Jaicyea Smith
Inclusive Design (MDes), 2020. Inclusive Designer, Community Animator, Performer, Artist
Choosing the right leader to work for is important. Working under someone who can see when you are ready to move on to another role or take on more responsibility (in a paid capacity) is valuable.
What Program did you graduate from and when?
Inclusive Design, 2020
What is your current title or role? (ie. freelance designer, art practitioner, etc.)
Inclusive Designer, Community Animator, Performer, Artist
Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?
My dad is an OCAD U grad so I’d heard a lot of great things about the institution. I have an undergraduate degree from another institution in Media Studies & Communications. I heard about the Inclusive Design program and it was of interest to me because I was excited to explore design and learn to apply social practices to built design.
Please briefly describe your current job/practice.
I’m a Research Assistant with OCAD U as part of The Drawing Board Fellowship. I have a lot of projects going on currently. I’m a Consultant for a few tech and non-profit organizations focusing on work around Accessibility and Design. I’m also a Dancer.
How did you get started in your career?
At OCAD U! Learning opened up many pathways and opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise had access to. During my first year, I went through unlearning and questioning, which opened up my ability to explore new worlds, industries and projects.
What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?
Internships and volunteer work in the business realm should be for learning and education. Once education is gained, you should know (or learn) when to move on. Be careful not to be exploited as a volunteer or intern. Choosing the right leader to work for is important. Working under someone who can see when you are ready to move on to another role or take on more responsibility (in a paid capacity) is valuable. It’s always a great opportunity to get hands-on experience and fieldwork. I also believe that volunteering is good in order for people to build and practice compassion.
What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
I enjoy connecting with communities, co-designing, collaborative iteration with end-users and making people happy with sustainable solutions through the facilitation of an event or space. I enjoy designing for users.
The most challenging aspect is in trying to show corporations the value of accessibility and inclusive design and that it’s worth the investment. Sometimes organizations are very numbers-driven – and oftentimes, the results are not quantifiable as it’s more experiential.
What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently?
I would’ve liked to learn back-end coding, planning and software development. I am working on gaining these skills myself. Taking Independent Study allowed me to be self-driven and directed and that definitely helped me hone my skills as a Freelance Designer.
What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice?
Educating myself in new areas, attending workshops, keynotes, events and supporting others who are doing similar work. I’m always working on something so that I’m constantly learning.
What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?
To make a certain amount of money. I have a goal that I’m working towards. Through my job search and experience, I’ve become effective in knowing what my value and worth are. I want to bear the fruits of my labour.