Sarah Handelman
Sarah is a writer, blogger, and designer from Kansas City, Missouri. In 2009, Sarah graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Missouri School of Journalism, where she earned a Bachelors in Journalism, specialising in magazine writing and design. She is currently the art director of BodyTalk, a zine on health and sexuality. Her research interests include the convergence of performing art and design, the value of the handmade and food. Additionally, Sarah publishes Not French Cooking, a website and zine that explores relationships with food.
Why I chose this course? Studying Design Writing Criticism is an opportunity to not only learn about the design world, but also to determine how design writing can be used as a way into thinking about what we use everyday - from famous buildings to cutlery. The field is new enough to explore and experiment, and add to an ever-changing canon of design writing. Design writing is flexible, and I'm enjoying the opportunity to define my terms.
What I've learnt so far? Since starting the MA, I've learnt that asking questions leads to more questions. Maintaining a fresh curiosity is essential, and as future-thinking as design is, it is also crucial to be present-minded enough to examine what design is doing right now, today. You must not only immerse yourself in the design community, but also get to know other disciplines to understand how industries inform each other. So far the course has been exhilarating and challenging. The difficult and rewarding work is confirmation that this is where I want to be.
