Creating art has always been a passion for Elsa Ly, but it was discovering the power of mixed media—blending photography with graphic design—that solidified her career path. “Seeing the reaction of others to my work has definitely motivated me to pursue a career in graphic design,” she said. Whether working on personal projects or running her side business as a photographer and videographer, Elsa finds purpose in the connections her art inspires.
A graduate of Fountain Valley High School, Elsa chose Irvine Valley College (IVC) to sharpen her creative and academic skills while exploring career options in design. She quickly became a campus leader—serving for two years as a Student Ambassador, earning a place on the Dean’s List since 2023, and contributing to both the Honors Program Student Council and the Global Perspectives Club as Public Relations Chair. Two of her photographs were featured in the IVC Art Gallery.
This fall, Elsa will transfer to California State University, Long Beach to join their highly regarded Graphic Design program. Her ultimate goal is to become a UX/UI designer, combining creativity and technical knowledge to design websites and applications that are beautiful, accessible, and user-friendly. “With everything moving toward online platforms,” she explained, “it’s important that websites and apps are easy to navigate for everyone.”
Her advice for future students? “Take advantage of every resource on campus. From the counseling center to the transfer center to the writing center—there are so many people ready to support you. You just have to take the first step and ask.”