing what I loved in a place I loved. The environment gave me the confidence and motivation to thrive. For the first time in my life, I was a nearly straight-A student – a stark contrast to my earlier years in school. In high school, I would find myself falling behind, silently crying in chemistry class or being asked to sit in the hallway while my peers reviewed econ assignments I hadn’t completed because I was focused on art. At SCAD, working hard and succeeding came naturally.

That said, when I got to college, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do long term. I took intro classes across different majors, including photography, fashion and textiles. While I loved textiles, I also feared a lack of job opportunities after graduation. This is when I found graphic design.

I thought (read: my mom said) there would be more job opportunities in the field, which, to be frank, is why I initially went down this path. But beyond the practicality of the degree, I quickly fell in love with graphic design. I think it’s because graphic design is a puzzle that requires you to think from various perspectives. I also found that graphic design can help people find their voice and raise awareness around social issues – something I care deeply about.

When my time at SCAD (sadly) came to an end, I had my sights set on New York City. As much as the South felt like home, moving to New York had always been my end goal. My mom still likes to remind me of my first visit when I was seven years old, when I confidently told her, “I’m going to live here someday.”

Since moving to New York in 2018, I’ve navigated a wide range of graphic design roles in search of the right fit. I’ve worked at both large ad agencies and small studios, gaining experience across different environments. When Prosek reached out, the hiring process was very in depth, but well worth the wait. The timing, the people and the work all aligned, making the decision clear. It was easy to see that Prosek was the right match.

My mom has remained a constant creative presence throughout all of this. She often comes into the city for painting lessons, continuing to push herself to grow as an artist. On her most recent visit, she stopped by the office and painted the Flatiron Building from our terrace. That painting now sits on my desk and reminds me of my reason. Having it there feels like a full-circle moment, connecting generations of artists in my family to where I now get to sit and create every day – my own version of their easel.