Jeremy Pass, a senior graphic design and illustration major who drew the cover of the 2000-01 ETSU telephone directory, has great aspirations for his future career.
“I guess I’m just one of those people who gets paid for doing something I love to do,” Pass said. “I want to return to school, but will take enough time so I don’t get burned out.”
Pass, who will graduate in May with a bachelor of fine arts degree, has come a long way in his efforts in graphic design.
He said that there is a difference between graphic design and mere artwork.
“I suppose the main difference is that in art, the artist is attempting to convey a message or theme that he has decided is important,” Pass said. “The graphic designer/illustrator receives a message from a company, organization or whoever and has to create a way to convey it.”
“Whether it is a package of gum or a soapbox, I have to invent an appealing design for it . it’s always a challenge.”
Pass did his first work for ETSU in 1999, designing the cover of the Mockingbird magazine.
“They opened up a contest to see who could design the best cover . I remembered an old picture, combined it with some other work and the next thing I knew, my cover is on the magazine.”
In addition to the designing the 2000-01 telephone directory cover, Pass has since done work on the 1999 Stanton Christmas card, and the 2000 card. He has also done some work for professional organizations.
While many artists find their inspiration in nature, Pass creates his illustrations based on his interactions with other people.
“People inspire me – normal, everyday life. The stories that people tell and the things they do inspire me,” he said.
Working as a graphic designer can change one’s perspective on daily life.
“My fiance refuses to come grocery shopping with me anymore,” Pass said. “The grocery store is an interesting place for me; I can spend hours looking at the innovative designwork and illustration.”
Pass has a bright future ahead of him: he will marry in July and continue to do the work he loves to do.
“If I had to sum up my work in a sentence,” Pass said. “I guess I would say that I enjoy graphic design, creating new things and ideas, expressing difficult themes and teaching other people how to convey a message.
“I hope everyone else is as lucky in finding their dream as I have been.

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