This Is Who We Are:

Rommel Alama

It may not seem that way, but the Student Committee hasn't been around for all that long. But one of our members for the long haul is Rommel Alama. Often taking on some of the more tedious administrative tasks and always there to lend a helping hand with all of our activities, Rommel has seen us through thick and thin. Just one of the many reasons you should get to know him... 



Meet Rommel Alama
 
Current job:
• Creative Services Manager, Auditionbooth.com
• Creative Consultant for Industry Magazine (A local magazine based in Staten Island)
• Other clients include: Marvel Comics, and several non-profit organizations

What school did you go to, and what did you study?
School of Visual Arts, Graphic Design and Art Education major

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I think I wanted to be a designer since I was 14! Loved comic books and baseball cards and the graphics they had. But definitely wanted to be doing something fun.

How'd you get into magazine design?
I collected a ton of magazines in high school and college...first niche publications like rock music magazines like Circus, Creem and Hit Parader; pro wrestling and martial arts magazines like Black Belt and Pro Wrestling Insider, then magazines about New York City culture like the original Details, Spy, Egg and a slew of others. Many of the instructors I chose at SVA had a strong magazine design background, so it was a natural fit for me to pursue as a career direction.

What made you get involved with the SPD Student Committee?
SPD had helped me out a lot in my career, and I wanted to give something back. The Student Committee seemed like the coolest thing to get involved with.
 
Name a current favorite font, photographer or illustrator (or all 3!)
Any font can be perfect in the right situation. That being said, I love the ampersand of American Typewriter Light Alternate and the human quality of hand-drawn type.

What should students do now while in college to help prepare them for an editorial design career?
Media is merely a reflection of what's happening around us, and the tools we use to produce it as designers are just that...tools. Experience as much of the world as possible-listen and observe. A deep understanding of what's happening will take you far. You can get more inspiration for your design by being aware and open than anything else. Then sharpen your skills in the tools you use to bring that to your audience.

Try to self-publish a zine and get local stores to carry it if you can. You'll develop an appreciation and respect for all aspects of how a magazine works: from editing, writing, publishing and distribution.

Any other advice?
Keep up with what's happening and be able to disseminate that information...mediabistro.com is great for daily media news. And keep learning, even taking classes that aren't directly related to design. One of the most helpful classes I took was a copy editing class. I had the most fun learning woodworking. Your experiences and outlook will be reflected in your work. Keep an open mind.

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As one of SPD's many committees, the Student Outreach Committee is made up of a bunch of hard-working, fun professionals who are all about helping YOU. We thought it might be interesting to give you a little insight into who "we" are. Look for more profiles of our Student Committee members in the coming weeks and check out previously featured members:
• Joseph Caserto         • Shane Luitjens                 • Trevett McCandliss          • Jason Sfetko         
• Kim Sall                     • Nancy Stamatopolous      • John Walker