Rising Stars: Meet Olivia Budiono

Hi Olivia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from and grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesia is a country formed with many diverse small islands. With the many number of islands we have, our cultures are equally numerous. However, as deeply rich Indonesia is with traditional art and design, the country is still fresh when it comes to modern and contemporary styles. Thus the creative community in Indonesia is still growing. Moreover, the importance and influence over it is emerging more and more in the Indonesian society & community. With that said, growing up in a community where pursuing art and design is not highly encouraged or easily understood. I was fortunate enough to be nurtured in a creative household. I would say my mother was my constant inspiration in expanding my creativity as a child. She pursued art and design during her college years and continued it after as a profession in many design disciples. I was lucky enough to pursue a deeper art education in high school through IB Visual Arts. Being able to enroll in a school that has a strong art program because they acknowledge the importance of visual arts. In the beginning, I have always wanted to do art & design, but there were so many different disciplines to choose from. It was hard to pick which discipline to pursue. But during high school, I joined a few organizations and enjoyed designing posters and other collaterals for them. I realize at that moment I wanted to pursue Graphic Design.

When most Asian parents expected their children to pursue a business or medical degree, my parents welcomed my choice to do an art & design degree and profession. So I was lucky to have my family support from the beginning of my journey. So thank you, Dad, Mom, Gis, Juan, and Edo! Because of your support, I am able to pursue my dreams. My whole family all went to school in Los Angeles for college, so I always felt ArtCenter College of Design was the right choice when deciding where to go for college. I never thought I was able to get myself into such a prestigious school. Especially being fresh out of high school and an international student. Before I enrolled in ArtCenter, the school was known to be selective with international students and fresh high school graduates. But I was fortunate enough to be accepted and was offered financial aid which was rare for international students. Now, I am an ArtCenter alumni. Graduated Spring of 2020 during the start of the pandemic! Pursuing any profession during the height and start of the pandemic is surely strange and unconventional. However, I am privileged enough to be able to experience creative opportunities during this crazy time in history. I have been able to work with many passionate creative people and brands since graduating. Even if 100% of the time we speak is through our computer screens. But in our chosen profession, nothing is ever conventional. That’s what makes it all the more fun!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It was most definitely not a smooth ride. But is anything in life ever really smooth? My time in ArtCenter would be one of the biggest bumpy chapters in my life. I think all art students can agree that art school is never smooth, but a battle we would be happy to take any day. In ArtCenter, we were pushed to our limits. I would have consecutive days where I have not slept, eaten, or unable to go back home. Probably running around with 2-5 hours of sleep in a span of 1-3 days. Some days I would be at school from 8 am for class and end up driving home back home at 2 am the next day. A class can be 3-5 hours long and typically for studio classes, it can run longer than that. I remember having a class from 8 am – 1 pm and it ran through to 6 pm. We also don’t have spring break like some American colleges. So a social life and being able to travel is a rare commodity for students in ArtCenter. Giving up my social life, missing out on trips with friends, and not being able to experience a typical American college life is something I always wonder about. But at the end of the day, if you are doing something you love, you are willing to make sacrifices to keep on doing it.

Another bumpy road is my insecurities over my work. In the professional world we are in, everyone is a critic. Even now as a professional, my insecurities never fade. A term to describe my insecurities is “imposter syndrome” – constantly doubting my work, abilities, and achievements. During the first few terms in ArtCenter, being a rookie designer, I always had insecurities over my work. Especially when I felt a lack of direction and guidance from my instructors. But after a few bumps in the road, I was able to find supportive, nurturing, and collaborative instructors. Some who would take time out of their busy day and days off to help me out. Because of this, I find myself inspired and influenced by their work ethic, leadership, and perspective in overcoming design obstacles & problems. It was these instructors that helped mold the graphic designer I am today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a multidisciplinary graphic designer. Basically, it means I specialize in more than one design discipline. I mainly focus on branding, packaging design, and UI/UX design. Additionally, I like to spend time exploring & learning other mediums and design programs in 2D/3D. I really like to dip my toe into new experiences that challenge me further as a designer. Personally, I like to work on projects that put a spotlight on topics, products, and brands that is easily overlooked. Creating a voice for them in our community and sending a strong message. My design style has been described by others as being playful, bold, witty, and “tugging people’s heartstrings”. I enjoy creating playful visuals and messaging to place an iconic moment for each brand/project I deal with. Placing unique signature visuals to the brand/project to create a long-lasting impact.

A project I did during my time in ArtCenter that I am proud of is a transmedia project on MACAN Museum. The first contemporary and modern art museum located in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. It just opened in late 2017. This is a meaningful project for me since it touches back to my roots and culture. The project is a reflection of traditional v.s modern art in Indonesia, and how it comes together harmoniously. A goal I continue to set myself and persistently hold onto for every project is, how can I put a long-lasting impact onto others through my designs? Something that would benefit their everyday lives by introducing this brand or product to them. Also a learning opportunity for them through brand presence. It is a goal I am persistently holding onto.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For people who want to pursue a degree in art & design. I encourage you to take classes from different majors, or ones that do not fit in your chosen design concentration. It is a chance to broaden your skills and techniques. What you learn could benefit your future projects and help make them stand out among your peers. Sometimes you never know what you truly like until you go and try it out yourself! I also recommend taking internships early on. You should also diversify the places you’re interning for. Design agencies, in-house creative teams, start-ups, and others give you different work experiences. It is a chance to help you understand what tasks are given and what the office culture would be like. I believe this would be beneficial for upcoming graduates when you have to job hunt. It helps you look into the type of companies you’re open to working for post-graduate. Networking is also very important when interning. People come and go within a company. You never know where people end up at. Your supervisor or colleague at your old internship/work experience might be working at your dream company by the time you graduate. Don’t be scared to reach out because at the end of the day all they want to do is to help you out!