William Gillies

Graphic Design + Interactive Media
Class of 2010
Hometown: Dana Point, CA

Why did you choose to attend RMCAD?

Because they offered a better graphic design program than DU or CU, the instructors were very challenging and the small intimate campus.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

Every class has had its own challenges and rewards. Currently Interaction Design is my favorite because it's more about the thinking than the making.

What did your favorite professor do to earn your respect or admiration?

I originally "discovered" RMCAD through an AIGA event held on campus—IMAGE, SPACE, OBJECT. It was my first experience with the campus and also a new way of thinking about our profession. What inspired me was how open and accepting the event was. The speakers were engaging and eager to share their knowledge. The presentations were relevant and pushed beyond form and detail. They challenged us to seek more collaborative methods. They provided meaningful ways of understanding how we can communicate with one another. It was a very humanistic experience and it's been transforming my career since. Fred Murrell responded to my inquiries, reviewed my portfolio and built the program I'm currently in.

Tell us about a favorite project you've worked on.

My favorite project has been a little book about helping China. It was a project I brought in from where I work that needed an explanation of why we would help China. In a sequence of images and related text, we took this complex and complicated issue and communicated it in a way that would be easily understood.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

They are incredibly insightful and tireless in their pursuits. It's inspiring to see dedicated students of graphic design live to their potential.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

It has broadened my perspective of the design field. I feel I can apply myself in multiple environments with the knowledge I've gained.

What kinds of things do you do when you're not attending classes?

I have an active son (6) and a beautiful daughter (9). I enjoy sharing our time together, mostly swimming and hiking.

Was there a moment when RMCAD changed from "a school" to "my school"?

The moment I stepped onto the campus as a student, I made RMCAD mine. I am grateful to have been accepted and appreciate the experience to contribute. RMCAD has a very communal feel. It feels like a small town where the laws are not to conform but rather to perform.

What would you want a prospective student to know about RMCAD?

The RMCAD experience is an opportunity of a lifetime. The design department is at the crux of the most pressing and relevant issues surrounding the graphic design profession. This is a place that prepares you to lead with your ideas and support them with emerging tools.