Graduation Spotlight: Melanie Gonzalez, Visualization
Melanie Gonzalez wasn’t sure what she wanted to pursue in college, but had a love of drawing going back to her childhood. She found the website for the Texas A&M Visualization program, and it piqued her interest.
“Although I did not know exactly what Visualization entailed, I knew deep down that this was the degree that I should pursue,” the Houston native said. “I was so excited to join the Interactive Design degree track and learn all about UI/UX. I began to dream of the things I’d be creating as a designer.”
She is set to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Visualization on Thursday, and will be honored as a distinguished student in the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday.
“I am honored to be able to receive this award,” she said. “I am grateful to my family, friends and professors that have continuously supported me throughout my college career.”
During her time in the program, she said she learned a great deal in her graphic design courses. She said she was proud of her final branding project for Graphic Design III, in which she had to create a mobile brand that gives back to the community. Her project was titled “ProVision Co.”
“It is a business that provides quality eye-care service to employees for their safety and convenience,” Gonzalez said. “I designed the whole brand including the logo, color palette, typography and icons. Then created a mobile van, uniform, packaging materials, marketing materials and a website. It turned out just as I had envisioned, and I really enjoyed working on it. This is just the type of work I want to be doing.”
Gonzalez credited Jill Honeycutt, instructional associate professor and associate program director for Visualization’s undergraduate degree; and Anatol Bologan, instructional assistant professor; for their encouragement and feedback, and for furthering her designs and ideas.
Gonzalez said she plans to move back home to Tomball after graduation and continue looking for jobs in her field.
“I am excited for all the opportunities that are opening up,” she said. “My big career dream is to work as a graphic designer in a company where I can express my creativity to its fullest and make an impact.”
