Arts

Gala proceeds benefit art students

By Deirdre Long
Entertainment Editor

04-24-2008

Everyone knows about starving artists. But what about starving student artists? Because of the money raised by the art gala, one student didn't have to worry so much.

Meet Jessica Stephens, a junior in graphic design at JSU. She was last year's recipient of the Visual Arts Society scholarship. The 20-year-old Munford native took a few moments to talk about her education and future.

Why did you choose to go into graphic design?

I've always loved art. I started out pre-med, but I wasn't enjoying it, so I switched. I love working with computers, and I want to work in magazines.

Tell me about the scholarship.

Last year I received the Visual Arts Society scholarship — $2,000 to use over the year. It was such a great opportunity to get that. I used it on tuition and supplies. It really helped out.

What are your plans for the future?

I'm really hoping to work at a magazine. I've got an internship this summer to work at Southern Bride. I'd love to work at Southern Living.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by everything — art, music, other photographers. I've got baby brothers at home and they help inspire me. I get to watch them visualize new things.

It seems like a lot of people are doing graphic design. How hard is it to get a job?

It's very competitive. Most of it is about how good you are, not just your education. I'm trying to get the most out of my education as I can. It's a lot of hard work. It's not all straight from a book. You either have it (the skill) or you don't.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of going into graphic design?

Go for it. If you like it, go for it.

JSU has a wonderful department — I enjoy all my classes. I think it's great. Because of where we live, you may have to move off, but if it's what you like to do, go for it.