Being part of Seegull magazine has been one of the most exciting and formative experiences of my time at AUB so far.
As a student-led publication, Seegull brings together creatives from across the university to produce something that truly reflects the voices and energy of the student body and AUB. It’s bold, collaborative and ever-evolving, and stepping into the role of co-editor this year has allowed me to contribute not just as a designer, but as a creative leader and team member.
Coming from a fine art background, I knew I wanted to pursue something creative at university, but I wasn’t quite sure which direction to take. What drew me to BA (Hons) Graphic Design was its balance between visual expression and critical thinking. It felt like the perfect mix of creativity and strategy.
My love for design is definitely rooted in the visual side of things – I’m drawn to bold, colourful and expressive work. I find inspiration in creatives like Eleanor Bowmer, who embraces playful patterns and joyful design, and Jessica Walsh, whose work merges striking visuals with bold messaging and fearless energy. I believe that graphic design isn’t just about following trends or forecasting what's next; it’s about constantly evolving, developing your own voice, and staying open to experimentation and storytelling in all forms.
My creative journey has always been about saying yes to new things and exploring different areas of art and design. I love working hands-on and jumping into projects that let me explore ideas, materials and approaches, even if they get a little messy. When I started my first year, I struggled with impostor syndrome and often felt unsure of myself. But with the support of my lecturers and peers, I began to gain confidence, and a major turning point came when I received a Bronze Creative Conscience award. That recognition reminded me that I do know what I’m doing, and more importantly, that I genuinely love what I do.
As I moved into my second year, I felt ready to push myself further, outside my course. That’s what led me to Seegull magazine.
Becoming co-editor has helped me reconnect with the parts of design I enjoy most: creative freedom, teamwork, and collaboration across disciplines. It’s been a huge learning curve, but one of the most rewarding ones so far.
At the start, we had a team of about 50 students, which gradually scaled down as the year went on. Despite this, we built a strong, committed group that kept the project moving forward. Working closely with Manali (and Alfie earlier on) meant we could share the responsibilities and support each other – something that was especially important when juggling deadlines and other commitments.
One of the biggest challenges was managing the huge volume of ideas and figuring out what to prioritise for our first issue. We soon realised that not everything needed to go in right away, and that focus and time management were just as important as creativity.
The Graphic Design course at AUB gave me a strong foundation in the tools and principles that became essential for the magazine’s production. I led on setting up and managing the InDesign files, as many of the team hadn’t used the software before. My skills in layout, typography and editing helped ensure the magazine was polished, legible and ready for print. I also handled technical aspects like bleed settings, pagination, and colour profiles, all vital when working with professional printers.
What made Seegull especially valuable was the cross-course collaboration. It brought together students from BA (Hons) Illustration, Photography, Fine Art, Creative Writing and more. Getting to work alongside such a range of creatives opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and helped shape the magazine into something that felt truly collective. It was inspiring to learn from each other, share ideas and build something together a process that felt like a real-world creative project.
One of the biggest things I’ve developed through this experience is my leadership. While I’ve worked in management roles before, learning how to lead within the design process, guiding a team, making creative decisions, and keeping everything on track has been a whole new challenge. It’s given me confidence and clarity in how I work with others and how I approach large-scale creative projects.
Looking ahead, I hope Seegull continues to grow and thrive. A student-led magazine is such a valuable part of the creative community at AUB – a space where students can showcase their voices, build connections, and create work that feels genuine and relevant. I’d love to see it keep evolving long after I graduate.
As for my own journey, I’m looking forward to the third year as a chance to refine my design voice, strengthen my skills, and keep pushing myself creatively. After graduation, I hope to work within a creative studio or agency – somewhere collaborative, exciting and full of opportunity to grow.
No matter where I go next, I want to keep making work that feels expressive, meaningful and full of personality.
