A few years ago, I was honoured to meet the most awesome and talented Jessica Oddi. She was (and still is!) such a sweet and respectable person with a positive vibe.
Today I am privileged to interview her and share with you how physically accessible graphic design is, as a career.
How we met
Back in college days, I wanted to work on campus and earn a little pocket money. I applied for a few jobs and landed a job in the Accessible Department; little did I know then, that this would have been such a breeze. This was so, because as Jessica’s Peer Assistant, she made it easy. My job was to meet her in the mornings and evenings to help with putting items into and grabbing items from her locker and to ensure she was set up for and had all her belongings after each class. However, because of her personality, Jessica had many friends, who chipped in and helped and things would just get done with the flow of each day.
What interested me the most though was Jessica’s great work. She unknowingly motivated me to challenge myself to do my best and stay on top of my work as the fourth semester was tough with many assignments, due dates and just many crazy days.
Anyhow, enough of me — let’s get down to business. Let’s hear from Jessica.
Introducing Jessica Oddi
Here below, are questions I asked Jessica. I hope her answers will inspire you to pursue graphic design.
1. How passionate are you about graphic design?
I am extremely passionate about Graphic Design! Or more specifically, I am passionate about the perfection within the trade. There is a thin line between good and bad design, and for me, that’s where the true art lies. Knowing proper space relation, creating consistency, and getting the layout just right, are some of the reasons why I love designing.
2. Is graphic design something you do full time and do you every see yourself not doing it at any point in life?
I am a full-time Graphic Designer, and I plan to continue in this trade until I am no longer capable of working. It’s such a fun, yet demanding job, and I couldn’t possibly see myself doing anything else! The beauty of design is that there are so many avenues within to be explored, so it’s really difficult to be bored. The only thing that will most likely stop me is retirement.
3. Who or what inspired you to do graphic design?
It wasn’t just one thing that made me want to do Graphic Design, but all the little things that I fell in love with on the way to becoming one. In college, there was no subject that didn’t interest me. I finally found something that embodied the creative and technical parts of myself. I didn’t just love illustrating, designing logos, or coding websites. I loved making sure paragraphs were spaced out evenly, figuring out how to export a PDF for printer spread, or downloading a new typeface! Graphic Design is the right and left side of the brain. It’s pure creativity, but also math and perfection. I’m inspired by all the beautiful designs out there. I’m inspired to clean up all the horribly outdated designs out there.
4. When did you discover your talent?
It all started as a child, learning that I loved to draw from being a copycat. My sister Lianna (OD Illustrations www.odillustrations.com) loved art, which meant I loved it too! And my mother was always creative, so that sort of made its way to us through the years. Growing up, drawing became my thing. Most of my classmates had sports or other able-bodied talents, and I had my art. To this day, it’s still something I love and want to keep getting better at.
5. How did you become so awesome at graphic design?
First off, that’s so sweet to be considered awesome at this! I am definitely my worst critic, but I think that’s a good thing in this industry. My goal is to always become better, to be open to other’s opinions, and to learn new things. I can still look back at old projects, and think of a thousand ways to update it. The moment I’m satisfied with my work, is the moment I stop growing as a designer.
6. With your accessible needs, how has this impacted (aided) your journey as a graphic designer?
My disability was the reason I took Graphic Design in the first place! In high school, I was stuck between becoming an Architect or Designer. It came down to which one I could handle. It takes years for an Architect to design what they actually want… and I didn’t even know my own life expectancy!
So I chose to take Graphic Design. Most work was done digitally so it was accessible. What I wasn’t prepared for in college was the workload. I loved my experience, but it was the most physically strenuous time of my life. I’d come home literally unable to lift my arms because I used up all my strength. I started to doubt if I could handle being a designer at all. But then we learned about freelancing. How you didn’t have to go join a firm working 9-5 every day. How you could work your own hours, and take on as much or as little as you wanted. A light went on… I COULD BE A FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER!
With a diagnosis currently pending, whatever my disability is, gave me the freedom to do what I do. It sort of took away all those fears that come with freelancing. Will I make a steady income? Will I get any clients? I didn’t care what the answers were. All I knew was that I loved design, and freelancing was the way that I could do that on my own terms.
7. Who has been your main support?
I could not do what I do without my family! Not only are they my consultants on everything I design, they are also always there to lend a helping hand. My mom has officially been titled as my assistant. She helps get me to meetings, print stores, and go get supplies. My sister and mom are there to assemble invitations, without even having to ask. I have the best support system, and am beyond thankful for them!
8. Where can we view your work?
My work can be seen up on my website www.jessicaoddi.com. From there you can follow any of my social media accounts (from Instagram to Pinterest and more)!
9. What is your greatest accomplishment?
I’d have to say the most exciting thing I’ve had the honour of designing two years in a row, are t-shirts for the Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Walk event. But in general, my greatest accomplishments are being able to help bring a client’s idea to life. Being able to design from a single inspiration or idea, and helping someone get what they envisioned, is a joy!
10. What 3 things would you recommend to anyone who wants to pursue graphic design?
Do not sell yourself short! I know you hear it everywhere, not to under charge, or do things “for the experience”. But seriously, I think we all have to go through that beginning stage of judging the value of our own work. It’s tough, but if someone’s not willing to pay for your work, then they won’t appreciate what you do.
You’re designing for the client, not for yourself. I’ve been through it 1000x, and the client rarely chooses the proof that you like best! You’re there to help make their business marketable. And in the end, it is their business or their brand. So always put your best work out there for them! Help them bring their vision to life, in a way that you can be proud of.
You know that cheesy line? “If you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life.” It’s only half true. It’s important to love what you do, but it will be hard work! Don’t take the easy way out, always put 100% in every project. Learn new techniques and be open to people’s opinions. It’s tougher than spewing out quick designs, but it’ll make you a better designer. And if you really love it, all the work will be worth it!