profile / alumni / advertising
January 10, 2018
Writer: Jamie Wetherbe
It’s An Ad, Ad, Ad, Ad World: Meet Art Director Debbie Pan
ArtCenter: What are you working on right now?
Debbie Pan (BFA 16 Advertising), Junior Art Director, Droga5: Personally, I’ve been getting back into 35MM film, shooting more photos of people and places around New York. I’ve also been working on a digital magazine with some friends, so I’m experimenting with that today. At work, we just wrapped up an interesting collaboration with Baywatch and Sprint.
Be open to everything you encounter, whether it's people or experiences.
Be open to everything you encounter, whether it's people or experiences.
![]()
AC: How do you define success?
DP: Ask me again in 10 years.
AC: What’s the one tool you can’t do without?
DP: Bookmarks. I’m an Internet hoarder so I’m always saving things to share with friends and coworkers.
AC: How would your closest friend describe you?
DP: A lot of my friends call me “digital Deb” because I’m obsessed with all things tech.
AC: What’s the first site you look at when you open your computer in the morning?
DP: I get OCD about clearing my Gmail, so I have to do it first thing in the morning.
AC: Where do you go (online or offline) when you’re taking a break?
Reddit to browse what’s going on in the social and meme world and Dogspotting, a Facebook group for spotting dogs in the wild.
AC: If you could trade jobs with anyone for a day who would it be?
DP: This dog Arnold who sits next to me at work.
AC: What book is on your bedside table?
DP: I have this Manga anime book One Punch Man about a superhero who can defeat any enemy with one punch, and Toilet Paper magazine, which is full of experimental photography.
AC: Who are the most interesting designers working today?
DP: My friends; they inspire me all the time.
AC: Where is your happy place?
DP: When I find a really good meme worth sharing and being around friends who make me laugh.
AC: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
DP: Never feeling tired.
Alumni Q&A
Submit the Alumni Q&A questionnaire to share your story. We want to hear about your accomplishments, what you're working on and your advice for future ArtCenter students.
AC: What’s your most irrational or rational fear?
DP: Disappointing people and not being good enough for myself.
AC: What do you do to detox from media and screens?
DP: I’m an avid shopper and fashion enthusiast, so I like to visit my favorite stores to get inspired.
AC: What’s your most prized possession?
DP: My closet of clothes: I like collecting interesting pieces; they’re like a second skin and my form of self-expression.
AC: What’s your best piece of advice for an ArtCenter student who’s interested in becoming a designer?
DP: Be proactive. I’ve always tried to do things without being told. And go above and beyond. Be open to everything you encounter, whether it’s people or experiences. At ArtCenter, I really made use of the huge network by making friends in all the different departments. As a creative person, it’s really important to draw inspiration from others.
