STORY
2000 ~ 2024
From a young age, the urge to create has been my constant companion.
Design has been a part of my life longer than I ever realized—from fashion and mix-and-match games on the family computer to creating designs for dancers on early Instagram. I used hand-me-down computers to pirate Photoshop, establishing a Wattpad (Archived 2018) page where I exchanged book covers and designs for likes and follows. During certain phases, I taught myself Sony Vegas and Premier Pro to craft fan edits, garnering what I felt was quite the following in middle school. I surrounded myself in virtual space with others' work; what I aspired to learn and become. My video editing evolved from YouTube (Archived 2018) trailers to more experimental work during my time on Instagram in the communities of editors I met and fell into over the years.
When high school came around, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, just that I was most comfortable in front of a computer, Photoshop open, with endless choices and possibilities to make and create.
I have never questioned that design is my purpose and my calling. I'm a designer because I am profoundly passionate for the art and my innate grasp of design principles allows me to have a natural eye for aesthetics and form.
Who I’m listening to
Moon Hooch / Hotel Mira / Magic Bronson
Who I’m following
All-time favorites
Sula by Toni Morrison / Mismatch by Kat Holmes / More is More by Victionary
resume
Lydia Velishek
photography & narrative storytelling
I'm an interdisciplinary designer from central Minnesota and a graduate of Winona State University with a Bachelor’s in I-Design. I have three working years of experience and a lifetime of devotion to art & design.
I'm passionate about photography, material design, and experimentalism. I’m looking to describe the translation between design and advocacy.
EXPERIENCE
Freelance Photographer
Self Employed | Lydia Velishek Photo
OCTOBER 2018 - PRESENT
Lab Assistant/Technician / Lab Manager
Winona State University Art & Design Department
MAY 2021 - SEP 2023 / SEP 2023 - MAY 2024
Graphic Design Intern
Winona State University Health & Wellness Promotion
AUG 2021 - MAY 2024
Lead Graphic Designer
Winona State University Marketing & Communications Team
SEP 2022 - MAY 2024
Collaborative Designer
Winona State University Campaign & Systems Design
SEP 2022 - DEC 2022, SEP 2023 - DEC 2023
Freelance Designer, In-House Designer
Vitalist Superfood, French Meadow Bakery & Cafe
MAY 2023 - OCT 2023
Graphic Designer
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Marketing
MAY 2024 - present
EDUCATION
High School Diploma
New Prague High School
NEW PRAGUE, MN
Bachelor of Arts | I-Design
Winona State University
Winona, mn
Semester Abroad | Faculty of Arts
Charles University
Prague, cz
achievements
8x10x4 Film Exhibition
Show Identity Designer & Show Participant
DECEMBER 2021
ReadOn Book Club AIGA MN Logo
Informal Campaign Competition Winner
MARCH, 2022
Proficiencies
Design
Brand & Visual Identity, Illustration, Animation/Motion Graphics, Illustration, Editorial, Layout, Narrative Storytelling, Empathy Mapping
Multimedia
Photography, Social Media, Digital Illustration, Traditional Illustration
Collaboration
Facilitating Design Critique, Detail Oriented, Leadership & Delegation, Communicative
Project Management Softwares
Slack, Trello, Asana
software
Adobe Suite
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
Premier Pro
After Effects
Animate
Lightroom CC/Classic
Audition
Dimension
Illustrator
InDesign
Premier Pro
After Effects
Animate
Lightroom CC/Classic
Audition
Dimension
Canva
Procreate
Location
Minnesota / In-Person / Remote / Hybrid
philosophy
Ethics
In my philosophy as a designer, ethical considerations stand at the forefront of my work. I believe in providing various avenues for engagement through accessible and inclusive design. My commitment includes addressing issues such as color blindness and considering those with low vision (as someone with poor vision myself). Upholding material honesty and adhering to WCAG standards for digital annotation of visual material are integral aspects of my practice. I strive for equal access and opportunities, emphasizing the representation of underrepresented groups such as women, people of color, minorities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. By actively challenging stereotypes and biases, my design work aims to dismantle barriers and create a more inclusive environment.
My design philosophy revolves around accessibility and inclusive principles, contributing to a positive societal impact. I purposefully design for the lowest common denominator, focusing on the intersection of identities. This philosophy extends beyond standards, aiming to break down barriers and actively support underrepresented groups. My commitment to fostering an inclusive design thinking process goes beyond meeting accessibility standards; it strives to contribute to a more diverse and equitable representation in the design space, aligning with the ethos of creating positive change.
Expression
I integrate expression and humanity into my work, with a particular emphasis on portraiture in my photography. Recognizing the profound significance of human expression in design, I strive to capture the depth of emotions and convey the intricacies of the human experience. This commitment to incorporating expression and humanity adds a distinctive layer to my design philosophy, enhancing the richness and resonance of the final creative outcome.
Interested in learning more, meeting me, or just chatting? LET'S CONNECT!