Crafting a Distinctive Impression in the Creative Sphere
In the world of graphic design, there are countless paths one can take to forge a successful career. For Oscar Merritt, a BFA student at an esteemed art school, his journey began with a love for motorcycles and a desire to combine his artistic talents with education and freelance opportunities.
Before diving into the BFA program, Merritt started as an Undergraduate Certificate student, honing his skills and laying the foundation for his future endeavours. His passion for art was evident even in his previous role as a Para Professional, where he enjoyed encouraging and assisting children in their artistic progress.
Motorcycles, however, have played a significant role in shaping Merritt's creative goals. Inspired by his love for two iconic manufacturers, Indian Motorcycle (IMC) and Harley Davidson (HD), he found himself in a dilemma. This indecision served as the spark that ignited his Special Topics II project in his BFA classes, focusing on American motorcycles and their manufacturers.
Merritt's project aimed to promote the similarities and differences between IMC and HD, helping people make informed decisions about which brand to purchase. His dedication and unique approach earned him a place among an elite group of six applicants selected for the Indian Motorcycle Ambassador Program out of over 1.2K applicants. As a result, he created a YouTube channel, Finesse The Challenger, to educate people about the history of American motorcycles and encourage conversation and participation in the motorcycle lifestyle.
The Ambassador Program isn't the only accolade Merritt has received. His commitment to his craft and his innovative approach to teaching and design have not gone unnoticed. His narrated video, a phase three assignment, was his favourite project so far, showcasing his ability to bring his vision to life in a captivating and informative way.
Merritt's journey through the BFA program has not been without challenges. He found the Drawing course particularly difficult, having been self-taught for a long time and needing to adapt to a more structured approach. However, he credits Zoom meetings and feedback from his instructors as key to his success.
The BFA program courses offer a greater depth and focus compared to the Undergraduate Certificate, allowing students like Merritt to build a portfolio that reflects their personal vision and professional aspirations. His creative goals after graduation include freelancing as a logo designer and potentially teaching grade school art, embodying the ideal combination of identity design, art instruction, and freelance work.
Merritt advises anyone considering a creative career to be themselves and let their unique perspective shine through their art or designs. He believes that this authenticity is crucial in standing out in a competitive field. As he continues to navigate his creative career, Merritt's love for motorcycles and his dedication to his craft will undoubtedly continue to drive him forward.
- In addition to his passion for motorcycles, Oscar Merritt has developed an interest in lifestyle topics such as outdoor-living and home-and-garden, which he plans to incorporate into his future graphic design projects.
- Deepening his skill set, Merritt is currently exploring technology and artificial intelligence, seeking to integrate these elements into his designs to create more engaging and interactive experiences.
- With a vision for continuous personal growth, Merritt is also focusing on education and self-development, enrolling in courses on mixed-martial-arts to broaden his knowledge and perspective.
- Eager to expand his career beyond graphic design, Merritt plans to leverage his skills and experiences to transition into career development opportunities, such as sports branding and sports event design.
- Believing in the importance of lifelong learning, Merritt is investing time in skills-training workshops and seminars on areas like personal growth and leadership to improve his abilities as a designer and educator.
- As part of his commitment to promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and sharing his learnings with others, Merritt is considering creating content for channels dedicated to home-and-garden, lifestyle, and sports, in addition to his existing YouTube channel, Finesse The Challenger.
