Alumni Spotlight: Andrew M. Gombac ’16

“I had a very niche dream from a young age and threw myself at it,” says Andrew M. Gombac ’16. Gombac is studying transportation design at College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. His passion for the field has landed him in Guangzhou, China, where he is currently living and working as an exterior design intern. “I hope this serves a testament that dreams can become a reality.”
This month, we caught up with Andrew in China who, despite a hectic work schedule and 13-hour time difference, paused to reflect on his Loyola experience.  

Catch us up on what you've been up to since graduating from LA.
Since graduating in 2016, I have been pursuing my passion and dream of being a car designer at College for Creative Studies located in Detroit, Michigan—the Motor City. It is a highly specialized design school and offers various departments and majors that encompass the creative field. To be clear, I am not an engineer and I am not someone who wrenches on cars. To put it very simply, I am an automotive designer that draws cars, both interiors and exteriors. It is my job to create a stylish and functional solution for people to look at and look good in.  

Every vehicle on the road started its life as an idea translated on paper as a sketch. This is followed by a series of sketches that evolve into renderings and then into physical reality in the form of a clay model. This can take months, and even years. The process is incredibly rewarding and thrilling to be a part of.

I am currently writing from Guangzhou, China, where I am serving as an exterior design intern with the Chinese auto company GAC. This is an incredible opportunity because I’m given the chance to visualize and contextualize the future of the brand.

How was your experience at Loyola formative in your path?
Loyola Academy is more than just a school, it is a home. Born to a pair of Loyola Academy English teachers, Mr. Mike Gombac and Mrs. Fran Gombac, I grew up learning to ride my bike in the very halls I found myself walking as a student. And, with my initials being an abbreviation of the Jesuit motto, Ad majorem Dei Gloriam, I can say Loyola and the Jesuit teachings have always been integral to my identity.

I had a dream since I was a young boy to be a car designer and understood the path I wanted to follow. Loyola enabled me to take necessary steps of making a dream into a reality.

Were any teachers of particular influence or inspiration?
As a student I immersed myself in the art and design program with the guidance and support of Mrs. Jane Carney and Mr. James Cleland. I had an incredibly close relationship with these teachers and can say with utmost sincerity and respect that their investment in my future and passion made my time at Loyola Academy what it was.

I wanted to be well rounded and experienced with as many facets and techniques that orbit the world of art and design. Through the guidance and persistence of Mrs. Carney and Mr. Cleland, I was able to garner and refine my artistic abilities and gain a resilience and confidence.
 
What's next?
China has been a wonderful experience and has broadened my perspectives, as well as given me the opportunity to make new and valuable connections. I will be coming back to the States in April and am currently not at liberty to say what comes next! All I can say is that I will be continuing to grow and share my passion in the automotive industry this summer.

I often reflect on how unfortunate the lack of understanding for the creative fields is and urge those interested or passionate to pursue their dreams, regardless of what obstacles you face. It is my hope to inspire others and serve as an example to follow your passion. It can take you to places you never dreamt of.
 
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