The Wildcat Pride: Unraveling the Story Behind My First Published Design

From Student to Designer, the Legacy of the 'Paw Pride' Design at John Bowne High School

In the midst of cleaning out my closet, I stumbled upon a treasured piece from my past—a shirt that not only represented the beginning of my journey as a graphic designer but also held the essence of pride for John Bowne High School. This shirt not only was my first design that was created & distributed but I also was able to earn it not one but twice as a student. As I fondly gaze at the shirt's design, memories of my early days as a student taking part in the trial graphic design classes rush back, filling me with nostalgia and gratitude for the opportunities that unfolded before me.

John Bowne High School's venture into graphic design classes opened up a world of creativity and possibilities. Enthusiastic and eager to dive into this artistic realm, I embarked on a journey that would forever shape my passion for design. The classes introduced me to the versatile world of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, igniting a spark of creativity that would guide me through my future endeavors.

When the chance arose to create a design for the school, I embraced it with excitement and a deep sense of responsibility. I wanted to create something that encapsulated the spirit of John Bowne High School, and that's when I found my inspiration in our beloved school mascot—the wildcat. This fierce and proud symbol of our school embodied the very essence of the pride we held for our academic accomplishments and our community. With unwavering determination, I set out to design a representation that would mirror the wildcat's spirit and the attributes of our school community. The design needed to showcase the values we upheld as students and, more importantly, the qualities celebrated by those who were honored as "Student of the Month."

After countless iterations and explorations, the "Paw Pride" design was born. Symbolizing P.A.W.P.R.I.D.E, weaving together the very fabric of what John Bowne High School represented for countless students.

• Preparedness

• Adaptability

• Willingness

• Persistence

• Respectfulness

• Innovation

• Determination

• Enthusiasm

Seeing my creation come to life on the shirt was an indescribable moment. The feeling of accomplishment and pride was amplified by the knowledge that this design would be worn by fellow students who had demonstrated exceptional dedication to both academics and the community.

As I look back on this experience, I am reminded of the importance of embracing opportunities and the significance of capturing the essence of a community through design. The "Paw Pride" design continues to hold a special place in my heart—a symbol of growth, creativity, and the enduring spirit of John Bowne High School.

It is with immense joy that I share this design with you today, reflecting on the profound impact it had on my journey as a graphic designer and the pride it instilled in the hearts of our school community. Check out the design on my portfolio page, where we can celebrate together the power of creativity, passion, and wildcat pride that forever unites the John Bowne High School Wildcats.