Chelsea Kropp
BFA in Product Design, 2025
Capstone Project: Azimuth
about meI was born in Arizona in 2002 and moved to Bend, Oregon, in 2007. Growing up, I was always drawn to visual communication. While I participated in many extracurricular activities, creative practices were the only ones that truly stuck. Whether it’s creating art to convey emotion or designing products to communicate ideas to users, visual communication has always felt like a natural space for me.
Although I enjoy all art forms, my favorite is ceramics. I love how it combines beauty with function, and the permanence of the medium has always motivated me to put in that extra hour. After all, what’s an extra hour on a project that will last a lifetime? This drive to create is what excites me most about product design. I’m always motivated to turn ideas into something lasting and meaningful.
I'm currently a senior in the Product Design program at the University of Oregon, where I've had the chance to dive deep into the design process—from market research all the way to prototype and presentation. My coursework has given me hands-on experience with tools like Adobe Suite, Rhino, SolidWorks, sewing, laser cutting, and 3D printing, as well as solid research skills.
Beyond the classroom, I've applied these skills in internships, most recently at Sweet Pickles Designs in Portland, where I focus on softgoods production, including sewing, storefront design, and trend forecasting. In 2023, I interned at Visual Studio Singapore, where I working in marketing and visual asset creation in Photoshop and Illustrator for clients like Jewel-Changi Airport and Nintendo.
Outside of design, I enjoy working out, listening to great music (The Gorillaz are my favorite), and exploring new foods and experiences. I think the three words that best describe me are creative, adventurous, and curious. I’ve also held various roles, from being a Resident Assistant to working as a University of Oregon tour guide, along with freelance art projects. These experiences have helped me stay adaptable, creative, and focused on delivering great results in every project.
