Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasia Herh
Hi Kasia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a recent graduate from Cal State Long Beach with a BFA in Graphic Design, and I just directed the Spring 2024 show “Navigation”. I do a lot of work and lived in the Long Beach/Los Angeles area but I’m originally from the rural part of the San Diego area.
I grew up in the the 2000s, and since I was 3 I started drawing on the family computer using MS Paint. It started with anything from flowers I saw in the yard to Sailor Moon and Mermaid Melody characters. Drawing has always been something I always loved to do, and I feel like I knew I wanted to do something related to the arts, even though I didn’t really know what I wanted to pursue until I went to college. There’s a heavy business side that’s associated with graphic design’s image, which my mom definitely preferred, so I decided to go that route. I tend to think that maybe I would have landed in illustration or pre-production if I didn’t choose what I did. I resonate with those areas of art too, but I don’t really regret where i’ve ended up. I feel like i’ve learned a lot about a field that has a lot of misconceptions about it from both the corporate side and world of fine arts. I also really appreciate the way that graphic design has taught its students to think, and I think it’s a valuable thing that I can carry with me throughout my career.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely been a challenge- getting my degree and becoming the person that I am. I would say that in the last 4 years my view on art and being an artist has changed drastically. I think especially being in the shoes of leadership for the first time of a project that feels huge changes things. And it’s not just about creating artwork by myself, but it’s about the environment, the people you’re with, and of course, the things that you’re legally allowed to do.
Growing as a student artist can happen naturally, but only if you’re willing to put in the effort, so you really have to listen to what others are telling you. You can do the assignments, get the degree, and graduate, but I feel like effort and work ethic is really important. I think we should really resonate and understand with the artwork we make and show. School is good place to pursue that opportunity.
Anyway, ourselves and our perfectionism gets the best of us, and I definitely was experiencing that first hand. I worked on campus, and I stayed late nights there (since I was permitted to) to work my assignments. And if I couldn’t work in the office, I would ask to stay in some of the art rooms I was really committed to keeping myself productive since I really feel a need to separate my working and home life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a multidisciplinary designer, but emphasize in motion design. I also like to do a lot of art and creative directing. I appreciate that I was able to explore a lot of different types of design, from web design to environmental. I’m currently seeking out opportunities in motion design, and I truly love visual storytelling. An interesting story makes or breaks a piece of media, and carrying that narration through video format just takes it to a whole new level. To be honest I have a really non-traditional background in motion graphics. Though I did take a class for it at university, I first touched the software for it way back in 2014 when I got interested in animating videos. I used to make music along with my friends in high school for fun- and well, we needed a video for it, and that’s how it all started. It’s embarrassing to think about but that’s my story for that. I also have a hobby for playing story driven video games and reading manga, so a lot of the media that comes out surrounding the works I like really influences my work. I think people who are also into those things might be able to tell.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn and grow can take you far. Especially you’re a student, you do have a lot of tools and resources at your disposal, but you need to be proactive and use all of them to make your time worthwhile. I think not only your experience changes but also your view does too, because it brings you closer to great people. I’m quite an introverted person myself, but i’m easily inspired by others so it makes me want to come out of my shell.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kasiaherh.com/
Image Credits
Event venue photography by Carlos Henriquez
Graduation photography by Jesse Hernandez
