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An Eye for Design

Alyssa Hale '15


Alyssa Hale's Desk

Alyssa Hale had toured a handful of schools prior to visiting Concordia and was beginning to get disheartened. Her friends and family had told her that she would just know where she was meant to attend school when she arrived, but she had yet to experience that feeling. Hale’s first memory of CUI was walking past the globe that overlooks the entire campus and knowing that she was in the right place. “I could oversee all of Concordia’s campus and it was beautiful,” said Hale. “I got that feeling of knowing where I wanted to go. It just took a little bit of patience.”

Upon admission, Hale’s fascination with photography prompted her to set her career path in that direction. She had always been told that she had an eye for it, and wanted to turn her hobby into a career. However, she decided that Graphic Design would better suit her, as she saw the many career opportunities that could spring forth from this decision. “I loved being able to create something digitally since I’m not the best at drawing by hand,” said Hale. She also realized she could be able to incorporate her photography with designing.

I got that feeling of knowing where I wanted to go. It just took a little bit of patience.”

Hale spoke of how each of her professors impacted her in one way or another. However, her Painting I course with Professor Rachel Hayes left a particularly lasting impression. “I’m not the best studio artist and in order to paint, you have to draw out your picture,” said Hale. “Her class frustrated me so much, and she could tell. But she challenged and pushed me to be a better artist.” By the end of the course, Hale was extremely proud of her work and felt that she had grown greatly as an artist.

During her senior year, Hale was encouraged by professors to apply to Quiksilver as an intern. One phone interview later, she was hired for Roxy Footwear Merchandising and Design. “I didn’t know anything about footwear, but I just listened and learned,” said Hale. As graduation approached, she inquired with her supervisor about the possibility of applying for a permanent position with the company.

I would have never thought that at 23 years old I would be an Associate Global Footwear Designer for Roxy Footwear.”

“They were able to hire me right out of college. It was amazing to see something I never would have imagined myself doing, become my reality. It was definitely all God’s doing, because things fell right into place,” said Hale. “I love what I’m doing and I owe it all to the Lord. He has truly guided and provided for me. I actually keep my favorite Bible verses hung up at my desk as a reminder.” Hale is currently the Associate Global Designer for Roxy Footwear, where she manages the flip flops and children’s shoes.

Hale’s workday consists of coming up with concept ideas, considering demographics, communicating with overseas vendors and artists, all while taking into account the price of materials and the budget she has been given. She has found that although there are a lot of challenges that come with the position, there is also so much room for inspired creativity. “I find inspiration from fabrics, trims, home goods, nature, other artists, anything really,” said Hale. “I work with the graphics that we put on our flip flops, so I’m constantly searching for new art ideas that I can make and things that will inspire me that I can translate to footwear.”

Hale gushed over the team she works with at Roxy and how blessed she feels to have been given these opportunities. “The variety of classes and programs [at CUI] prepared me immensely for my career now,” said Hale. “I would have never thought that at 23 years old I would be an Associate Global Footwear Designer for Roxy Footwear.” She understands that life sometimes takes an alternate route than we expect, but the outcome can be equally gratifying.

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