With a love of all things related to film and film-making, this local Marywood alum uses her graphic design degree by day to lead the creative services team at the Times Shamrock in downtown Scranton, PA. By night and in her free time, she freelances in the local TV/Film entertainment industry performing tasks like production assistant, script supervisor, and assistant director. Read more below to discover what Desiree loves most about her career.

DESIREE ZIELINSKI

Graduation Year/Major: Class of 2012, BFA Design, Graphic Design

Marywood Clubs/Activities: CMYKlub – Marywood Graphic Design Club, Kappa Pi Zeta Omicron Art Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Sigma

Current Occupation: For the past five years, my day job is Lead Graphic Designer at Times Shamrock Creative Services. I also enjoy freelancing as a graphic designer and have done a few projects for clients which has been so fulfilling. I also have freelanced as a PA (production assistant) for local film/tv productions in order to gain experience in working in the entertainment industry. I have donned many hats from production assistant and script supervisor to assistant director. I want to gain this experience in production in order to be a graphic designer for the entertainment industry. I have created props, titles, and posters for local films in the area as of late.

Keep your eyes peeled for those opportunities that set your soul on fire and it is never too late to follow your dreams

1. What was your favorite part about studying art at Marywood?
   I loved how close everyone is in the Marywood community it has a great family dynamic. I also loved the smaller classes which helped get one on one assistance from professors. The professors are amazing and have real world experience. They truly want you to succeed and will help you. I still see and keep in touch with many of my Marywood professors since graduating.
2. How did your art education at Marywood help your career?
   I feel Marywood has a strong Arts Program. The classes touched on so many things, especially for graphic design, that I had a good footing in getting my first job, as I knew at least the basics of everything and I can add on to it with more experience.
3. Did your career path match your vision of a career path? What’s different?
   I didn’t really think I would get into advertising especially for the local newspaper. My very first job out of college was honestly ok but it was not a company I would see staying for a long period of time but it gave me great experience none the less which helped me get my current position which was better. My current path is definitely leading me down to where I would like to be.
4. What is your favorite thing about your job?
   I love getting opportunities where a client just gives you the information they want in the ad and they want you to be totally creative. I love the spark of a great idea when it comes to my mind it gets me feeling excited. I also love the people I work with they are great and hilarious which makes the day better. With freelancing, I love working with my clients directly and just being solely responsible for what I create.
5. What is your favorite software program for design and why?
   I would have to say I love Photoshop. Let alone the content aware tool is utterly amazing I also love using photography in my designs when applicable. You can also create animations in Photoshop which I love doing. I love creating animated web advertisements my favorite one is when I made a roach move across the web ad for a pest control company.
6. Anything else you’d like to share?
   I enjoy helping out in the community here in Scranton. There is very much a solid arts community here. I am the Social Media Director for the NEPA Design Collective (NDC), a non-profit corporation founded to build and support a community of Northeastern Pennsylvania-based designers, creatives, and makers, who work within the applied arts. http://nepadesigncollective.com. Also with my love for film, I have also volunteered to help out with the Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival. https://nepafilmfestival.com
7. Any advice for current art students at Marywood?
   Don’t give up. There will always be times when you feel unstoppable and times when you feel down. You have to keep moving forward no matter what. The job you get right out of college will most likely not be your dream job. Do what you have to do to get your feet off the ground and get that experience that will help you reach your next level and never ever give up on your dreams. I’ve been out of college for 6 years and back in 2015 I started doing film production which I have always been interested in doing. There is nothing that says you can’t do multiple passions. You are not stuck in just doing one thing. Such as, I love graphic design and I keep doing it but I also enjoy working on film productions and have done that. Keep your eyes peeled for those opportunities that set your soul on fire and it is never too late to follow your dreams.

Thanks for sharing your success story with us Desiree!

Follow Desiree online at:
https://www.desireezielinski.com
https://www.facebook.com/deszgraphics/
https://www.instagram.com/deszgraphics/
https://www.twitter.com/deszgraphics/

Featured images: All images courtesy of Desiree Zielinski

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Undergraduate Program: Our graphic design program at Marywood will introduce you to a variety of design disciplines. Conceptual development, technical skills and professionalism are emphasized. Students have the opportunity to work independently, with partners, in small groups, with professionals in the field and real clients. Regular class critiques and portfolio reviews are stressed throughout the program.
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Graduate Program: Low Residency MFAs in Graphic Design and Illustration are offered through our “Get Your Masters with the Masters” MFA for Working Professionals and Educators in Graphic Design & Illustration. This 60-credit Master of Fine Arts degree is specifically designed for working art directors, designers, illustrators, new media artists and art educators who have to budget their time and resources carefully, while continuing with their full-time occupations. While production and technical skills are stressed, the thrust of our program is on creativity and concept.
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