Erin Rea
Graphic Design

Since Erin Rea was young, she was fairly certain about three aspects of her life: she was artistic; she wanted to pursue her artistic passion as a career; and she wanted to live in California. So, in her junior year of high school, when Erin began researching which college she planned to attend after graduation, Erin knew Brooks Institute was going to meet all of her wants and needs.  

Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, Erin spent her childhood pursuing drawing, painting and photography as hobbies. However, as she entered high school she realized these were talents she wanted to build a career upon. Initially, to help her narrow her career path choice, Erin enrolled in college classes while still in high school.

“I took a couple of college classes outside of high school because our school didn’t really offer as much as I wanted,” explained Erin. “I wanted to go deeper into it (the arts). I think that’s what ultimately convinced me to attend Brooks Institute. “I didn’t want to waste my time at a community college. I wanted to go somewhere where I could get into it, right now and start doing it hands-on.”

Although her visual arts interests were varied, Erin initially applied to Brooks Institute for a degree in Professional Photography. However, she explained that her exposure to other classes helped her envision how she could still use photography as a component to her creative pursuits, but incorporate other aspects that called upon her drawing and visual art skills too.

Now heading into her third year as a Graphic Design student Erin stressed, “I’ve learned so much that I kind of don’t even remember anything before Brooks. Everything I’ve learned so far is pretty much since I came here.

“In high school you kind of know where you’re going, but I realized after coming to Brooks, I really had no idea. I feel now that from the visual aspect of it all, I’ve evolved into exactly what I want to be and where I want to go.”

Today, Erin’s evolution is showing great potential. With a full year of classes yet to complete, she already has amassed a comprehensive portfolio, due mostly to her winning entries in Brooks Institute- and industry-sponsored design contests.

Most recently, Erin earned first place for her entry in a poster design contest for the Method Fest, an international, independent film festival held annually in Calabasas, California. Erin’s contest prize was an invitation to design all of the promotional materials needed for the festival. This included logo and festival identity pieces, promotional brochures, flyers, mailers and more. “This was an incredible opportunity; it gave me real-world experience designing for a client, and I created a whole portfolio from it,” Erin noted.

Erin’s “real-world” experience has expanded beyond her portfolio as well. She noted her classroom and contest exposure has taught her how to navigate the whole client/vendor relationship and the design process. “The most challenging, fun aspect is coming up with a strong creative concept. I first start with the demographics I am trying to attract and then draw thumbnail sketches from that. Then, I present my ideas to my client and together we narrow our choices down.”  Erin explained.

Following graduation, Erin plans to stay in California. She hopes to relocate to a larger market such as Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco, and work for a large design firm. “Initially, I want to work for a large design firm, “said Erin. “I want do a variety of projects that involve branding, logos and advertising. I think that will give me great training and help me to better specialize later on in my career.”

To learn more how you can train for a career in Graphic Design, or learn about any of Brooks' programs, click here.