How did you first get interested in the graphic arts, or decide to focus on graphic communications in school?
My older sister took Graphic Communications classes in high school and I followed in her footsteps.
Did you take any courses in high school that were related to graphic communications, or that prepared you for your planned career?
I took 4 years of Graphic Communications classes at Sandy Creek High School with Mr. Dykes. As a senior, I was accepted into the Work-Based Learning program and I interned as a Graphic Designer with Country Fried Creative. Additionally, I participated in SkillsUSA competitions throughout all 4 years of high school. I was a chapter officer for 3 years and I was the SCHS SkillsUSA Chapter President during my senior year. That year, I also placed 2nd at the state level SkillsUSA competition for T-Shirt Design.
How do you think going through your education process prepared you for the workforce?
The SCHS Graphic Communications pathway classes and SkillsUSA competitions allowed me to develop my skills in design, which led to my WBL internship with Country Fried Creative. My internship offered another avenue for my graphic design skills to bloom and that opportunity opened the door for me to apply to the KSU School of Art and Design as a Graphic Communications major. My design work in high school and through my internship allowed me to get accepted to the KSU School of Art and Design. By expanding my skills in my college-level design classes, I was offered a full-time position with Country Fried Creative. Everything I did in high school and college helped prepare me for my career and I’m extremely grateful to everyone who was a part of my journey.
What company are you working for now and what types of products and services do they provide to their customers?
I work for Country Fried Creative, a digital marketing agency based out of Peachtree City, GA. We provide many handcrafted digital marketing services to our clients, including website design & support, brand design, social media strategies & management, graphic design, digital advertising, and analytics tracking.
What job did you first have with the company when you started, what position do you have now, and/or what else have you done since joining the company?
When I started working with Country Fried Creative in 2021, I was a graphic design intern as a senior in high school. When I graduated high school, they offered to keep me on as a part-time graphic designer through college. After graduating from KSU, they offered me a full-time position as their graphic designer. Throughout my time with Country Fried Creative, I have been given the opportunity to learn skills in website design, analytics, project & client management, as well as attend local community outreach events.
What do you think employers are looking for in today’s workforce and the current industry environment?
I think employers are looking for adaptability and a willingness to learn in today’s workforce. There are many changes occurring in our industry and we all have to learn how to adapt and grow through these challenges.
Is there anything that you have found to be particularly different from what you initially expected, now that you’ve progressed through your work career for a period of time?
Not particularly. My internship with Country Fried Creative was my first work experience, so I didn’t have many preconceived notions about work environments. In high school, my Career and Technical Education classes taught us to be on time by requiring us to sign into class everyday, as we would clock in for a job. I also became OHSA certified in high school, which taught me a lot about typical work environments.
Have you changed your plans or ideas about what area or type of job you might like to have since you first considered the graphic communications field and began studying for a career in it? What led to those changes?
Not really, I was determined to become a graphic designer once I discover my passion and talent for designing in high school. Early on, I thought I would want to go and work for a big company, but I’m really happy working for a small business right now.
What do you see yourself doing a few years from now?
I hope to continue working for Country Fried Creative as long as they’ll have me, but I’m open to other opportunities that may come my way!
Was being a recipient of a PGSF (now The Foundation for Graphic Communication
Education) scholarship important for your journey, or did it have an impact on your future or ability to succeed in the industry?
Being a PGSF scholarship recipient was critical to the pathway that my career has taken. Without their support, I would not have been able to attend college and continue my education in the graphic communications field. My PGSF scholarship opened so many doors for me through college and I truly cannot thank them enough.
