DAUS student Valeria Galvan (BS, Digital Communications & Media), spearheaded a video project to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the English Language Institute (ELI), in collaboration with ELI Clinical Assistant Professor, John Dumicich. Putting her technical skills to the test, Valeria created a visually engaging and compelling media narrative for the ELI to tell their story and celebrate their unique history and community at SPS.
Valeria recently described her experience working on this project and what her time at DAUS has meant for her as a transfer student:
How does this project stand out from others you've done?
I knew it was going to be a challenging project. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to shoot in-person interviews with professors and students was not an option. This project placed limits on my initial ideas, but I decided to take up the challenge to see how my creativity could benefit from limitations. This project stands out from others I’ve worked on precisely for this reason - the limitations posed by the pandemic led me to think of other creative ways to tell a story.
Can you describe your creative process?
My creative process often begins on paper, randomly just jotting down ideas that pop into my head. Then I do some research to find inspiration and references that I could use to build upon my ideas. I also develop a mood board from this process, and then I start to see patterns or the things that stand out the most. Once I begin building the project it becomes a process where new ideas pop into my head and old ones get thrown out. I believe it is important to let this happen because embracing new ideas or changing initial concepts can lead to new breakthroughs. Constantly seeking to improve my work is what makes my next creative endeavor even more exciting.
Why are you pursuing a degree in Digital Media and Communications? Do you have a set career in mind?
Through my professors, I have seen how there are no limits to what one can create. Digital media is constantly evolving. The best example of this is how the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed artists and musicians into new territories. Performances are being held on virtual stages that are visually engaging and give audiences an immersive experience, and this is just the beginning. The career path I plan to pursue combines music and video visuals. I also have a degree in music and by mixing these two elements, I have learned new ways to create captivating visuals that not only entertain, but also create an experience for audiences.
Since transferring to NYU, what has stood out in your experience here?
I transferred to NYU because NYU values the true nature of giving nontraditional students like me the opportunity at a rigorous education. NYU has provided me with direct access to professionals, artists, and scholars that are world-renowned. I have also enjoyed being surrounded by like-minded students who constantly reinforce my motivation, enrich my studies and improve my learning process. Transferring to NYU was the next logical step in my academic career. NYU has helped me develop my artistic voice in digital media.