Andrea Schmidt

 

Andrea Schmidt is the design director and deputy editor for Chimayo Press. In addition to writing for and editing the Compelling Conversations blog, she also designed both the cover and layout for the Teacher Edition of Compelling American Conversations. An alum of Otis College of Art and Design, Andrea completed a BFA in Communication Arts with a focus in Illustration. Her lifelong passion for writing and language also lead her to pursue a minor in Creative Writing.

 

A big believer in the power of open, honest communication, she was an original member of Team International Student Outreach (TISO) at Otis College. This initiative was created to help international students acclimate to their new surroundings while breaking down cultural barriers and promoting friendship without borders. To that end, TISO hosted many school-sponsored events, often with a cultural focus, to encourage a supportive campus community.

At her previous school, Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), Andrea worked as a writing tutor. There she connected with many ESL students and helped them improve their written English skills,  providing encouragement and support as needed. These experiences gave her new insight on the pleasures and perils of learning English, and ultimately became the basis for her interest in Chimayo Press.

Currently, Andrea is also pursuing freelance illustration and design work in addition to her duties at Chimayo Press. Her future plans include building up her portfolio and applying to teach English abroad in East Asia.

 

To see her online visual portfolio, click here.