Hi! 👋
My name is Samantha Relles, and I am a UX Designer from New York City passionate about storytelling through the intersection of art and technology. I am a senior at Cornell University majoring in Information Science with a concentration in UX Design and a minor in Fine Arts, seeking a career in UX Design.
Read below to learn about my creative journey.
My Story
Ever since I was little, I've always had an appreciation for the small details that bring something to life, which formed the basis of my passion for design at a young age.
As this passion grew over time, beginning in ninth grade, I took three consecutive years of courses at the Parsons School of Design including Graphic Design, Painting, and a virtual Portfolio Development course. I took these courses over the span of 3 years, concluding my time at Parsons in eleventh grade.
It was also during ninth grade when I developed an interest in Computer Science, starting off by taking a low-commitment Robotics class, which ultimately propelled me to continue taking Computer Science throughout the rest of high school.
During the summer after my sophomore year of high school, I was accepted into an Oxbridge program at Cambridge University, where I would have the opportunity to take art and Computer Science courses in the UK. It was here where I first noticed I was passionate about pursuing two distinctive interests in technology and art.
Additionally, in the summer of 2020 before my senior year of high school, although limited by the pandemic, I was fortunate enough to partake in a three-week art course through Columbia University. For eight hours each day, we studied the evolution of art history and style, while also diving into skill-building activities such as discussing color theory, technique, and the power of detail.
Following these high school experiences--where my creativity was primarily unleashed through studio work such as painting, drawing, and mixed media--I was eager to find a way to merge my artistic and technological passions.
It wasn't until college where my academic path led me to the world of product and UX design.
Discovering and entering the world of UX design has been such an exciting process for me as I have finally found a way to apply my visual design and critical-thinking skills to the digital realm. I felt drawn to this sphere as I can apply the detail that I strive to achieve in my art to the technical world, using my artistic eye to guide my digital projects and problem-solving skills.
Through this process, I have learned the importance of trial and error and seeking feedback in a creative setting, as designing is a challenging and often overwhelming process. However, it has simultaneously been a liberating and rewarding experience finding an outlet that has given me a foundation for my future endeavors.
I am currently a junior at Cornell University, pursuing a major in Information Science with a concentration in UX Design and a minor in Fine Arts. I hope to continue to explore my artistic passions and find creative ways to combine my interests in art, technology, and design.
Events
Maven Art House
Art Show and Auction Experience
Summer 2022
Bridging together art, technology, and culture, Maven seeks to create unique experiences and empower emerging artists. They provide artists with a platform to promote and sell their work, and create a brand for themselves.
My piece Déjà Vu was accepted out of hundreds of submissions, allowing me to display and auction my art among other young artists at a gallery event in New York City.
SOLD -- $600
Awards
NYC Scholastic Art and Writing Award, Silver Key -- Bubble, 2021
Manhattan District 8 Art Contest, 1st and 2nd Place -- Eaten Alive, 2019
2019: I am third from the right, with my winning pieces displayed on the wall behind me (top-left)