How did you first get interested in the graphic arts, or decide to focus on graphic communications in school?
My interest in graphic communications began in middle school when I joined the yearbook staff. As I became more involved each year, I discovered that I enjoyed much more than just designing pages; I loved seeing how ideas came to life through print. Working with Jostens gave me a firsthand look at the printing and production process, which sparked my interest in the graphic arts industry.
By the time I became the yearbook editor in high school, I knew this was the field I wanted to pursue. I enjoyed the combination of creativity, technology, problem-solving, and production, and I realized I wanted a career where I could blend design with print and marketing. That experience led me to major in Graphic Communications at Clemson University, where I have continued to build my skills in print production, branding, marketing, web design, and visual communication.
Did you take any courses in high school that were related to graphic communications, or that prepared you for your planned career?
One of the most influential experiences that prepared me for graphic communications was serving on my high school yearbook staff. I was involved in the yearbook from seventh grade through my senior year, eventually becoming the editor. That experience is what made me realize I wanted to pursue graphic communications as a career.
Throughout those years, I worked closely with our printing company, Jostens, to create the yearbook from start to finish. I designed page layouts, created the cover artwork, photographed school events, edited captions, managed content, and ensured the overall design was cohesive. I also gained valuable experience working with deadlines, collaborating with a team, and understanding the printing and production process. Being able to combine creativity, organization, and print production showed me that graphic communications was the right career path for me.
How do you think going through your education process prepared you for the workforce?
My education has prepared me for the workforce by giving me both technical skills and hands-on experience. Through Clemson University’s Graphic Communications program, I learned about print production, branding, marketing, web design, and project management while completing real-world projects that taught me to solve problems, collaborate, and meet deadlines.
My internships allowed me to apply those skills in a professional setting by working on marketing, social media, website updates, and client projects. Together, my coursework and internships have given me the confidence and experience to begin my career in the graphic communications industry.
What company are you working for now and what types of products and services do they provide to their customers?
I currently work for Advertising Authorities as the Marketing and Social Media Manager. The company provides custom apparel, promotional products, screen printing, embroidery, and direct-to-film (DTF) printing for businesses, schools, sports teams, and organizations. I also manage marketing for Under the Carolina Moon, the company’s boutique, which offers clothing, gifts, and accessories from a variety of brands.
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 first joined the company as a part-time content creator, where I learned about the boutique, its products, and the brands it carries while creating social media content. The following semester, I became a marketing intern, working on marketing projects and social media content.
After about a month, I was promoted to Social Media Manager. In that role, I plan, film, edit, schedule, and publish content across multiple social media platforms. I also manage our marketing intern and help oversee our social media strategy.
As I continued to grow with the company, I expressed my passion for photography, which led to additional opportunities. I became one of the company’s second photographers and had the opportunity to travel on a business trip, where I completed a two-day professional photoshoot with models. This experience allowed me to strengthen my photography skills while working in a professional production environment.
As I transition into my full-time position after graduation, I’ll take on additional responsibilities by coordinating communication and marketing efforts between Advertising Authorities and Under the Carolina Moon, helping ensure both companies have a consistent marketing strategy and brand presence.
What do you think employers are looking for in today’s workforce and the current industry environment?
I think employers today are looking for people who are adaptable, eager to learn, and able to communicate effectively. In the graphic communications industry, technology and trends are constantly changing, so it’s important to be open to learning new software, tools, and strategies. Employers also value strong teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines. Having hands-on experience through internships and being willing to take on new opportunities can make a candidate stand out.
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?
One thing that has been different from what I expected is how much my role has evolved. I originally thought I would mainly be creating social media content, but I’ve had the opportunity to take on much more responsibility. I’ve become involved in marketing strategy, managing an intern, coordinating projects between two companies, and even professional photography. I’ve learned that being successful in this industry requires flexibility and a willingness to step outside your job description. Taking on new challenges has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
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?
Yes, when I first entered the Graphic Communications program, I thought I wanted to pursue a career in the print industry because I had always enjoyed the production side of graphic communications. As I progressed through my classes, I became interested in sales because I liked building relationships and helping clients find solutions.
After starting my internship, my interests shifted again toward marketing and social media. I discovered that I enjoy creating content, developing marketing strategies, and managing a brand’s online presence. I also took an advanced web design course, which sparked an interest in web design and user experience. While I currently enjoy working in marketing, I could also see myself pursuing web design in the future. My experiences have shown me how broad the graphic communications industry is and have helped me discover new career paths I hadn’t considered before. All the experiences led me to change my views, but I enjoy many different parts of Graphic Communications.
What do you see yourself doing a few years from now?
A few years from now, I see myself in a leadership role within a marketing or social media team, helping develop strategy while mentoring others. I would also love to work in branding, web design, or email marketing, creating digital content that helps businesses grow and connect with their audiences. I enjoy combining creativity with strategy, so I hope to continue building my skills while taking on more responsibility and leadership throughout my career.
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?
Receiving a PGSF scholarship was an important part of my journey because it helped reduce the financial burden of college and allowed me to focus more on my education and professional growth. It also gave me confidence knowing that industry professionals believed in my potential. The scholarship motivated me to continue working hard, pursue internships, and take advantage of opportunities that have prepared me for a successful career in the graphic communications industry.
