Advertising Graduate, Samim Surel, Shines as Founder and Owner of Si 415

Samim Surel graduated from the Advertising program at The Art Institute of California- San Francisco with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, Surel was on the hunt to secure a space in order to start his own business. Initially, he focused on advertising, but he quickly determined that a broader spectrum of services was needed to keep his business thriving. Surel’s company, Si 415, provides client services in photography, art direction, graphic design, traditional and interactive advertising.

Surel enjoys being his own boss and setting and accomplishing goals. He attributes the skills that he has learned to the great instructors that mentored him at The Art Institute of California – San Francisco. Collaboration with the student body and experience with the Public Relations department also inspired and helped Surel strive to open his own agency. As his business grows, he knows that ambition, passion, hard work and confidence will allow him – and his business – to flourish.

Angelika Stellrecht, an Interior Designer at Edward J. Gee & Associates
From an early age, Angelika Stellrecht was dedicated to success.

Angelika, a graduate of The Art Institute of California – San Francisco with a degree in Interior Design, now works as an Interior Designer at Edward J. Gee & Associates, a small family-run firm consisting of ten employees. Most projects are overseas, based primarily in Vietnam, but the firm also has a substantial presence in residential and commercial design in the Bay Area.

Angelika secured her current position by persistence and follow-through. After seeing a posting for the position, she continued to make contact with the employer until she managed to obtain a meeting time. After she was interviewed, she was hired the very next day. Angelika has been working with company ever since, and loves what she does. As an Interior Designer, Angelika is responsible for material specification, CAD work, drawing perspectives as well as meeting with clients and deciding final design projects. The best part of her job, she says, is having the opportunity to deal with all aspects of the project and being hands-on with the design process.

Angelika says that persistence is the key, and that you should never give up. If you want something, you can’t expect anyone to hand it to you, you must get it yourself.