{"id":289,"date":"2015-07-28T15:53:27","date_gmt":"2015-07-28T20:53:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.maryville.edu\/mpress\/?p=289"},"modified":"2017-02-15T12:15:01","modified_gmt":"2017-02-15T18:15:01","slug":"for-graphic-design-grad-dreams-really-do-come-true","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.maryville.edu\/mpress\/for-graphic-design-grad-dreams-really-do-come-true\/","title":{"rendered":"For Graphic Design Grad, ‘Dreams Really Do Come True’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Reading time: 3 minutes<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Erica<\/a>Princess tiaras, mouse ears, t-shirts, hats, pins and mermaid tails are just a small sampling of Disney World theme park souvenirs purchased by tourists as a tangible reminder of their vacation. Few buyers, however, give any thought to the process behind that special creation.<\/p>\n

In fact, people like Erica Virgin, \u201911, design those souvenirs, some of which might take a year to create. Virgin is living her dream of working as a graphic designer at Disney Design Group in Kissimmee, Fla.<\/p>\n

Virgin\u2019s love of all things Disney began as a child when her family watched Disney movies together and vacationed at Disney World. \u201cDisney brought a lot of joyful experiences to my family,\u201d she says. \u201cI wanted to give back and provide that joy to others. I always thought I would be an animator for them when I grew up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The road to Disney began just one week after her graduation from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, when Virgin started working as a lifeguard in the Wilderness Lodge Resort as part of the Disney College Program. It was a great way to get her foot in the door. From there, Virgin earned a spot in the very competitive internship program, worked as a freelancer for Disney and now has a temporary full-time position, which she hopes will become permanent.<\/p>\n

Virgin has been fortunate to work on some big projects\u2014such as a pin set for the new Dumbo rides, a pin set for the Avengers half marathon and a co-branded tote bag with Dooney and Bourke. \u201cIt blows my mind to see people from all over the world picking up something I designed and buying it,\u201d says Erica. \u201cThe idea that something I designed makes people happy is gratifying.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the highlights of Virgin\u2019s young career has been designing t-shirts and banners for runDisney marathons. \u201cRunning has been a huge part of my life and something I get to do to bond with my dad,\u201d she says. \u201cThis project was meaningful, because it combined my three passions: running, design and Disney.\u201d<\/p>\n

Working on so many projects at once can be challenging. At any given moment, Virgin may have 40 to 50 design concepts due the same day. \u201cI am a perfectionist, but I can\u2019t always spend as much time as I want on a project,\u201d she says. \u201cI have to remember that the first concept is a rough draft, and it will be changed and tweaked anyway. I had to learn to do my best within a short time frame.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although it can be stressful at times, Virgin is grateful for the opportunity to do what she loves.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am grateful to my parents and brother for being so supportive and also thankful to my Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ professors for providing an amazing education that prepared me so well for the real world,\u201d she says. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be where I am today without them. I\u2019m so blessed and fortunate that I am able to live my dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/i>Love<\/span>0<\/span><\/span><\/a> <\/i> <\/i>