Laura Rojas

What Program did you graduate from and when? 

I graduated from the Cross-Disciplinary Art program, specializing in Publications, in May 2018. 

What is your current title or role? (ie. freelance designer, art practitioner, etc.)

My current title is Junior Designer at Underline Studio. I also take up some freelance and personal design projects on the side.

Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?

I chose OCAD U when I found out about the Publications program. I was studying in a humanities program at another university when, after getting involved with a zine collective, I realized that what I really wanted was to work in an art-based, creative practice. I’d always been involved with personal and collective projects that were a combination of art, design, and writing, and those things were a deep part of who I was—I just wasn’t sure how they could translate to a degree or what my options would be to pursue them in a professional capacity. When I found out about the Publications program, I knew I had to make the switch—it was the perfect merge of all my interests and a place to grow/learn/explore them!

Please briefly describe your current job/practice.

Currently, I work at a design studio called Underline. As a Junior Designer there, my job involves conceptualizing and designing all sorts of things from brand identities to publications and working alongside a stellar team. In general, though, my interests lie in using design—primarily through publications—as a tool to amplify voices and talk about social and political challenges.

How did you get started in your career? 

I would say that my career started when I discovered my love for design and publications— being involved with groups and personal projects from that point forward was the perfect foundation. In terms of my workplace experience, it all started with an experiential Learning placement at a small press called Swimmers Group during my 3rd year. That summer, I got another internship opportunity at a design studio called Puncture. While I was doing these, I began taking freelance clients on the side and working on my own projects. When I graduated from OCAD, I started at an agency called Bruce Mau Design, and a bit over a year later landed a job at Underline Studio. 

What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?

I think all three of these are important and valuable learning experiences. In my opinion, internships should always be paid so more people have access to these opportunities, paid work should always be paid well, and if you’re in a place where you’re able to donate some hours to an organization that does work you care about, it’s worth considering! Not every group can offer paid opportunities, but every group that can, should. Of course, it’s not easy to juggle these commitments while also studying and working, so it’s good to be mindful of your capacity!

What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

I love being able to work on so many different types of projects, the collaborative aspect of working at a design studio, and the fact that I get to be creative every day. I feel so lucky to have those opportunities and I’m grateful for them daily. I think the most challenging aspect would be the fact that my job is intrinsically tied to a computer—it would be amazing to find a way to balance studio work with work that involves less screen time.

What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently?

So many! In the classroom, collaborating with other students and being open to receiving feedback prepared me for the nature of the design studio. Being involved with the Student Press inspired me to work on personal projects and prioritize making time for them whenever possible. If I had to re-start my time at OCAD, I would get involved with student groups and initiatives from the very beginning and take more advantage of the school’s facilities to work on my own projects. 

What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice? 

Whether I’m working on a client project or a personal project, my key responsibilities include researching and coming up with concepts or ways to communicate the brief, giving and receiving constructive criticism, and developing solutions based on these conversations.

What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?

I’ve been trying to be conscious of not projecting too far into the future and instead focusing on making choices that feel meaningful every day. I think a creative career can look different every year and it’s hard to predict what opportunities might present themselves next! In terms of my personal goals, I want to continue finding ways to use art and design as a tool for social justice and collaborate with more groups and individuals who share the same motivations.