A. Ragnauth: Expanding the Frame

Who here reading this had their life figured out in middle school? Definitely not me, I actually had no real idea of what I wanted to do growing up until I got to 10th grade where I met my now forever mentor who suggested becoming a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher. Even then I was hesistant, me? The girl who refuses to speak in public, who loves to stay in the shadows, who definitely is not a yapper. Almost 10 years later and the only update I have is that I am indeed a CTE Teacher now. I teach high school graphic design, mainly to 11th & 12th graders. I STILL HAVE NOT decided I want to enter the spotlight and I don’t see that happening anytime soon lol. I am also STILL NOT a yapper.

What I am though is a creative professional who has decided that I’m allowed to follow as many creative paths as I want. I don’t have to limit myself. That’s what this blog is about. All of the experiences I’ve had over the years has led me to become who I am now. A graphic designer by trade, an educator through school, and a photographer by choice. Graphic Design taught me how to communicate visually and strategically, teaching taught me that no matter how strategic I am, sometimes you have to adapt and find ways to inspire students in ways you would never think worked, and finally photography taught me how to combine my need for strategic compostions with my need for flexibility. A triple threat if you ask me.

As I continue to build my portfolio, my goal is to align all three of my strengths into one fully thought out creative identity. Whether I’m designing for a brand, photographing an event, or creating fun and engaging lesson plans, my focus will remain the same: Bridging the gap between creativity and education. My biggest lesson in life has been why limit yourself when no one else is? Your first career may not be your last, but it definitely doesn’t mean that you can’t shape and build it into a long lasting career.