AJ Caris

Graphic Design BA, Minor in Illustration '23

“Columbia allowed me to grow not only as an artist and designer, but as a person,” says the recent Graphic Design graduate.

What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia? 

The community here at Columbia is so welcoming! From the professors I had to the friends I made, I can’t convey enough how important these relationships were to me. They allowed me to come out of my shell and thrive in a way I never thought possible.

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating? 

Guy Villa, Sarah Faust, and Dave Pabellon were all pivotal in my growth as a graphic designer. Chris Arnold and Cheri Charlton helped push my illustration skills to the next level. Each of these professors helped me develop my artistic process and strengthened my confidence as a creative.

What are your plans for after graduation?

The first thing I’ll be doing after graduation is taking a nice, long, well-deserved nap. I’m then hoping to receive a position at a design studio! I’m really drawn to branding and publication design, so I’d like to utilize my skills in those areas at my new workplace.

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say?