Bethany Ivan

Hometown: Concord, NC
BA in Graphic Design and Minor in Journalism
2024
How did you first get interested in art?
I first got interested in design before transferring to UNC Charlotte in 2021 from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. I have always loved to draw as well as taking photos. Being at both community college and being a part of the graphic design program at UNC Charlotte has shown and taught me that I can do more with both and that the possibilities with what I create are endless and are achievable.

What kind of career do you hope to have?
There is so much that I would want to do as a career but I would want to be either a brand identity designer or a music photographer.

What is your favorite thing about the College of Arts + Architecture?
My favorite thing about the College of Arts and Architecture is that I get to constantly work with other like-minded students that I love to call my friends. It’s always been refreshing learning from other students in class that come from all different walks of life but we all have so much in common. It’s also the way we can all mesh together, can bounce ideas off of one another, make jokes with one another, and can make each other better designers and artists. It is great to know that the group of people in the graphic design program are so welcoming, accepting, and supportive of one another.

Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
I work as an intern at the College of Arts and Architecture where I design various posters and documents for upcoming performances and events. As an intern, I have a lot of creative freedom when creating the designs for CoA+A and an awesome team that gives effective feedback for me to make the revisions. Designing for the College of Arts and Architecture helps me get more involved with the community and kind of also informs me of what’s going on within the college.

When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
When I am not in class, I am either exploring the city of Charlotte with my friends to try out different restaurants, going to a concert, studying in the Botanical Gardens or the fountain behind the Rowe building, hanging out in downtown Concord at either at a local coffee shop or bookstore, or going to an antique store on the hunt for a vinyl record.