UG COMD Lecture Series: Tory Novikova

Finding success–where there’s a will, there’s a way!

In times of an ongoing tech boom, the existential threat of being replaced by AI, and a highly competitive employment climate, it’s hard to imagine what success might look like, but even now, success is absolutely achievable for those striving toward it, whether they’re at the start of their journey or have reached a canon event. In fact, there are still many paths that can lead to an adventurous creative profession but it will always benefit the person to be curious, show tenacity, and have grit. Of course luck also helps when it comes unexpectedly!

In this talk Tory will reflect on her dynamic career, the challenges she faced and opportunities she pursued, and how her journey and choices may look different from those of her former students, fellow alumni, or even from your own. Being a former COMD student and faculty member herself, Tory has been both mentee and mentor, and has seen firsthand the attempts and triumphs of many Pratt students.

Tory Novikova has over 15 years of experience across illustration, creative direction, and designing for ed tech. She has built her own entrepreneurial brand, created concept art for mobile games, illustrated and art directed picture books, and led teams of artists, animators and designers on the development of beautiful and engaging educational content. As the Associate VP of Design at Amplify, Tory currently leads the design department for Amplify’s online platform, formerly known as Desmos Classroom, which delivers rich digital activities to millions of K-12 teachers and students every day.