Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Dorst.
Hi Krista, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story began when I was a little girl. I always knew I had a passion for art; I just didn’t know which specific area. I loved painting, drawing, and coloring, and as I grew older, I maintained a creative mind, enjoying arts and crafts with friends and family. My dad is also incredibly talented and artistic, so I definitely believe that’s where I inherited my abilities.
I was raised in a small town called Charlevoix, Michigan. My graduating class had only seventy people, so we all knew each other well. Although my school had art classes, they didn’t offer anything related to graphic design. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I took every art class I could, even if it wasn’t exactly what I envisioned for my future. It was all fun for me—I loved the experience and the opportunity to try new things.
In these classes, I explored stained glass, jewelry-making, painting, 3D sculptures, perspective drawing, mosaics, collages, and more. While these activities fascinated me, I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to combine all these skills and translate them into something I could study in college. By the end of my junior year, I started researching potential career paths, looking into fields like illustration, painting, and ceramics. Although these paths intrigued me, none felt like something I wanted to pursue long-term. They seemed more like hobbies I’d enjoy on the side.
Then I discovered graphic design. After researching this field, I fell in love with the idea of digital design. The creative process of graphic designers fascinated me, and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. During my senior year, I applied to various colleges and got accepted to several. In the end, I chose Western Michigan University because it offered everything I wanted, including a beautiful art school and campus.
My freshman year was tough, as it was 2020 and COVID-19 disrupted everything. I had already missed out on senior sports and classes, and now, all my college art classes were held on Zoom in my dorm room. I was painting, drawing, and creating without any in-person interaction, which was hard for me, especially since I came from a school that didn’t offer any graphic design-related courses. At this point, I began questioning if graphic design was the right path for me.
My plan was to apply to the graphic design program—if I got in, I’d know it was meant for me; if not, I would likely switch to interior design. I stuck with it, applied, and went through the interview process. Only twenty students were accepted into the program each year, and after weeks of waiting, I finally received the email—I was in! That moment affirmed that I was on the right path, and I was beyond thrilled to start my journey at Western Michigan University.
The next three years were filled with both challenges and growth. My sophomore year was focused on learning the basics of graphic design, such as color theory, Adobe Creative Cloud, typography, and more. Junior year was about applying those skills to real-world projects like creating packaging, posters, and branding materials. Senior year was particularly difficult. The first semester was similar to junior year, but the second semester involved both our senior exhibition and thesis, alongside job applications. Juggling all of this was overwhelming.
For the senior exhibition, our class was split into two groups, and I was tasked with designing the space, as in where everything would go in the gallery. I didn’t realize how challenging this would be, especially when the initial measurements I received were incorrect. I had to make on-the-spot corrections, but in the end, our show turned out beautifully, and I was proud of my group’s work.
For my senior thesis, I struggled to settle on a topic, but I eventually chose to create a campaign on boating etiquette, inspired by my background as a dockhand. This project took so much hard work because I felt like I was going in circles multiple times. But when I finally figured out the direction I wanted to go, the project was pretty straightforward for my end result. My project included a logo, stickers, many other applications, five banners, and all the information you would need to know as a new boater. All these applications would be displayed in marinas. Presenting my thesis in front of the entire class, staff, and guests was nerve-wracking, but it was also incredibly rewarding. After I graduated, I reached out to the old marina I used to work at and was able to get my work displayed in their marina office.
Graduation was approaching, but I hadn’t yet secured a job, which worried me. My dad reassured me, reminding me that it’s normal to take some time to find work after college. I graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and began applying to every job I could find. Three weeks later, I was asked to interview with a studio called Güd Marketing. I loved their work and values, so I was thrilled when I received a job offer. I accepted and began working as a freelance graphic designer for Güd Marketing, where I design advertisements for clients, including billboards, posters, social media ads, and more.
I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity and the people I work with. Alongside my work as a graphic designer, I also pursue my passion for photography, capturing everything from senior and graduation photos to engagements.
My advice to anyone is simple: don’t give up. If you have a goal or dream career, pursue it. I doubted myself so many times on my path, and I still do at times, but staying persistent and doing what you love will lead you to success. Today, I am working in the field I studied for and enjoying my photography hobby on the side. Though I’m still in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and would like to move eventually, I’m incredibly happy and feel lucky to be where I am today.
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?
No one’s path is a smooth road. Everyone faces challenges if they want to succeed in life. I’ve experienced many doubts and personal struggles that slowed me down, but one thing about me is that I never give up. No matter the circumstance, I push through and stay strong.
Throughout my school years, I had no clear idea of what I wanted to do with my future until my senior year. College played a huge role in helping me figure out whether I was on the right or wrong path. While my classes were difficult at times, I persevered because I knew that if I made it through, I would be on the path meant for me. I faced many challenges—creative blocks, not fully understanding the material, and even struggling with some professors. There were many obstacles throughout my college career, but I kept going because I knew that at the end of the tunnel, there was a future I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. I am deeply thankful to my friends and family for always encouraging me to do my best. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and of the strength I’ve shown through it all.
One of the hardest challenges I faced was losing my beautiful mom to breast cancer during my sophomore year of high school. Her passing was devastating for my entire family and our community because she was so involved, and everyone loved her. She was one of my biggest role models, and I still look up to her every day, striving to be as great a person as she was. My mom is a major reason why I am where I am today. She was strong, never gave up, and had the ability to bring a smile to everyone’s face. She was caring, generous, funny, and the coolest person I’ve ever known. I am so proud to say she was my mom, and I will forever look up to her.
Along with my mom, my dad is one of my biggest role models. He has been there for my siblings and I through everything. He’s the greatest father I could ever ask for—caring, strong, funny, and someone who never gives up. He has worked so hard to achieve what he has in life and keeps doing what he loves to do in his life. I am incredibly grateful to both my parents for helping me become who I am today. I don’t know where I’d be without them.
Life is full of struggles—in your career, relationships, and beyond—but those challenges make you stronger. You are capable of overcoming anything, and no matter what, you will always make out a better person in the end.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a graphic designer who also specializes in photography on the side. I graduated about five months ago and am still trying to do my best every day after completing my degree at Western Michigan University. Currently, I work for Güd Marketing, a marketing firm based in Lansing, Michigan. As a designer, I handle a variety of tasks for our clients, including social ads, billboards, posters, mirror clings, banners, PowerPoint presentations, printable documents, info cards, and toolkits.
Before accepting this position, I had very little experience with animation. One of my goals was to improve in that area, and I’ve made significant progress since joining the team.
Outside of graphic design, I’ve been passionate about photography since I was young. Over the past five years, I’ve taken a more professional approach, specializing in senior portraits, graduation photos, and engagement shoots. I’m entirely self-taught, so with every shoot and editing session, I’m always learning and refining my skills. There’s always room for improvement, no matter what field you’re in!
In the past six months, the project I’m most proud of is the billboards and bus tails I created for Güd Marketing. These advertisements are currently displayed in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit, and Flint. Seeing my work out in the real world was an incredible experience.
I’m proud of the work I’ve done recently and excited to keep improving and creating. One thing that sets me apart from others is my drive and passion for learning. I strive to gain more experience every day and always approach my work with a positive attitude. I believe my commitment to personal growth and my ability to take criticism is what truly set me apart from others. I always walk in with a smile and give my best effort every single day.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a playful kid, always searching for the little things that make life special. My siblings and I would spend hours playing in our backyard, creating imaginary worlds, pretending to play house, or inventing new games. It’s the small moments that make life so meaningful.
I’ve always been the kind of person who cares deeply for others, often putting them before myself. I try to find the best in everyone. I’ve also been known for my smile. Everyone I meet tells me they’ve never seen someone so happy all the time. I believe in making the most of every day because you never know how much time you have. So, I live each day like it could be my last.
Since I was little, I’ve always loved colors. My room was pink with purple speckles, and I was surrounded by fun toys and arts and crafts. My family has always been incredibly close, doing everything together. I have always been an extrovert, I love meeting new people and having long conversations.
Being outdoors has always brought me joy. My family and I used to go camping regularly, and one of our most memorable trips was an RV adventure out west—it was amazing! One of my favorite hobbies is shelling. Every time we visit Florida, I will be on the beach for hours collecting shells. I love how each one has a unique color and shape, I find it so relaxing to either go by myself or with my family. And when I am not in Florida, I will go to the beaches in Michigan and find rocks and beach glass.
When I was little, I also loved being in front of the camera. My parents would take videos of my sister and I, and I wanted to be the one in front. To this day, I still love capturing moments—taking photos and videos of my friends and family so I can look back and remember those special times.
I would say still to this day all these personality traits and interests I still hold, I love finding the little things in my life to love and do to make my life special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kristadorstdesign.myportfolio.com/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krista.marie.art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-dorst-b3850426a/
