Hi, I’m Ryley Irwin,  a Senior Visual Communication Design student at Kent State University, working towards finishing my BFA Degree. Throughout my time at Kent State, I have grown a passion for how design can communicate, connect with people, and solve real problems. My skills span across branding, typography, editorial layouts, and UX design. Regardless of the project, I approach each with a balance of creativity and strategy to create a solution that will leave a lasting impact.

I believe good design starts with research. At the beginning of any project, I want to have an understanding of the subject matter so that I can better develope a solution. I will then take this research into the design process, referencing it for my sketches and later stages of the project. I believe that 70% of a design project is planning and that having a clear plan will make the creation aspect be smoother and more efficient.

My professional background includes an Instructional Design Internship at Union Home Mortgage, where I assisted the Training Team by creating engaging training materials and a variety of digital designs. I also have experience working as a Product Photographer & E-Commerce Specialist at a small company called TreadzCLE. In this role, I streamlined workflows and built large product catalogs of photos. These experiences have strengthened my technical skills, attention to detail, and ability to merge creativity with organization.

My journey as a designer began with a passion for photography in high school. I took every photography class available and even helped my local church capture images for their student ministries. When I entered college, I initially chose a business major to play it safe rather than pursue photography. By the end of my first year, I realized I needed a more creative path and switched to Visual Communication Design. This allowed me to expand my skillset while still building on my photography background. After just one year in design, I discovered a true passion for it and found myself enjoying it even more than photography. I thrive on challenging myself with new technical skills and exploring a wide range of subject matter through design.

In my personal life, my relationship with Jesus is the most important part of my life. I love learning with others in my community, and growing to be more like Christ every day. I also love to spend time with my wife, whether that is watching Survivor or exploring new places. Beyond that, I’m a fan of the Cavs and love Diet Dr. Pepper!