Graduating Industrial Design Major Clara Swenson Answers Questions About Her Time at BYU
Q: What was your most inspiring experience at BYU? Why?
Swenson: I’ve had the opportunity to work on design research projects under the mentorship of an industrial design professor Bryan Howell. Alongside several classmates, I co-authored a paper that was accepted to a conference in Birmingham, UK. We were able to travel to the conference and present our research, as well as visit historic design sites in the London area. There’s nothing like seeing where some of the greatest creatives in history have lived, worked and changed the world. It lit a fire under me, making me want to leave my own mark on the world and to someday mentor young creatives just as I have received mentorship.
Q: How have the arts influenced your relationship with God and Jesus Christ?
Swenson: God’s an industrial designer, I like to think, and industrial designers have eyes for detail. Design has taught me to see the beautiful intricacies in things all around me, and in those details, I see God’s love. I often think of the scripture, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow.” Knowing that God has poured so much love and care into the smallest details of the littlest creations reminds me how much love He has poured into each of us. When we pour our hearts into the things we create, we get a tiny glimpse of how God feels about His creations — us included.
Q: What aspect of design are you most passionate about?
Swenson: I love design that entertains. Design should make the world better and what better way to do that than to spark laughter, hope and joy?
Q: What was your favorite project you worked on as a student?
Swenson: I had the chance to work with a mentor on a retail store redesign for the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was my first dive into themed entertainment design — something I’d always wanted to explore. I gained so much confidence as I presented weekly to high-up decision makers, and concepts I pitched were ultimately adopted by the company’s in-house design team. This was a project that helped me define who I want to be as a designer and the kind of work I want to do each day.
Q: What was your favorite class that you’ve taken at BYU?
Swenson: I’ve taken some amazing classes at BYU, but nothing tops the World Religions class. It was a beautiful opportunity to learn about many of the ways that God connects with His children around the world. The class also deepened my appreciation for my own faith tradition and helped me to recognize how it has shaped my worldview.
Q: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Swenson: A geologist, an astronomer, an egyptologist and an actress. I still want to be all of those things. I haven't finished growing up.