Things They Don't Tell You in Class

-----Interview with Jerry

5/26/2026

Jerry, a senior IxD student, pulls back the curtain on the unspoken rules of ArtCenter — the kind of hard-won wisdom that only seems obvious once you've already survived Term 4. Is it really that simple? Maybe. But you'd never know unless you asked. Lucky for you, we did.

Question 1

Any museum recommendations in Pasadena?

Jerry:

I'd recommend Norton Simon Museum

There's also the Huntington Library, though it's a bit further out. Have you been?


Shanna:

I haven't, actually. I don't have a car.

Jerry:

Then Norton Simon is perfect for you.


Photo of Norton Simon Museum Photo of Huntington Library

I went to these two places after the interview

Shanna:

If you could go back to Term 2, what's the one thing you'd do differently?

Jerry:

Be brave.

Many professors in our major are glad to help.

Take advantage of that — ask them how to refine your projects, develop your narrative, improve your layout, your UI. Instructors like Jenny are incredibly willing to guide you through all of that.


Shanna:

Is GPA important for art school students?

Jerry:

emmmm

It's foundational, but it shouldn't consume all your energy. I'd focus on the courses that matter most to your growth, and for everything else, an A- is perfectly fine. That said, if graduate school is on your radar, GPA becomes much more significant.

Shanna:

So it's more of a safety net — something that keeps you on track without being the main focus?

Jerry:

Exactly.

Shanna:

Any course or minor degree recommends?

Jerry:

For minor. Design matter is a good one

You get to collaborate on real-world projects — with cancer research teams, hospital systems — and actually deliver design solutions. It's the kind of experience you can put on your resume, and the work is closely tied to reality. Even if the designs don't get implemented, the thinking process is genuinely valuable.

Photo of Design Matter project

What is Design Matter?


Shanna:

Is it important to participate in competitions ?

Jerry:

Honestly, I don't think it's necessary.

Design awards carry less weight than people assume — especially right now, they're rarely a deciding factor in hiring or internship decisions. What matters far more is a strong portfolio. I've rebuilt mine four or five times. Beyond that, networking is important, particularly if you're looking to work in the US. But ultimately, it comes down to what you're actually capable of ————

Knowing how to position yourself and seize the right opportunities.


Shanna:

What do you recommend doing in your early terms?

Jerry:

Build your software skills and start personal side projects early. In the beginning, I'd especially focus on motion, visual design, and graphic design fundamentals — things you can develop in Terms 1 through 3. The goal is to make sure your technical abilities never become a ceiling on your ideas. You don't want to limit a concept just because you don't know the tool yet.

Shanna:

What project are you currently working on?

Jerry:

A project that's entirely built in Figma — but with a twist. We're doing handmade low and mid-fidelity wireframes, then using Figma Make to generate the high-fidelity interfaces.

Shanna:

Does that mean the market no longer needs UX/UI designers?

Jerry:

The future will need product designers with taste and product managers with taste. The role is evolving, not disappearing.