LETTER OF MOTIVATION
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for the Master’s program at your
university. My academic and professional journey so far has led me to Jönköping University in
Sweden, where I am currently a third-year New Media Design student. Originally from Rijeka,
Croatia, I am excited about the opportunity to advance my expertise in UX/UI design and digital
media at your institution.
My foundation in graphic design was established through six years of hands-on experience,
including a high school diploma in this field. During this time, I became proficient in Adobe
Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, which I used extensively to create diverse visual assets,
such as posters, book covers, magazines, and branding materials. Additionally, I have developed
skills in Adobe Audition, Animate, and After Effects, with a particular focus on After Effects in
recent projects. Over the past two years and in the work field, I have extensively used Figma and
am eager to continue expanding my design proficiency, specifically in the UI/UX design.
Throughout high school, I completed annual 80-hour summer internships at prominent printing
companies in Rijeka, such as Tiskara Zambelli and Tiskara Susak, where I independently
designed business writing materials, cards, logos, and personalized items, handling project
details directly with clients by my final year of high school. This March, I had my internship at
Kreativni odjel, a dynamic agency, where I contributed to a Japanese culture celebration project,
designing posters for an exhibition. Under my supervisor's guidance, I collaborated with talented
professionals, successfully completing the project within the deadline—a valuable experience
that deepened my skills and insight.
In addition to my design background, I have developed a strong foundation in web development,
with skills in front-end languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, complemented by basic
back-end knowledge in Node.js, Express, Handlebars, and SQLite3. My experience includes
developing a full-stack portfolio website featuring user and admin login functionalities, which
allowed me to explore server-client relationships and database management. I have also dived
into JavaScript game development, creating interactive click-based and arcade-style games. For
instance, I developed a physics-based Lunar Lander game with realistic gravity mechanics and
collaborated on a collecting game where players gather items to advance through levels.
Additionally, my work in p5.js has included generative art projects and an advanced
emotion-awareness system, using Face API to detect user emotions and respond with
personalized messages aimed at fostering positivity. These projects reflect my passion for
combining coding and creativity to build engaging, interactive experiences.
Throughout my academic program, I have had opportunities to engage in business and marketing
studies, providing me with a broad understanding of media and communication strategies. For
example, I collaborated on a comprehensive business plan that involved understanding business
models, legal matters, supply chains, and cost analysis. Additionally, I led an SEO audit for a
company as part of a digital marketing strategy project, employing tools like SEMrush to analyze
digital presence and conduct keyword testing. Based on our findings, we developed targeted
strategies and designed a Google Search Ad campaign.
Beyond coursework, I have actively contributed to Jönköping University’s student association,
JSU Marketing Team, as a graphic designer. My work included creating visual materials for
university events and promotions, such as magazines, posters, social media content, and the
association's branding. This experience has not only refined my design skills but also
strengthened my ability to work effectively within teams, collaborate, and contribute
meaningfully to university life.
Professionally, I have also worked as a junior UX/UI designer for Exevio, an IT company based
in Croatia. My role involved designing wireframes, mapping user journeys, and creating UI
solutions for applications. My projects included a point-of-sale app, a work management app,
and a digital signage website re-design and UX strategy. This experience enhanced my
understanding of the UX process in a real-world setting and allowed me to collaborate closely
with project managers and developers. My dedication to growth was recognized by my team,
which they were very kind to elaborate in the recommendation letter, and I was offered ongoing
online opportunities based on my contributions and progress. I have personally felt more
confident in my skills and I learned a lot from my colleagues.
I am very confident in my decision to pursue a UX/UI designer career, and I am highly
motivated to continue building my expertise in this field. Studying at your university would
provide me with the advanced knowledge and professional development opportunities necessary
to make a meaningful impact in UX/UI design. It is necessary to mention that I have always
focused on the quality of my practical work and I do my best to create good and efficient work,
despite occasional challenges. I am confident in my ability to contribute to your academic
community and am eager to learn.
Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about bringing my skills and
commitment to you.
With respect,
Mia Studenac
