Diana Tran
Pronouns: She/Her
Majored in: Graphic Design
Hometown: West Valley City, Utah
Three words that describe you: Hard-working, ambitious, idealist
Most impactful class or professor: I’m not sure I am able to pick one, because I’ve enjoyed and learned so much from all of the professors and classes I’ve come across during my time in college. Every professor impacted my perspective and practice in various ways. But most significantly, I am grateful for the confidence and reinforcement they have given me, allowing me to better recognize my value as a designer and artist.
A CFA moment you’ll never forget: Exploring the art and art history building with my environmental graphics class. We discovered many of its quirks, flaws, charms, and even got a wonderful history lesson from Shawn Porter. This experience made me appreciate and admire the building like I hadn’t before.
What inspires you: My parents, who immigrated to the US and sacrificed so much for their children, inspire me to live the life I want to, because they granted me the privilege of choice. My younger brother inspires me to work hard, start legacies, and be the best role model I can be. My talented peers, inspire me to never stop pushing myself to be a better designer. My friends, who root for me endlessly, inspire me to keep dreaming big.
When I hear stories of successful creatives in the industry and see all the wonderful art being produced, I am inspired, hoping that one day that could be me too.
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus:
- I am a first-generation college graduate!
- Utah Opportunity Scholar (2019-2023)
- Dean’s List (2019-2023)
- Had two works featured in the juried student art exhibition (2020)
- Contributor and presenter for the Institute of ImPossible Subjects, Migratory Times: Migratory Monsters Discussion Session #4 on the “Body and Horror” (2021)
- Featured in the Utah Chronicle for “Let’s Talk About Race” project. Worked on a team design strategy project, setting up a temporary installation in the Marriot Library to collect students’ opinions on race. (2021)
- Carmen Morton Christensen Scholarship Recipient (2022-2023)
- CFA Jack Luck Summer Study Prize Recipient (2022)
- Spent a summer studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea at the prestigious Yonsei University (2022)
- Social media influencer for the Utah Learning Abroad Instagram takeover program (2022)
- AIGA student group treasurer (2022-2023)
- Worked on a student team to design the identity for the graphic design senior show (2023)
- Ethel Armstrong Rolapp Award Nominee (2023)
- College of Fine Arts Class of 2023 Convocation Speaker (2023)
Hopes and plans for upcoming year: I hope to secure a stable full-time job doing design, get into new hobbies and learn more creative skills like photography and filmmaking, spend more time with my loved-ones, go to concerts, and travel. Most of all, I can’t wait for homework-free weekends!
