Donchelle Santiaguin-Rollins

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

I work closely with clients to collaborate, network, and build strong relationships, always putting their brands first through thoughtful strategy and creative direction. I manage a small but dynamic team of creative professionals, data-driven analytics members, and contracted vendors, tracking project success through regular check-ins, bi-weekly meetings, and the Monday.com project management system. I also lead creative projects for established clients by developing integrated campaigns, content, and ads across digital and mobile platforms, with honesty and clear communication as my foundation to ensure every project feels purposeful, credible, and creative. This work is now part of a newly rebranded, family-run business with my husband, transitioning from my original self-owned company, Donnie Design, to Santiaguin Design and Marketing. For now, we operate part-time while continuing our full-time jobs, using this phase to focus on growth, collaboration, and strategic thinking to better support our users, with the intention of scaling into a full-time business and expanding our team when the timing is right.

How did you get your job?

I got my job by starting my own company in 2020, which originally focused strictly on design. At that time, the work was centered on aesthetics and visual appeal, with little emphasis on communication or strategy. As I gained experience and worked more closely with clients, I realized how important it was to pair strong design with clear messaging and strategic thinking. Once I met my partner, who is a data scientist and enjoys working with numbers and analytics, we designed Santiaguin Design and Marketing to intentionally streamline design and analytics. Together, we built the business to reach a broader audience and ensure our work not only amazes users visually, but also gives them confidence through data-backed decisions and measurable impact.

What inspires you/your work?

I’m inspired by the people—the users. I design for them, not just for aesthetics, and there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing my work can positively impact their experience or bring a smile to their day.

How do you network yourself and your art?

I network by connecting with people, sharing the purpose behind my work, and showing how my designs solve problems for real users. I focus on relationships, feedback, and collaboration rather than just self-promotion—it’s about building trust and mutual inspiration.

How do you know when a design is successful?

For me, a design is successful when it solves a problem and truly connects with the people using it. I always ask myself, if I were the user, or if my husband or brother were the users, what questions would they have and what would they want? That perspective helps me design intentionally and make decisions that really matter. I also keep a poster above my desk that says “WHY?”—a daily reminder to stay purposeful and focus on creating experiences that are meaningful, clear, and sometimes even bring a little joy.

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree, and what was it in?

La Sierra University. | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

How did you hear about MCAD?

Google

Why did you choose to earn an MA at MCAD?

I chose to earn an MA at MCAD because the school genuinely values creativity as both a personal practice and a strategic discipline. MCAD stood out to me for its strong sense of community, meaningful networking opportunities, and emphasis on developing critical thinking that can be applied beyond the classroom. What resonated most was the way the program focuses on strategy and high-level performance, encouraging students to become thoughtful, self-aware practitioners who understand not just how to design, but why design works. I have always been drawn to design, color, and pushing my creative limits, and I wanted to be surrounded by other creatives who shared that passion while challenging me to grow. MCAD offered an environment where I could deepen my practice by connecting theory to real-world application, refine my strategic thinking, and continue evolving into the best version of myself within my career and the design industry.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

My biggest takeaway from the program was learning how to move beyond design as purely aesthetic work and approach it as a strategic, theory-informed practice. The program strengthened my ability to think critically, apply theory to real-world creative challenges, and understand how communication, data, and strategy work together to create meaningful impact. Being immersed in a community of creatives pushed me to challenge my own assumptions, refine my process, and become more intentional in how I collaborate, lead, and make decisions. It reinforced the importance of designing with purpose—ensuring that creative work not only looks compelling, but builds confidence, clarity, and trust for users. Overall, the program helped me grow into a more reflective, strategic designer who understands how to operate at a higher level within both creative teams and professional environments.

Where were you located when you completed the program?

Las Vegas, NV

What was the online education like?

The online education experience was highly structured, organized, and intentionally designed to minimize distractions while keeping students engaged. Each class was streamlined in a way that made expectations clear, timelines manageable, and learning outcomes measurable, which allowed me to stay focused and consistently perform at a high level. The coursework was thoughtful and often driven by research, data, and statistics, helping me understand not just creative outcomes but the reasoning and strategy behind them. Receiving A’s and B’s across my classes reflected how effectively the material was taught and how well I was able to apply what I learned. The instructors were supportive, accessible, and genuinely invested in student success, offering clear feedback, guidance, and encouragement throughout the program. Overall, the online format created an environment that was both rigorous and supportive, allowing me to learn deeply, stay engaged, and grow with confidence as a student and creative professional.

How has the MA impacted your career/your life?

The MA has had a meaningful impact on both my career and my everyday life. It strengthened how I manage my full-time job while growing my business, giving me the tools to think more strategically, work more intentionally, and make decisions with clarity rather than reaction. The program helped me move from simply applying design skills to applying theory within my practice, allowing my work to communicate with purpose and measurable impact. As a result, I’ve been able to elevate my role within the design industry and approach projects with greater confidence and structure. Most importantly, the MA has shifted my mindset—from learning and applying theory to feeling prepared to create theory of my own. I now feel confident in my ability to explore design as a form of communication, visual identity, and meaning-making, with the long-term goal of writing a book that examines how design communicates and the identity it creates. For me, the MA wasn’t just an academic experience—it became a framework for how I design, lead, and grow as a creative professional.

Personal Pronouns

she/her

What would you tell students considering pursuing an MA degree in Graphic and Web Design?

If you’re considering pursuing an MA in Graphic and Web Design, I would tell you to start by understanding your why. Knowing why you design, who you’re designing for, and what problem you’re trying to solve is foundational. That idea is so important to my own process that I literally have a poster above my desk that says “WHY?”—it’s a daily reminder to stay intentional and purposeful in my work. An MA program goes far beyond learning design tools or creating something visually appealing. It pushes you to think strategically, justify your design decisions, and connect creativity to real-world business and user needs. My design process is rooted in asking questions, understanding scope, aligning with goals, and then executing thoughtfully—those are skills that an MA really helps sharpen. You’ll also learn the value of collaboration and feedback. Working with peers and faculty challenges your perspective, strengthens your communication skills, and prepares you for professional environments where design intersects with marketing, operations, and project management. I would encourage students to use the program as a space to experiment, refine their voice, and build work that reflects both creativity and strategy. If you’re motivated, open to growth, and grounded in your “why,” pursuing an MA in Graphic and Web Design can be a meaningful step toward becoming a more intentional, confident, and impactful designer.