Taylor Rector

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN THE INDUSTRY?

My interest in graphic design started when I toured my high school’s local career center. I was immediately drawn to the graphic design program, something about it just clicked with me. I applied, got accepted, and from day one, I loved it. I had the unique opportunity to leave my high school halfway through the day and spend the remainder learning the basics of design. That exposure solidified my passion, and it ultimately led me to pursue a degree in graphic design at Ball State University, where I’ve continued to grow and love what I do.

HOW DID YOU BREAK INTO THE INDUSTRY AND LAND YOUR FIRST JOB?

My first real graphic design experience was with Studio 165+ at Ball State. It’s an award-winning, student-run studio, and it operates like a real design agency. The internship is open to sophomores through seniors, and I was selected as a junior. I ended up staying for three semesters, where I worked as a designer, then a project manager, and eventually team lead. I got to lead a team, communicate directly with clients, run critiques, and juggle multiple projects at once. It really helped me grow, not just as a designer, but as a creative professional overall.

WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS OF THE TRADE?

Definitely Adobe Creative Suite. But beyond that attention to detail, time management, and solid file organization are the things that keep projects running smoothly and make a real difference in the work.

DID YOU HAVE ANY UNUSUAL JOBS BEFORE WORKING AT HIRONS?

Yeah, I’ve had quite a few odd jobs! I worked on my high school’s maintenance crew for two summers. I painted curbs, rewired classrooms, did custodial work, pretty much whatever needed done. I was also a lifeguard for a while. Then I spent almost four years working at a pet supplies store that doubled as a garden center and a wild bird center. I even worked as a Little Debbie distributor during the summers alongside the pet store job.