How did you first get interested in the graphic arts, or decide to focus on graphic communications in school?
I started in high school taking graphic design classes. I started getting invested in the higher level graphic art class where I started to fall in loved with the industry. At first I was concerned that there wasn’t enough money within the industry to make a career out of it. I figured nothing would come of this class and eventually I would become an electrocution or join some other trade. My instructor pushed me to go to Ferris and pursue Graphic Media Management where I truly flourished. Learning way more then I could have ever imaged! I have been enjoying it ever sense.
Did you take any courses in high school that were related to graphic communications, or that prepared you for your planned career?
Yes I had a few classes in high school that lead me to where I’m at today.
How do you think going through your education process prepared you for the workforce?
It helped me immensely. There are still days were I’m talking with my co-workers and they will bring up a topic like color or imposition that I learned in school and it makes me smile. It also gives me some bragging rights being like “yeah I know my stuff”. Without my education I would wouldn’t have made it into the printing industry.
What company are you working for now and what types of products and services do they provide to their customers?
I’m currently working at Pageworks which is a medium size printer in the grand rapids area. We do anything from wide format/digital and offset, to website development. I’m currently and Automation lead here where I create and design automated workflows using Enfocus Switch to fix up customer files making them print ready. I have been making massive strides in integrating our MIS system “Pace” with Switch to that allows us to go form customer submitted art to proof approval system all the way out to press sending JDF tickets. All the operator has to do is click print! I also have taken over our digital store fronts and have been working on developing custom sites for our clients.
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?
I started as an Automation Engineer were I was learning about our company and my softwares. Now I’m the Automation Lead taking on more responsibility with automation along with some back end development.
What do you think employers are looking for in today’s workforce and the current industry environment?
People that are driven and quality workers that companies can rely on. One thing that has been constantly brought up during my performance reviews is how great it is to work with me. I bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the office which help not only me but the people around me.
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?
I never through I would be learning as many different programing lauguage that I have but, its been enjoyable to learn. One thing thats hard for me doing incredibly mondane task what requires no critical thinking. I can’t stand it. I have thriving off of my wiliness to learn new things both in and out of the printing industry.
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?
I have enjoyed everything that this industry has offed me and I’m more than happy to give anything I have back to the teachers and organizations like PGSF that has gotten me to where I am today. Im excited to see where this road keeps taking me.
What do you see yourself doing a few years from now?
I can see myself continuing within the printing industry due to all of the changes in both machines and technology. It’s make for an exciting industry to work for.
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?
Again, it was monumentally for my education to received this scholarship I can’t express enough how grateful I am. It allowed me to make it through school without having to take out thousands in loans. Without it I might have not have pursue my education.
