Jacob

Jacob is a California State University, Sacramento graduate who received a Bachelor’s in Arts degree in Design Studies. When he first started at Sacramento City College in 2016, he was uncertain of what path to take. Jacob decided it was a time of exploration and used it as an opportunity to discover what his interests are before he decided to pursue a specific career.

At Sacramento City College, Jacob found a couple of new passions. His love of music developed after he took a music theory class, and although he didn’t expect such a heavy focus on classical music, Jacob found it interesting. As a present for graduating from college this year and a birthday gift, Jacob’s parents got him an Ableton Push instrument which allows him to express his musical interests.

His time at community college gave Jacob the opportunity to expand his mind. He found his passion in making digital media accessible. Jacob had a long-term interest in graphic design, and he found it fascinating to examine brand logos and graphics even as a child. But being in college solidified this interest, and he started to hone in on the career path he wanted to take. At Sacramento City College, Jacob took a course at the on-campus Flagship Design Studio, where the professor guided students through real-world projects. The studio offers students guided client interaction, project management, design process, collaboration, presentation strategies, and deadlines that will contribute to their future success.

When Jacob transferred to California State University, he continued learning design. His academic career would lead him to be awarded the College of Arts & Letters Outstanding Student Award “in recognition of outstanding academic achievement in the Department of Design” in March 2025. Jacob, during his last semester at university, participated in a collaborative project with the Folsom Blvd Coalition where he got to assist in redesigning their website.

Outside of his college career, Jacob enjoys racing simulations. His interest started as a child when he watched his father play Nascar video games. Due to his disability, Jacob wanted an accessible way to play racing simulations. In 2014, Jacob’s father started SimAbility to provide an accessible way for people with disabilities to play racing simulations and this resolved Jacob’s problem and made it so he could play. After Jacob learned about digital design and while at Sacramento City College, he redesigned the SimAbility website, combining two of his passions into one.

Jacob has a promising career ahead of him and he is excited to design accessible experiences. He currently is enjoying a short break after graduating, but has started to revamp his resume and portfolio and will then begin the job hunt process. Jacob would like to work in a position for web or interface design, but he is open to any related career opportunities. Jacob’s portfolio is available at jacobsidman.com.