Effective communication is one of life’s most important skills and is essential in both personal and business relationships. Speaking clearly and effectively, ensuring that you are understood is equally as important as being an attentive listener. The job of a Digital Designer is to translate the ideas of your client into an impactful, visual message. “Learning to combine my imagination with the client’s ideas made me realize how important communication is. I had to find a balance between what they wanted and what I knew would be the best visual representation of their idea.” Amanda Mallonee has always been creative; painting and an interest in the arts have been a passion of hers since middle school. “When I found out that digital art was actually a ‘thing’ in high school, I was ecstatic!”
Amanda graduated from Venice High School, taking Digital Design, and winning a medal for being the lead designer. After graduation, she decided to enroll in the Suncoast Technical College Digital Design program where she says, “This program has taught me so much about Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator! My teacher, Ms. Keller, instills the importance of both the Elements of Design and the Principles of Design. I am also getting real-world experience by working with actual clients and building my portfolio.” Amanda designed STC’s 2024 High School Dual Enrollment brochure along with a few other real-world projects that she says really helped her practice time management, communication skills, and incorporate all the Elements and Principles of Design that Ms. Keller taught her.
“Ms. Keller is an excellent instructor. She has taught me so much about design and the critiques we do in class are so helpful in getting constructive criticism, feedback, and learning how to perfect my designs.” After completing the Digital Design Program, Amanda plans to attend Full Sail University and obtain her bachelor’s degree. She is looking forward to using the skills she’s learned, alongside her creative talents in painting and illustrating, to start a career in the design world. Amanda says, “STC and Ms. Keller are amazing! For anyone interested in the design field, I would recommend Suncoast Technical College.”
For more information about STC’s Digital Design or other Career & Technical Education programs, click here or contact a school counselor at 941-924-1365 / Ext. 62283.