Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordyne McNeil
Hi Jordyne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hey there! I’m Jordyne McNeil, and I’m a proud graduate of SCAD, where I majored in interior design and minored in printmaking. I kicked off my interior design journey back in 2019, and I was super excited about it after doing some research in high school.
Now, a year after graduating, I’ve come to realize that interior design is even more design-focused than I ever imagined! Right now, I’m busy putting together my portfolio and figuring out where I’d like to work. When I was choosing my major, I really wanted something that would have lasting potential. I was really into painting at the time, but I also craved an unusual path that still had a creative vibe—so I decided to explore interior design!
At the beginning of college, I was a bit uncertain about how I would master the techniques of this major. But towards the end of my college experience, especially during my last two quarters, I really fell in love with the designs I was creating. I’m excited about the possibility of seeing my 2-D and 3-D designs come to life!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Finding a job in the interior design field can be quite challenging. While it’s true that my portfolio is still a work in progress, many job postings require candidates to have at least two and a half years of experience. It feels overwhelming, especially since I graduated but didn’t have the opportunity to secure an internship because life got in the way, as it often does for many people.
Another struggle I face is defining what constitutes the “perfect” project for my portfolio. As I work on it, I’m finding it difficult to choose projects that will resonate with the employers I want to impress. Everyone has different design styles and creative expressions, so I’m currently trying to identify a range of design aspects that highlight my strengths and appeal to various tastes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I am focused on producing new projects while also tidying up my previous work. I am putting the finishing touches on my capstone project, and I would like to add both a retail and a residential project to my portfolio as well. I hope to secure a job within the next month and a half, and when I do, I would love to join a design team that recognizes my potential and can support my growth.
I specialize in design, particularly with color and pattern. I used to avoid working with color and patterns during my last year of school, but now I am eager to implement different design approaches for each project. I understand that many people can be hesitant about incorporating patterns and colors into residential spaces, but I am committed to exploring these elements.
I take pride in my journey toward mastering this specific design niche, and I believe my continuous growth and expanding knowledge set me apart from others in the field. While many professionals showcase beautiful design work, I recognize that the industry is continually evolving. I am confident that I can adapt my skills to keep pace with these changes.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For anyone just starting in interior design, my advice is to go out, explore, and gather as much knowledge as you can. Don’t be afraid of feedback; it can help you grow both as a person and as a designer. During my time in school, I realized that when I received feedback, it wasn’t just a critique of my ideas. Instead, those offering feedback were trying to enhance my ideas in a constructive and respectful manner.
Throughout my educational journey, I wish I had understood the importance of not becoming too absorbed in my own thoughts or fixated on past projects, especially when it came to building my portfolio. While many students work on their portfolios during school and pursue internships concurrently, some, like me, focus intensely on their studies. I believed that doing so was essential to achieving my main goal: earning my degree and ensuring I was truly learning.
It’s perfectly acceptable for students to take on internships while studying, but it’s also completely fine to seek internships and networking opportunities after graduating.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jojobaoil_/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordyne-mcneil-a57569203/
Image Credits
Olivia Tao
Jordyne McNeil
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