Student Spotlight: Emily Fesler
Emily Ann Fesler, a multimedia design and graphic design major at NSU, dreams of relaying her message to the world.
Fesler was formerly a student at University Center in Sioux Falls before attending NSU, where she graduated in the spring 2018.
“I initially came to Northern to be closer to my family,” said Fesler. “But I stayed for the unique environment of students and professors that thrive here. Whether I was taking an art class, a Western civilization class or an anthropology class, my teachers were interesting and engaging.”
For Fesler, Northern helped her to become a more engaged learner, something that motivates her each and every day as she traverses her new career path.
“Towards the end of my college career, I’ve realized the only thing that really makes life worth living is taking an interest in the world around you,” said Fesler. “I’ve also learned that you create your own happiness and your own success. It’s not easy, but it is worth it.”
To Ease and Create
Now Fesler works for “Ease,” a tech company in Aberdeen, as well as “Create,” a nonprofit makerspace.
There, she creates and designs on multiple media for both of these companies, including: logos, brochures, posters, videos, web design, etc.
“I actually came about this job in such a strange way. I was fresh out of college, roaming around the Citizens Building with a friend, where I met my future boss.” Said Fesler. “Sometimes, to be presented with a great opportunity you just need to be in the right place at the right time. So take advantage of every opportunity you get. My current job is everything I could’ve dreamed of getting right out of college: the opportunity to try my hand at a little bit of everything.”
Fesler’s favorite medium to work with is animation, in which she has several stories and shorts that she works on independently and hopes to finish within the next year. She hopes to someday focus her work mainly on animation and interactive work.
“I enjoy the process of relaying a message through an unfolding story,” said Fesler. “I seek to reveal my imagination and passion to the world via my stories, and I hope they inspire others to bring theirs to the world too.”
Hardships and Plans for the Future
Despite her enthusiasm for her work, Fesler has also had her share of artistic and work-related hardships. She often judges her own work for “Ease” and “Create” very harshly, and is constantly working to improve.
“My biggest obstacle is probably my own intense self-criticism. I firmly believe we are all our own worst critic, and this is never going to change,” Fesler said. “We just need to remember to give ourselves a break every once in a while.”
Fesler hopes to begin her own small animation business in the near future, as well as continue creating more of her own ideas and works during her spare time.
Learn more about art programs in NSU's School of Fine Arts here.