Finding stability in abstraction

To some, the path to art is obvious, to others, the realization that art can sustain a living comes with experience. For one NIC student, the graphic design program has created a space to pursue a career while maintaining a passion for the arts.

Annalise Rose, sophomore, is pursuing graphic design in hopes to one day become a full-time graphic artist. Currently, she is working at a wrap shop in Post Falls but eventually, she hopes to work as either a freelance artist or within a graphic design firm. 

“My whole life I was told by my family that art isn’t something you get to do as a career,” she said, “That’s something every young artist gets told by their parents.”

Originally, Rose came to NIC to pursue conservation biology as it interested her and seemed to be a viable career path, but after learning about the graphics program, she applied and fell in love.

“It’s the most intense and rewarding program I’ve ever been in,” she said, “I can still be artistic but I’m not going to be a ‘starving artist.’”

As a creative, she expresses her art in multiple mediums. From traditional canvas and paint to fashion, every aspect of her life involves artistry. 

“I like to make every day a little fashion show for myself,” said Rose. 

Currently, she’s working on an online portfolio for scholarship applications. The website includes designs for tattoos, illustrations, paintings, freelance work, car wraps, and art she’s done for the graphic design program.

Although she loves creating logos and posters in her freelance work, she shared that when doing art for herself, she loves to deal in nonobjectivity. 

“I’ve had an affinity for abstract, or just really crazy design and artwork,” she said. “That kind of stuff is what I love to do most.”