Prattfolio connected with the members of Pratt’s Young Alumni Leadership Group, a program of Pratt Alumni Engagement, to talk about where they landed after Pratt, changing paths, and what’s energizing them now. Grace Hopkins, MFA Communications Design ’21, a graphic designer at The New School, says she is using her “creativity and skills to support a cause I truly believe in.”
What was your first job after graduation from Pratt?
My first role was as a “creative content studio extern” at LVMH-Moët Hennessy. The title “extern” placed me above an intern, but on a temporary contract. This opportunity was particularly exciting because it exposed me to a wide array of creative work—including graphic design, art direction, project management, and event coordination—requiring me to wear many hats. It was also great to experience working in-house while collaborating with multiple brands, each with its own distinct history and culture.
What’s your favorite part of the work you’re doing now?
Using my creativity and skills to support a cause I truly believe in. I’m passionate about education, knowledge, and creative institutions, so working for a university gives my work a deep sense of purpose. Since becoming a designer, I’ve realized that what fuels my creativity and drive isn’t just the act of designing itself, but the mission behind it. The greater purpose of what I’m designing for is just as important as the design itself.
“I love how creativity extends beyond traditional design work—it’s everywhere, even in places you wouldn’t expect.”
Is there an experience you had at Pratt that prepared you especially well for your career?
One of the most impactful parts of my experience at Pratt was its incredible community. Nothing fuels my creativity more than being surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds with unique perspectives and a shared openness to collaboration and idea exchange. The energy of Pratt’s community solidified my desire to work within creative and academic institutions. Today, as a graphic designer at The New School, I can trace that passion back to Pratt, where I first discovered how inspiring it is to be immersed in a university setting.
What advice do you have for a student about to enter their next chapter, work after graduation?
It might take you some time to find a job that really feels like the right fit, so don’t lose hope if it doesn’t happen right away. Every job experience (even the not-so-perfect ones) will teach you something valuable. In my case, it was the roles that didn’t feel quite right that gave me the clearest insight into what I truly wanted, ultimately guiding me to the right path.
What’s inspiring you now?
This might seem unrelated to design, but over the past year, I’ve gotten into rock climbing. Surprisingly, I’ve found that tackling a rock wall isn’t so different from approaching a creative problem. You start with a clear goal, but the path to reaching it requires a blend of problem-solving, strategy, and learned skill. I love how creativity extends beyond traditional design work—it’s everywhere, even in places you wouldn’t expect.