Conversations with Rebecca Steele

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Steele

Hi Rebecca, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Metro Detroit, Livonia to be specific. According to my family, I was always doodling and drawing. I did it so much I started to get good at it, at least in kindergarten drawing standards. I remember this one moment in kindergarten where I drew a car. And most 5 year olds would make it 2D, but I drew it 3D. My classmates and teacher commented on it, saying how good it looked. I remember feeling so proud of my work. From that moment on my passion for art grew. I did my elementary years in a private Catholic school. There was a point in 5th grade where my art skills out grew the art classwork. It was an underfunded department. Along with many other factors, my family and I decided to go to public school instead. And I was so excited because the art classes the offered sounded amazing. The art teacher I had changed my life. She taught me what I could do with art and helped me grow. I only had her class for one semester of 7th grade, but in that short amount of time she changed me as artist. Once I got to high school, I learned about the technical career center my district had. They offered a graphic design course. I had no idea what it was, but my dad told me that I should take it. Little did I know it was exactly the field of art I was looking for. When I got my first desk, I was in 5th grade and my sister and I make a fake business, as kids do. I was a logo designer. Jump to 9th grade and in my art class I’m doodling letters, like typography. So when I went to my first day of graphic design in my junior year, I was like this is it. I found my art. I put all of my being in my work and my teacher saw and took me under her wing. She was my favorite teacher I ever had. She made class fun and taught me skills not only for my art but for outside the classroom with clients. Of course I took the advanced graphic design class my senior year. And that is when the dreaded college decision must be made. I applied to four school, GVSU, MSU, CCS and U of M. I applied to Grand Valley and Michigan State first. I got into both. My dad, an MSU Alum, took me on a tour and we met with a design professor. It wasn’t what I was looking for. My mom and I toured Grand Valley and met with a design professor. Again, not what I had in mind. College for Creative Studies was a place I wasn’t sure I’d get in. I did good in school, I graduated with a 4.2 GPA and Summa Cum Laude along with student leadership all four years. But CCS was based only on your portfolio. I was able to get accepted. But for fun, my mom and I decided to tour the University of Michigan. It was a school I didn’t think was in the cards for me. I just felt I wouldn’t get in. But when my mom and I toured, I was entranced. It was a small art school with small classes and all the options I was looking for. But it was also the big school with an amazing campus and a million clubs and football. I was intimidated by the acceptance rate, which was 10%. I applied in December and didn’t hear back until March 31st the following year. I remember opening the acceptance letter and just bursting into tears (in a good way). I was so proud of myself for being able to get in. And here I am now, an incoming sophomore at Stamps School of Art and Design.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My road has been pretty smooth, but all roads have potholes and bumps. I was extremely lucky and grew up in a loving house with supportive parents. I am the oldest daughter with a younger brother and sister. Earlier, I mentioned how I transferred from private school to public school. Even though it was a long time ago, it left a lasting impression on me. Especially because moving during middle school when these people had known each other since kindergarten. I learned how to be an independent person, school and being the oldest taught me that. But while that was a benefit I also struggle with anxiety. I think it was something I developed in 6th grade but in sophomore year of high school it became much more relevant in my life and affected me more. It’s something I learned to live with, but it has made moving to school and dealing with certain things more challenging. But I am here and am doing ok.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in digital work, specifically graphic design. Things like posters, typography, layout design, etc. I started to do digital work in my graphic design class in high school. I immediately fell in love with it. I am most proud of a typography piece I did in which I applied gestalt design, which is where there are elements missing but the giving information allows the viewers brain to fill in the piece. It’s simple but effective which is why I love it so much, design is logic made visual. It’s hard to say what sets me apart from others, but I believe its my work ethic. I got that from my mom and dad. I was taught to put the effort in and I think that sets me apart in the classroom and elsewhere. I was able to make the dean’s list both semesters last year. I was proud because it shows not only did I do well, I worked hard to get it.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me most is comfort, art, my family, and happiness. I know they are basic but they are basic because everyone needs them. One of my goals in life is to be comfortable. Have a comfortable home, be comfortable as myself, and just feel stable. I do enjoy travel and being spontaneous but comfort is more important. Art is important to me because it is timeless expression and is sometimes easier to use than words. Words are powerful, but everyone can look at a visual. And they interpret it how they do and that’s what so amazing. Words say what they mean. Art suggests ideas. My family is very important to me. I like to think I am the glue of the family as the oldest. I am the third parent and first daughter. I grew up with my siblings yet helped raise them in a way. I have always had a special connection to them. And, of course, I want to be happy. Who knows what that could mean, but I know I will always try to achieve my goals and live my best life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/rebeccasteeleportfolio/home