Hi everybody! Today, I have the privilege of writing about one of our Marywood Alumni, Dominique Kozuch. As a graphic design major, and photography nerd, I was super excited to view through Dominique’s work. Hopefully you admire their work as much as I do, enjoy!
Name: Dominique Kozuch
Graduation Year & Degree: May 2013, BFA Illustration
Major: Illustration
Minor(s): Art History
Marywood Clubs/Activities: New Student Orientation, Residence Life, Women’s Soccer
Current Occupation: Office Manager, ShingleMe Roofing
How long at current job: Since June 2020
Current Personal Website: https://dominiquekozuch.wixsite.com/home
Current Social Media Link: instagram.com/domkozuch
What was your favorite part about studying art at Marywood?
Marywood gave me an opportunity to stay close to home, dip my toes into different areas of creativity, and travel the world to see great works of art I’ve learned about in books. A memory I’ll always hold close is spending time in Rome, Italy for spring break with my friends and professors. In addition to studying abroad, taking the many art history courses Marywood offered allowed me to further my knowledge of periods I had not previously studied.
How did your art education at Marywood help your career?
The classes and connections I’ve made at Marywood are the building blocks to my career and my hobbies. Marywood allowed me to look at different disciplines. Being able to interact with professors who are also working professionals in their field of study gives you a good idea of how a future career may look. Although I studied illustration, with an interest in pen + watercolor, I found myself in photography years later.
What attracted you to this career path?
My career path led me to an office management role for ShingleMe Roofing, which may not seem art-related, but this position allows me to be creative daily! I’ve used my photography and concepts for projects within the company, but my favorite part is being able to interact with customers and help them choose new colors for their home.
Did your career path match your vision of a career path? What’s different?
I truthfully had no idea where my degree, career, or future would take me. My heart wasn’t fully in pursuing teaching, or furthering my education, or freelancing in the art world. I knew I wanted a creative path, but I felt like I couldn’t find my fit. I liked the fast-paced, flexible world of barista-hood, and that gave me the time to try different projects. I photographed my first concert in 2018, and I fell in love with the lights, energy, and colors. I enjoyed networking and making friends with fellow photographers. That leap led to sports photography, special moments, album covers, and whatever projects would come my way.
What is your favorite thing about your current job?
It doesn’t have to be just black and white–shingles, that is. Choosing a shingle color should be fun, and there are many color options. I take an accent color from a home and pair it with a few options to bring a new look to life. I don’t have a background in construction, so I have learned from the experts around me, and found ways to help people relate everyday situations to roofing. I also really like decorating envelopes with hand-drawn designs and stickers- customers and vendors love it!
What are some of the biggest rewards in your career?
I am contributing to creative strides in an industry that doesn’t have a big social media presence, or isn’t necessarily seen as innovative and creative. Consumers want to be able to have information that is clear and looks good at their fingertips. There is an opportunity for me to present visually appealing content that is also easy to explain to someone that doesn’t come from a construction background.
What’s something that would surprise people about your day-to-day?
Whether it be gardening, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, skating, walking, yoga, cooking, gaming, photography, painting, collaging, I try to do something rewarding each day. I am also a big ole introvert.
What inspires you?
Colors, sunsets, nostalgia, everything day in and day out. Things that I like, and things that I dislike.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Your strengths will make great strides wherever you put your mind.
Any advice for current art students at Marywood?
Ask questions. Explore new adventures. Consider opportunities presented to you. Do it all while you can. But always take time to recharge.
View some of Dominique’s work here.
Thank you for reading, and thank you Dominique for sharing your story. It was wonderful to learn all about Dominique and her career, and I hope you all felt the same!
Dominique’s Website: https://dominiquekozuch.wixsite.com/home
Dominique’s Instagram: instagram.com/domkoz