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?
The most valuable wisdom I gleaned from my mentor Steve Bui was to never copy anyone’s work. He told me that no matter who asks for a quick sketch or render, this industry is built on honesty and pure creativity.
What is the strongest skill you bring to an employer?
My strongest skill I bring to an employer would be ideation and the ability to communicate an idea. I believe that a designer should be able to communicate through their work by translating spoken words into artistic design. They should convey a much deeper message that cannot be erased, but will leave a positive scar of change in one’s life.
What type of project or industry interests you?
I am interested in the following industries. Electronics, Kids products, House Products, Automotive and Furniture
What project in your portfolio are you most proud of?
The project in my portfolio that I am the the most is my son’s room I prepared for him before he was born. We could have bought store items to decorate his room but I chose to do a custom Star Wars themed build for his room which required a lot of research and baby proofing.
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?
I would have to say the person that had a positive impact on me during my time at Western Michigan University would be my friend Yan Hernandez. We were fellow classmates that worked in a warehouse together prior to attending school. We helped each other figure out problems, homework and even family life throughout our four years here and I’m sure there will be many more.
Learn more about Marc
Favorite Projects
Powered by Southwest Michigan First, MIX events, seminars, and workshops harness Southwest Michigan’s power of creativity and invite participants to express and share their individual specialties. MIX brings together local creators and innovators to inspire, education and expose area creatives to the great ideas, people and companies that call Southwest Michigan home.
