Meet Jordyne Mcneil

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jordyne Mcneil. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jordyne below.

Hi Jordyne, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

As someone who strives for indifference in my design process, I often encounter creative blocks. This challenge has been especially prevalent during my college years when dealing with my major. Throughout this time, I’ve discovered three simple tactics that help me overcome obstacles when I feel stuck creatively.

The first step is to step away. If you find yourself staring at a project or design for more than 30 minutes without any ideas coming to mind, it’s best to take a break from the workspace. When you return to the project after a short break, you’ll have a fresh perspective and a new way of looking at it.

The second tactic is to go exploring. This can involve browsing social media or Pinterest for inspiration, or even taking a walk and observing your surroundings. Exploring compels your brain to engage with visual materials that you find appealing.

Lastly, and most importantly, is the practice of sketching. My teacher always says, “When in doubt, sketch it out!” Sketching has been my best friend in many projects. It helps me recognize that there are countless possibilities for design. By sketching, you can build upon or simplify any idea. Whether it’s creating sketches of room layouts, stacking new ideas, or developing textures, patterns, or visual tactics, sketching is a powerful tool for getting ideas across.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a recent graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design, I am filled with enthusiasm as I step into the dynamic world of interior design. I am eager to immerse myself in this vibrant field, where I can garner fresh insights and develop a deeper understanding that will enhance my creative process. One of the aspects I find most captivating about interior design is the incredible transformation of ideas—from two-dimensional sketches and three-dimensional models to beautifully executed spaces that inspire and engage individuals. I relish the opportunity to witness how these concepts evolve into reality, each detail thoughtfully crafted to enhance the overall experience.

Currently, I am diligently working on my portfolio, striving to create a captivating representation of my skills, style, and unique vision for potential design firms. I want my portfolio to tell a story—a narrative that illustrates my passion for design and demonstrates my ability to bring concepts to life. In addition to this, I am exploring the possibility of enrolling in real estate classes, which I believe will further enrich my understanding of the industry. However, my primary goal for this year is to secure an internship that will allow me to deepen my knowledge and experience in interior design, ultimately laying a strong foundation for my future career.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

My overarching goal in the design field is to approach each project with a multifaceted perspective, blending innovative uses of color and intricate patterns while crafting striking silhouettes—skills that I believe I have honed over time. Throughout my educational journey in interior design, I encountered numerous challenges that were instrumental in fostering my growth as a designer. I learned to embrace constructive criticism, recognizing it as a valuable tool for improvement. I also discovered the delicate balance of creating designs that satisfy clients while remaining true to my unique aesthetic. This process taught me the importance of keeping an open mind, allowing for continuous learning and exploration of diverse ideas.

As I embark on this journey of evolving my design style, I strive to infuse my work with fresh, creatively distinctive elements. I encourage anyone aspiring to enter the field of interior design to actively seek knowledge, maintain a curious and open-minded approach, and engage in regular sketching and exploration. Drawing inspiration from a wide array of sources and forging connections with fellow professionals will undoubtedly enrich their understanding and enhance their craft.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, I have learned the importance of taking breaks and evolving my understanding of color and pattern in design. I have also embraced constructive criticism from people from diverse backgrounds. Initially, during my studies, I struggled to express my preferences in my installations. However, since graduating, I have noticed a significant change in my approach to projects, particularly in how I understand the interplay of color, pattern, and space design.

I have always been drawn to the idea of creating something unique that resonates positively with others, inspiring them to appreciate unconventional design work. I’m beginning to realize that not everything needs to be visually symmetrical or bland; it’s essential to inject personality into my designs.

Criticism is often viewed negatively because many perceive it as an attempt to change their work. However, those who offer critiques are usually inspired by your efforts and genuinely want to help you evolve. I found that challenging during my time in school, but ultimately, this experience has enriched my understanding. I now recognize that criticism isn’t meant to reject your ideas but to help you grow and flourish—while also keeping things within the bounds of good taste! (teehee)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _jojobaoil_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordyne-mcneil-a57569203