Sage U Fireside Chat: Ananda Graham
Sage is an organization filled with outstanding communications professionals who bring a diverse background of experience and expertise. We leverage this depth of knowledge through our Sage U program, an all-learn, all-teach model, to assist our team’s continued growth.
Our latest Sage U Fireside Chat Q&A series features Ananda Graham, Senior Designer on the creative team at Sage Communications, who discusses the path that led her to Sage and the lessons she’s learned along her journey.
Q&A highlights:
Q: What inspired you to enter the creative industry and pursue graphic design?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an obsession with art. I’m not sure what sparked it, but it’s always resonated with me. In high school, I took every opportunity I could to enroll in creative classes, even photography, where I learned to develop and enlarge photos in a darkroom. I also took advanced art, where I explored mediums like chalk pastel.
Those classes introduced me to critiques. We had to present our work and be open to feedback. It was nerve-wracking but taught me a lot. I was also involved in orchestra in middle school and learned to play the viola, so creativity was always a big part of my life.
Graphic design wasn’t something I knew much about at first because it felt more digital than the traditional art I was used to. But I saw graphic design as one of the few art-related fields that could offer a practical career. Once I jumped into it, I realized I made the right decision, because graphic design allowed me to use the skills and talents I built over the years.
Q: What led you to Sage, and how has your career developed here?
After completing my degree, I took the advice of one of my favorite professors and pursued a full-time position instead of looking for internships. I was apprehensive, because I thought I might need more experience before going full-time, but that decision ultimately led me to Sage.
Since joining the team, I’ve had the satisfaction of seeing my design be well received by clients. I’ve also been able to take on additional responsibilities and learn new skills, including UX, UI and motion graphics. Overall, I feel much more well-rounded as a designer.
Q: What is some advice you’ve received from a mentor or peer that has stayed with you?
One of my professors used to tell us not to let our work to be described as “cute.” She felt that word could be degrading or even insulting when used to describe hours of hard work and effort. That simple thought has stuck with me. It serves as a reminder to uphold the integrity and value of my work and creative endeavors.
Q: The design industry moves quickly. What changes have you noticed that have affected how you work?
Even though I’m still relatively new to the industry, I’ve witnessed the introduction of artificial intelligence, especially in design software. For example, Photoshop’s AI tools have been a lifesaver for me personally. Editing images used to be so time-consuming, especially removing something from a background. Now, being able to type in a prompt and have the software make edits has really simplified the process. Focusing on the positive aspects of AI, it’s helped decrease my workload.
Q: Outside of what you’ve already accomplished, is there anything you’d still like to achieve?
One aspiration of mine is to establish myself as an artist beyond graphic design. I’d love to reconnect with other art forms I’ve left behind and, hopefully, one day have my artwork showcased or acquired by a museum. That would fulfill a childhood dream of mine.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m somewhat of a foodie, so I really enjoy exploring new dining experiences, especially in the DC area. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to travel, which is something my dad really encouraged my sister and me to do. I want to experience the world and broaden my perspective by seeing that there’s so much more to life than the small area I call home.
Q: Have your travels influenced your art, either professionally or personally?
When I travel, I don’t really collect souvenirs. I like taking photos, so I have a lot of images I’ve collected and really love. I recently traveled to South Africa and captured some incredible photographs that I think would look beautiful either as part of a book or reimagined as paintings. I’m still toggling with that idea, but I try to think of creative ways to merge my travel experiences with my creative life.
Q: Do you have a favorite design style?
I like a modern, minimal approach, but I’m also drawn to work that feels a little edgy and abstract. I like leaving a lot of negative space and breathing room in my designs, and I prefer simplified typography. I don’t really gravitate toward serif fonts or anything overly decorative.
For example, I recently did work for one of our clients, Okta, and I really admire their clean and modern brand aesthetic.
Q: How do you handle criticism of your design work?
Learning to accept criticism is something you’re taught early on in creative courses, even more so in college. I try not to take it personally. The way I look at it, I’m helping bring someone else’s thought process to life, so I welcome feedback if it helps create a stronger final product.
Q: You always seem calm under pressure. What’s your secret?
I focus on one day at a time because every day has its own anxieties and challenges. If things are manageable, I try not to stress too much. I concentrate on what I can reasonably accomplish in the moment. I bring calm, because if I’m calm, it creates less panic in others. I also try to figure things out on my own first and be resourceful before seeking help from my team. I’m not sure exactly what the secret is, but that’s the mindset I try to maintain.
