NSSC 20

NSSC was extremely impactful on my confidence in my future career. Going into the art world can be scary and a little less secure or guaranteed than others. But listening to successful people talk about their work and share a bit about who they are and how they got to where they are was incredibly enlightening. I learned not only that I actually do have what it takes. I just have to want it.
I also learned that the portfolio, as important as it may be, is not everything. Teachability and an approachable and enjoyable personality will get you far. I learned success isn’t a straight path! It’s an adventure, especially in this career.
A huge takeaway in that light was to enjoy yourself. Explore and find out what you like! Get fired up about something and run with it, THEN also put it into the world.

My three takeaways from the conference are: In the beginning, to say yes to everything, take chances, and don’t stay comfortable! Also, Matchbox Studio shook me by the shoulders and said, “Please tell everyone not to be afraid to break rules or to intentionally make stuff a little busted.”

Attending NSSC 20 was an incredibly rewarding experience. It gave me the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, grow as a leader, and gain valuable insight into personal and professional development. I left feeling inspired, more confident in my abilities, and motivated to take what I learned back to Baylor and the community. This experience reminded me of the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges with purpose.

Attending the NSSC has been essential to my success over the past two years, helping me boost my portfolio, connections, and confidence as a designer.

The biggest thing I took away from the National Student Show and Conference was that going outside the “normal” bounds of design is okay. Many speakers told us that they like to break what is considered the “norms” of design and use interesting textures and lots of colors. Going beyond what we expect can make design interesting, and taking risks can pay off. Don’t stay comfortable; take risks to grow!

Going to the NSSC this year was very rewarding because I met new people and made connections in the design community. Going this year really made me regret not going last year, but I’m glad I got the opportunity to go this year!

The actual conference was beyond helpful. I got my portfolio looked at and critiqued by professionals who want me to succeed. They gave me some very practical advice as well as some “keep going, you’re doing great” comments. Both were very needed and appreciated. Truly, I couldn’t be more grateful to have attended NSSC. It made me excited for my future, expanded my knowledge, and allowed me to network and connect with dozens of professionals who could help me in my future endeavors. I can’t wait to go back next year.

I think the NSCC was very encouraging and inspirational. It was great to hear from so many amazing professionals and receive personal feedback on my portfolio. Some key takeaways I have received are to take advantage of every opportunity, invest in relationships, and approach everything with purpose. I am looking forward to going to NSCC 21 next year!

The conference allowed me to meet other UI/UX designers from different universities and studios. These connections allow me to learn more about the industry and improve my designs with feedback from people working in this niche. I got great feedback to improve my portfolio and left with a new confidence in my design abilities.

The motion graphics sessions especially opened a new world for me. I left wanting to explore animation and storytelling even more. And the speakers were incredible—my favorite was Collins from New York. Their bold, poetic approach to branding really stuck with me and changed how I think about visual identity. Coming back to Baylor, I realized how much we’d benefit from having more design-focused classes, especially in areas like branding, motion, and digital storytelling. NSSC made me feel more prepared and excited for the future, and I wish more students could experience that kind of creative spark.

Attending the NSSC conference was a game-changer for my growth as a designer. I walked away with three major takeaways: the importance of being a jack of all trades, the need to develop more effective systems, and the value of having diverse styles. The experience gave me clarity, motivation, and new tools to elevate my work. I only wish Baylor’s curriculum offered more courses in motion graphics, UI/UX, and other emerging design fields—areas that are becoming increasingly essential in the creative industry and ones I’m excited to continue pursuing.

NSSC inspired me a lot. The speakers’ talks were impressive, and the event was a great opportunity to connect with other designers. Because it expanded my design view, this event allowed me to think more creatively and critically. I learned various ways of expression by seeing other designers’ work. The stories of keynote speakers who work as professional designers helped me understand the core of my industry. I also learned much from experience-based stories that we can never learn from textbooks.