Transfer Student Spotlight: Graphic and Interactive Design Major Authors, Illustrates Interactive Children's Book Student Profile
Meet Ashley Daugherty '23
- Major/Program
- Graphic and Interactive Design
- College Activities
- AdFed/PRSSA
- Hometown
- Clarion, Pa.
- High School
- Clarion Limestone Area School District
- Dream Job
- Freelance designer
- Hobbies & Interests
- Spending time with family and friends, reading and drawing
"I knew I wanted to do something in the art industry, and after doing my research, I found that Point Park had one of the most well-rounded and best graphic design programs in Pennsylvania. The fact that it was so close to home also helped validate my decision to transfer to Point Park."
What factors led you to choose Point Park’s B.F.A. in graphic and interactive design program?
I am a transfer student and originally did not attend Point Park. I knew I wanted to do something in the art industry, and after doing my research, I found that Point Park had one of the most well-rounded and best graphic design programs in Pennsylvania. The fact that it was so close to home also helped validate my decision to transfer to Point Park.
What makes Point Park’s B.F.A. program distinctive from other universities?
The location of Point Park's campus in Downtown Pittsburgh makes it a great place to explore opportunities and work with many real-world clients that many other universities do not get the chance to.
You recently wrote and illustrated a children’s book. Tell us more about that.
At my internship in the Office of Public Affairs with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, I wanted to create a new and interesting way to teach others, specifically school-age children, about the job of locks on the river and how important they are to river navigation. I wrote and illustrated an interactive children’s book titled Larry the Lock to help bridge the gap on river navigation education.
Highlight your experiences working with Point Park’s Wood Street Communications.
I originally began working with Wood Street Communications as a practicum student. I enjoyed my time there and the experience I gained from working with real-world clients. I designed an annual appeal for the Foundation of Hope, a small nonprofit based in Pittsburgh.
I also worked with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, based in Silverspring, Md., to create a greeting card series. After the semester was over, I continued to work with NCCS to expand the greeting card series and work on other small design jobs.
What are your career goals?
I would love to be a full-time freelance designer working on projects with different groups and people. Until I can fully support myself doing this, I would like to get a job in the Pittsburgh area or remotely working for a company that supports innovation and creativity.
Photo by Natalie Caine '24