Alumni Spotlights

Photo of Wendell DalitWendell Dalit

What are you doing now, and what kinds of design work are you most excited about?

I am currently working as a Visual Development Artist, on the third installment to Sony Pictures Animation Spider-Verse franchise, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. I'm most excited to share some of the new universes and worlds we've developed for the film. I've had the privilege to work on both previous movies, and the third part of the trilogy is a culmination of everything we've learned.  

What experience at SJSU had the greatest impact on your development as a designer?

I have had so many experiences at SJSU that impacted me as a designer— but if I had to narrow it down to a single experience it would be my first meeting with the Animation/Illustration department's Shrunkenheadman club. The organization has done, and continues to do an excellent job cultivating a sense of community that was so important to me as an aspiring designer. Workshops, mentorships, peer reviews, group projects, industry connection —all the amazing resources to help me develop as a designer.  

What did you discover about yourself or your creative practice while studying in the Department of Design?

I discovered the power in collaboration. As a designer, my reach is limited by my own experiences. Bringing in help from your peers, getting their input, or even working together on a project can truly expedite your individual growth as an artist and designer. 

The advice I would offer to a young person studying design at SJSU—is to take your non-design classes more seriously. The advantage of studying design at SJSU, is the variety of classes available to you. Take classes that interest you, learn the material from the classes that are required of you, and you will come out of the design program as a much more well-rounded human being. You will be able to bring so much more to the table, and truly stand out as a designer.  

Photo of Januel MercadoJanuel Mercado

What are you doing now, and what kinds of design work are you most excited about?

I’m continuing to promote my film, Forgotten Island. Just came back from a wonderful time at SCAD film fest and a memorable European press tour. Production design always excites me, from characters to sets and locations and, of course, the color script. 

What experience at SJSU had the greatest impact on your development as a designer?

The entire experience of cutting my teeth in the Animation/Illustration program and The ShrunkenHeadMan Club immersed me in all aspects of the world of design. From courses in animation and visual development to guest lectures from top artists in the film industry to being inspired by the work, ambition and hunger of my peers. My time at SJSU had wholistic and incredible impact on my taste and skill as a designer. 

What did you discover about yourself or your creative practice while studying in the Department of Design?

One of my professors emphasized in class that EVERYTHING is designed. The fact that everything needs to be envisioned, drafted into a visual first pass before ultimately being manifested into a physical form that follows function. That is a very empowering concept as an artist. With that, I discovered the power and appeal of storytelling through design. How I could focus and utilize that power through my own taste and point of view. 

What advice would you give to someone considering studying or currently studying design at SJSU?

Stay passionate, inspired, and hungry for growth in both art and life. My professors taught me this term, “cultural capital.” It essentially means finding inspiration in a wide array of sources, usually beyond the normal well of reference we frequently go to. 

If you watch a lot films, try also going out to the theatre to see a play. If you enjoy TV or streaming, read a book in between shows. Go to a museum, a comedy show or a music festival. Surround yourself with architecture, immerse yourself in nature. Just go out into the world and build your experience within it. 

The beauty is that inspiration can happen anywhere, especially at the most unexpected times in the most unexpected places. Keep your eyes open and be in the moment. Don’t forget to breathe :)

Photo of Isabelle TickleIsabelle Tickle

What are you doing now, and what kinds of design work are you most excited about?

I am currently a designer at Revel Architects based in their Los Angeles office. I get most excited about projects that pose design challenges to push my creative boundaries and make me think outside the box. 

What did you discover about yourself or your creative practice while studying in the Department of Design?

During my time at SJSU I discovered my voice as a designer which came through leadership. I didn't know I had leadership skills until I joined IDSO and was elected president. I was never someone to speak up before but discovering this skill translated into my work as a designer and has helped me learn how to work well with my team at my current design job. 

What advice would you give to someone considering studying or currently studying design at SJSU?

My biggest advice would be to get involved in the industry as much as possible, whether that's joining a student organization on campus or a professional organization off-campus. You can discover a lot about yourself by trying new things that are intimidating at first. For interior design students, joining IIDA is a great way to make industry connections off-campus that can help leverage your career quickly after graduation.  

Photo of Celine WongCeline Wong

What are you doing now, and what kinds of design work are you most excited about?

I’m currently a senior industrial designer at Sunday Robotics, where I work on designing a home robot that helps people with everyday household chores.

I love the idea of designing to delight and bringing a little joy into the things I create. I appreciate thoughtful details in products, and enjoy exploring new ways for people to interact with objects, whether through form, function, or those little unexpected moments that make an experience more delightful.

What experience at SJSU had the greatest impact on your development as a designer?

• Learning to design for the user: Understanding the problem before jumping into solutions, and developing the ability to solve problems creatively, were some of the most valuable skills I took away. We spent a lot of time learning how to identify the right problems to solve, not just how to come up with solutions.

• The people around me: My classmates and peers played a big part in my growth. We motivated each other, attended networking events together, and encouraged one another to put ourselves out there. Having that community made the journey a lot more fun, and we really grew together.

• Industry connections: I also really appreciated the speaker events and opportunities to hear from professional designers. Through those events, I was able to meet designers in the industry, build connections, and eventually land a job at Whipsaw after graduation.

What did you discover about yourself or your creative practice while studying in the Department of Design?

I discovered that I enjoy the process of exploring ideas, testing them out, and refining them until they feel right. I tend to explore broadly and go through many possibilities before narrowing things down.

I also loved brainstorming and critique sessions with my classmates. Some of the best ideas came from bouncing thoughts off one another, challenging each other’s perspectives, and having fun along the way. It reinforced something I still believe today: design is a collaborative process, and the best outcomes often come from bringing different voices and perspectives together.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying or currently studying design at SJSU?

Stay curious, be humble, and keep learning. Don’t be afraid to explore, try new things, and put yourself out there.