My name is Jacob Downard, I am 29 years old and I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. Throughout highschool I was very active in the arts, taking advanced sculpting and painting classes, but when I graduated I chose to join the United States Marines Corps and served 4 years. Later on I worked as an Ironworker and Blacksmith for two years where I helped create elaborate gates, railing, staircases, furniture and sculptures. Afterwards, I took a programming bootcamp and after 2 years of work experience, as a senior programmer, I decided to try out Product Design at IED.
I am a very practical and logical person so product design seemed the perfect fit. At IED I have had the opportunity to grow as a professional and as a designer. During my three years I have been selected for several special projects thanks to my consistently high output and disciplined work ethic. I hope that today I will be able to paint a picture of what you can expect from IED and what it takes to have success at the university.