1 (888) 768 6861

Request Info
Apply Now
A person sitting at a laptop looking at graphic design inspiration|Learning professional woman outdoors smiling student casual clothes university education college graduate.

Bryan University Graduate Spotlight: Savannah Garlick’s Graphic Design Journey

Bryan University

Published: | Last Updated:

# ,
A smiling woman

At Bryan University, we love highlighting the journeys of our students and graduates, and Savannah Garlick’s story is no exception. From exploring her passion for design to discovering her niche in retro-inspired graphics, let’s dive into Savannah’s experience in our online Associate Degree in Graphic Design program. 

Savannah’s journey began after a move from Utah to North Carolina. She found herself working at a university job that she didn’t love. With a background of creative hobbies and a husband experienced in graphic and industrial design, Savannah considered pursuing a career in design. “We sat down and just kind of talked about all of the hobbies I have… and he said, ‘Why don’t you go into graphic design?’” she said. 

They sat down and started researching schools and when they found Bryan University she said, “that was it.” 

Having a supportive yet honest sounding board at home helped Savannah refine her skills. “He was my biggest supporter but also my biggest critic,” she said. “Every single time I had a project, he pushed me to make it better.” 

Savannah’s experience highlights the flexibility of Bryan University’s online learning programs. While working remotely, she could adjust her schedule around coursework and live sessions. 

“It was really good, especially working full time. It was nice to be able to kind of move everything around my schedule and not feel so hard pressed on time, even if I couldn’t go to a live session. There were always the recordings,” she said. “It was hard to get bored, having two courses at once, it sometimes is a little bit challenging, but it kept me interested.” 

Even with full-time work and life responsibilities, Savannah felt supported by her instructors and peers. 

“For the most part everybody was really easy to reach out to,” she said. “You had Yellowdig and the few people I had in my classes throughout the program were just really supportive.” 

She added, “It was nice to feel like I had that community, even with an online school, but then still be able to work it around my life.” 

She was apprehensive about learning online after trying another online program that didn’t have the structure she needed to keep herself accountable. 

“Having deadlines, having Yellowdig, having things that I actually have to participate in,” she said, “that was what kind of helped me feel more like I was in a classroom, and that helped me get through it.” 

Every journey has its challenges and for Savannah, general education courses, particularly math, were more difficult for her than design-focused classes. She persevered and used resources like instructor guidance, YouTube tutorials, and hands-on practice to overcome technical hurdles in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.

Her advice for current and prospective students is simple: Watch the live sessions and explore the programs you’re using like Illustrator and Photoshop to see what you can do in them. 

“Live sessions, live sessions, live sessions,” she said. “It just helps so much to see somebody and ask questions while they’re going through and you’re following along with them.” 

She added, “Just explore, even if it’s not part of the assignment. Just go and explore everything that there is in there, and try to do different stuff and save the original file. So if you don’t like what comes out, you can go back to what you have.” 

One of Savannah’s favorite courses involved using AI in Illustrator to create movie posters and digital art. It was here that she discovered her signature style: retro, comic book-inspired graphics.

 “I leaned into that for the rest of the program, and I felt so much more confident in my designs because I was creating stuff that I really felt like I already had an eye for.” 

Beyond graphic design, Savannah is pursuing a certificate in landscape design and has applied for a bachelor’s program in Scotland with a minor in industrial design. Her goal is to integrate graphic and industrial design skills into broader creative projects, including landscaping and visual planning.

From instructors to financial services and career services, she experienced support across all Bryan University’s departments, allowing her to focus on her education and growth.

Her advice for others looking for an online program is to do the research before enrolling, embrace all of the extra learning opportunities like live sessions and tutorials, and set schedules to help hold yourself accountable. 

Savannah is exploring freelance opportunities, continuing her education, and branching into landscape design. Her journey illustrates how a combination of structured online learning, supportive mentors, and personal determination can open doors to a rewarding creative career.

Share this content

Request Information

And Get a FREE Career Brochure

Terms of submitting this form: I agree that Bryan University may contact me regarding educational services via email, telephone, SMS text message, or automated technology at the email address and phone numbers provided. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to cancel anytime. This consent is not required to enroll. For questions, call 1 (888) 768 6861. Visit our Privacy Policy.

← Return to Bryan Newsroom