Hi, I'm Amanda Vela!
Graphic designer, and photographer, based in deep South Texas. With a passion for visual storytelling, I was driven to pursue a career in design at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. I obtained a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design this past December 2024. I’m dedicated to bringing heart and creativity to every project, and currently looking for a full-time position with a great company that will allow me to advance professionally.
My journey into graphic design began at the Dollar Tree.
My design journey began long before I knew what “design” even was. As kids, my sister and I spent countless summer afternoons crafting journal scrapbooks with supplies from our local Dollar Tree—stickers, lettering, patterned paper—anything we could get our hands on. We’d match family photos to themed backgrounds, experiment with layouts, and carefully place letter stickers to spell out names and quotes, unknowingly perfecting spacing and composition along the way.
Those early experiences sparked a love for visual storytelling that stayed with me. Over time, my creative tools shifted from scissors and glue to PowerPoint slides and Microsoft Office. School projects turned into opportunities to experiment—whether it was designing a brochure for a fictional museum or building a presentation that brought a topic to life.
Now, design is both my passion and my profession. I still approach every project with the same curiosity and attention to detail that began in my childhood bedroom—telling stories visually, solving layout challenges, and creating something engaging from nothing.
Please see my resume for more information on my professional experience and qualifications.