WHAT COMES NEXT?
An inspirational sign by the front door of the VCU Brandcenter. I think it was speaking to me :)
Conquering the fear of thinking about the future!
As I reach the halfway point of my junior year at UNC, I'm finding myself thinking more and more about my future—where I’ll go and what kind of career I’ll carve out for myself. The path to becoming an art director is exhilarating yet daunting, filled with opportunities to expand my skills and build a portfolio that truly reflects my creative voice. Over the past few years, my experiences with art, web development, and advertising have clarified the direction I want to take, inspiring me to aim higher, hone my craft, and prepare myself for a competitive industry. Lately, that preparation has led me to consider grad school as the next step, a place where I can refine my abilities and gain more hands-on experience before fully diving into the professional world.
This past Friday, I took a trip to the VCU Brandcenter with a few of my coworkers from 1893 Brand Studio, and from the moment I stepped into the building, I felt something resonate. The school’s unique culture, the energy of Richmond, and the program’s focus on pushing creative boundaries all left a strong impression.
The experience was so inspiring that my friend Bettye and I made a special pinky promise to each other that we would form the ultimate copywriter/art director duo together. It’s an exciting thought: the two of us honing our skills together, finding our voices, and preparing to make a real impact in the industry. The idea of building my skills in such a dynamic place, surrounded by like-minded creatives, feels like a dream waiting to be pursued.
I’ve been exploring many different graduate programs that align with my goals as an aspiring art director, and VCU Brandcenter stands out as an exciting possibility. The school’s emphasis on blending creativity with strategic thinking is exactly the kind of learning environment I’m looking for. Its project-based curriculum—which centers on real-world clients and their challenges—mirrors some of the hands-on experience I’ve gained through my roles at 1893 Brand Studio and other design projects, and I feel it would be a strong fit for expanding my skills.
Thinking about my future career makes me so excited to see where I’ll end up and what successes await me, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t also terrifying. As a junior, I’m already watching seniors land impressive internships for the spring and even accept job offers before even graduating, many of them without the added experience or expanded portfolio that I feel I might need. This sometimes stirs up imposter syndrome—wondering if I’m not as ready or qualified as they are, or if I’m somehow falling behind. It’s easy to start questioning if grad school is just a fallback or if my goals are less valid because my path might take longer.
But I’m learning to remind myself that everyone’s journey is different, and sometimes waiting can be the wisest choice. Building a career foundation that truly aligns with who I am and what I want to achieve is worth the patience and effort. Rushing into a role right out of college isn’t the only route to success; in fact, taking extra time to hone my skills, refine my creative voice, and expand my professional toolkit could make all the difference in the kind of opportunities I attract. The pressure to follow a traditional path is real, but I’m beginning to see the value in forging my own way—even if it means taking a little longer. Besides, I’m someone who likes to take my sweet time anyway. Considering grad school is part of me trusting that process, and embracing growth over speed. It’s a reminder that each of us has unique strengths and timelines, and that waiting can be powerful in helping us arrive at the right destination, not just the first one.
As I reflect on all of this, I realize how much my journey is teaching me about patience, courage, and self-trust. It’s easy to get swept up in comparison, especially in a world where everyone’s achievements seem to be on display. But I’m learning that my dreams don’t have to look like anyone else’s to be worth pursuing. Each step, each hesitation, and each moment of uncertainty is shaping me into the person I’m meant to become—one who is resilient enough to wait for what feels right, and bold enough to create the future I want.
The road ahead may not be straightforward, but it’s mine, and I’m beginning to embrace that fully. Rather than rushing toward a finish line just because it’s in sight, I’m choosing to grow at my own pace, savor the learning, and build a career that feels true to who I am. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching the journeys of others, it’s that the path worth taking is the one that feels like home. So here’s to embracing the unknown, taking our time, and trusting that the best is yet to come.
