Alumni at Work
ABOVE: Stunningly designed advertorials by Molloy-Aksar grace the pages of ELLE magazine.
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She has fond recollections of being at Bradley that include the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Also memorable to her are meeting Oprah at her show in Chicago and taking field trips to local television affiliates through the on-campus organization Bradley Broadcasters headed by Dr. Paul Gullifor, Henry Means Pindell Endowed Chair of the Department of Communication. More pivotal to her future career was the exposure to a Mac computer and desktop publishing in Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts facilities: “This was critical and invaluable during my senior year.” Then, she learned to work on
one graphic design program, and now, she counts InDesign, Photoshop, Flash, and After Effects among her software proficiency. Not only have the tools of her trade changed, but advertising has transformed in a colossal fashion. “I have the opportunity to visually shape marketing programs across all media,” she noted. “It’s an exciting time to work in design as there are constantly new applications. The entirety of a marketing program might include a print execution, a behind-the-scenes video, imagery for social media, enhanced ads for the iPad, event collateral, and digital units for mobile and Web.” You might actually not know her work if you saw it. “It’s a fine line between advertorials and editorials,” she said. She has worked on programs for advertisers ranging from mass brands such as Downy and Olay to fashion heavyweights such as Dior and Bergdorf Goodman. Fashion is attractive to many young people today. “The Devil Wore Prada was a highly entertaining movie, but most people in the fashion industry are approachable, fun, and passionate about what they do,” she said. Prior to ELLE, she worked for Vogue and came face to face with fashion icon Anna Wintour on an elevator. “She is larger than life, sartorially stunning and polished to perfection.” For those interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry, she offers her road to the runway. “I did not allow money to be my sole driver but rather sought the best experiences available to guide my future,” she said. “You will always find like-minded collaborators who relish innovation and excellence as they constantly hone their craft.” Today, she applies her strong organizational skills that have served her well throughout her life as she juggles career demands with quality time spent with her husband, Oz, and their 14-month-old son, Ronan.