The Product Design Program at the Western Michigan University Richmond Institute for Design + Innovation (RIDI) is taking innovation to a whole new level with its unique, interdisciplinary program preparing graduates to lead in the field of industrial design. Learn more about the program’s upcoming graduates that are open to opportunity in this Student Profile Series leading up to the RIDI Senior Show, April 21st.
What is the best lesson you learned from your classes, an internship, an instructor, or a mentor?
During my time studying design at WMU, the most important lesson that I have learned is the importance of telling a story through design. When done right, story has the power to make people care about a product, that reflects their values.
What is the strongest skill you bring to an employer?
I am a very quick learner and I enjoy learning, whether it is design related or not, I like to fully engross my self in whatever I am doing.
What type of project or industry interests you?
My main interest is in furniture design, more specifically seating. I enjoyed my time interning as a furniture designer, and when I attended NeoCon last year I know I wanted to peruse furniture design.
What project in your portfolio are you most proud of?
The Outdoor Furniture Collection that I designed for my internship. This was my first real world project, outside of school work. I got to work with a great group of designers, and their feedback was invaluable, which led to a successful project.
What/who is one person, place, or experience that had a positive impact on you during your time at Western Michigan University or in the Kalamazoo community?
Zach Raven is the design lead at the consultancy that I interned at. After my internship, I asked him be my mentor during senior year. In a single day I learned more about KeyShot than I ever did in the class room. He has also been a great help while working on my thesis Project.
Learn more about Anthony
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