Helmi

Graphic Designer in Miami

Helmi is in Miami, Florida on a J-1 visa as a graphic designer at an Advertising Agency, Xposure Advertising.

Why did you decide to come to the US to work in graphic design?
​While completing my design studies in Italy, I was encouraged by some of my American peers to seek opportunities here. I wanted to get a chance to work in the creative field while living my best life - something Miami has definitely allowed me to do on my spare time. I am very grateful for getting to work with a talented and friendly team like Xposure - they allow me to grow and push me to be a better designer everyday.
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What works are you the most proud of and what have you learned during your time at the agency?
One of my very first projects after joining Xposure Advertising was a logo design and branding project for an incredibly talented artist, Metis Atash, who’s work has been showcased all around the world - including at Art Basel. As an artist, her visual taste is obviously immaculate, giving us extra motivation to wow her. Out of all of our suggestions, she went on to pick and praise one of my designs, and now uses that logo, which I am very happy and still excited about.

Logos and branding are definitely my favorite projects, but I have to also mention the various web design projects I have had the opportunity to deliver. I enjoy working on bigger concepts and getting to see the fruit of my labor being used by countless people everyday is priceless. Not a day goes by that I don’t learn something new and I find it keeps my curiosity alive and makes me constantly try new things.

What kind of advice would you give others considering a career in design or moving to the US for work or an internship?
I would definitely recommend anyone with an artistic itch to give it a try! Visual people often doubt their own skills and go for a ‘safer’ career path thinking they wouldn’t be able to make a living doing something creative and something they love.

​The U.S. is such a vast and diverse market full of opportunities that I’m sure there is something for everyone, both professionally and leisure-wise. For a long time I had dreamt of coming here but thought for it to be much more challenging than what it was. Especially with the help of a a skilled and friendly team like North-West Passage!