Sweet ’14: In addition to design, I’ve always really liked to write, so I try and take time to make zines to fulfill my love for writing and print. Sweet ’14 is a collection of love poems I wrote in 2014.

Alumna Natasha Villarraga currently works at Atlantic Records as an interactive designer on their digital team. During her time at Atlantic, she’s had the opportunity to work on websites for artists like Miike Snow, Sturgill Simpson, and Saint Motel.

The biggest part of my job is designing websites and pages for our label’s artists. In anticipation of the band Miike Snow’s new album, I designed their new website as well as the official tumblr page dedicated to their record “iii.”

What were your favorite classes at Parsons?

I loved Camera Lucida: Comparative Literatures and Their Indelible Link to Photography as well as Book Cover Design. Both taught me the importance of developing a fully fleshed-out concept  prior to creating an image, whether that’s a photo, a book cover, or any other work of graphic design.

What did you wish you knew as a student that you know now?

I wish I understood the importance of technical skill-building classes (i.e.: Motion Graphics) Take these classes, even if they sound tedious!

Right after I graduated in 2014, I worked as a design assistant for my thesis professor Lucille Tenazas. With this job came the opportunity to submit a poster design for the AGI (Alliance Graphique Internationale) Conference in São Paulo, Brazil. This was printed in the official catalogue, as well as exhibited at the Museum of Portuguese Language.

Who do you look up to in the design community?

All the great women who are out there designing thoughtfully. Particularly Juliette Cezzar and Jessica Walsh!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’m only two years into it, but working in the music industry as a designer has been really fun! Particularly when you get to work with artists who are open to creating something exciting and beautiful in the digital world.

Similarly for country singer Sturgill Simpson, I designed his new website, which has a maritime theme based on the album art for his major label debut A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.