We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Reagan Bloedt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Reagan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.

One major change I would make to the education system, particularly in graphic design programs, is a stronger emphasis on real-world application and career preparedness. While foundational design principles and theory are crucial, many students graduate without a deep understanding of client relations, project management, or the evolving demands of digital and print media. In my own experience as a graphic design student, coursework often focused on theoretical aspects of design, but there was little exposure to practical skills like networking, negotiating contracts, and self-marketing. However, in my sophomore year, I took a class called “Professional Practices,” where real-world application was the main focus, and I experienced drastic skill growth and confidence building in a short period of time. Collaborating with clients to create and pitch real-life, applicable work in a controlled environment was an invaluable experience. Expanding opportunities like this across graphic design programs would better equip students for a fulfilling and successful career in the field.

Reagan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When I got a computer for Christmas at nine years old, I discovered the beauty of Microsoft Paint and PowerPoint. I quickly became obsessed, creating presentations for school—not because I was particularly interested in the material, but because I just wanted an excuse to make more slides. This passion never faded; I worked on the yearbook throughout middle and high school and managed my school’s social media pages. So when it came time to choose a college major, there was never a question—it was simply an understanding that this was what I was meant to do.

In college, I developed a passion for community-focused design and work rooted in the physical. My process often reflects my love for ephemera; I enjoy using scanners and physical manipulation methods, as well as referencing traditional and historical print objects in my work. My biggest focus in design is effective communication—creating work that resonates with people and deeply understands its audience, blending digital and tactile techniques to craft meaningful, engaging experiences.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the service-driven nature of the work—offering a product or solution that directly benefits a client or community. Design isn’t just about making something look good; it’s about creating something functional, impactful, and intentional. Being so community-focused, I find the greatest fulfillment in exceeding client expectations—whether it’s a client reaching their outreach goals, a campaign making a tangible difference, or a community engaging with my work in a meaningful way. Witnessing that impact and knowing the design has served its purpose and truly resonated with people brings me immeasurable fulfillment.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has been tapping into smaller, interconnected communities where word of mouth carries significant weight. For example, I began creating film posters for indie projects, often completing multiple designs for a single client. As my work gained visibility, more people in that community discovered me and reached out to collaborate—not only because they liked my work but also due to the positive experiences my clients shared with them. This aspect of personal recommendation has been invaluable in bringing in new opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rb.gy/73lilm
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reaganbloedt