Art Success Stories

Current Position: Graphic/Packaging Designer with Concepts in Time

“I recently graduated from Caldwell University in May, 2023 and  am presently employed as a Graphic/Packaging Designer at Concepts in Time. The Graphic Design program at Caldwell University was instrumental in shaping my understanding of the field and equipped me with a comprehensive skill set to thrive in my current position as a Graphic/Packaging Designer. The program’s emphasis on design theory, as well as practical application laid a strong foundation for creating impactful designs. The hands-on experience with industry-standard software, and critiques from experienced faculty allowed me to refine my technical skills, and graduate with a diverse and polished portfolio which proved invaluable in securing opportunities. The program’s teaching not only provided a solid grounding but instilled a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation.

The internship that I completed during my time at Caldwell definitely helped me secure my current job at Concepts in Time. The experience I gained during my internship played a significant role during the interview process. Working in a field that I passionately adore has been rewarding, offering abundant opportunity for both professional and personal growth.”

Name of company/institution currently employed.
I’ve been freelancing full-time for Malka Media (a creative studio) for 2 years.

Current position title.
I divide my time between graphic design, UX/UI design, and some art direction.

How did your experience in Caldwell’s Graphic Design program contribute to your understanding of the field?  What skills, knowledge, or understanding learned at CU has been useful in getting through the ‘door’ or for advancing your career?

Caldwell’s Graphic Design program was a very practical, hands-on program that went beyond learning design principles and the essential tools required to work as a graphic designer. The program exposed me to real-life situations that I have encountered daily at work, for example having tight deadlines to work with, presenting and justifying concepts through process and regular critiques with professors and classmates.

Having learned all those skills during my time at Caldwell (in addition to design principles, typography, color, and all the things we love) definitely set me up for success from day 1 out of college, and continue to contribute to my growth and confidence as a designer.

What events lead to working in your current position? Internship? Word of mouth? Advertisement listed (where)? 

Word of mouth. During my last semester at Caldwell, I took an internship at RBNY (Red Bull New York) where I met, learned, and collaborated with a great group of talented people! Our Project Manager at the time took a job at Malka Media the following year and even though we’ve only worked together for a few months back at RBNY, she recommended me for the Graphic Design role that had opened up.

Because I had been recommended, the interview process was extremely brief and informal landing me the job within the week. A key learning was to always do my best at any job/internship/project—people will notice it!

What are the benefits in seeking a career in Graphic Design?

It is incredibly fun! Don’t get me wrong, just as with any other job there are busy, challenging, and stressful times BUT I always find new things that inspire me, new creative ways to solve problems, and new opportunities to continue learning and growing.

I can’t think of many career paths where you get to ideate, explore, and be as creative as you would as a designer. Plus it is very exciting when you see your work out in the world!

The name of the company where you are working working?
I will working at Cerami Worldwide Communications.

Current title and any past titles or positions you have had there?
Current Position as of October:  Graphic/Interactive Designer
Previous Experiences:   Social Media Content Manager (Freelance)
Graphic Design Intern (via Caldwell University)

A few of the interesting assignments or tasks you have been given?  New programs used and/or techniques?
Programs: Photoshop,  Bridge,  Illustrator,  InDesign,  Photography – DSLR,  Google Analytics
Social Media:Google posts, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn,Course Work for Prospective experience and interactions:Google Analytics (free certification), After Effects, Search Engine Optimization, and HTML & CSS
Work Type:

• Social Media imagery (posts, content, cover photos, photography, designs, profile images, branding)
• Trade Show materials (booths, flyers, posters, ads)
• Publication (book)
• Branded Content Series on Social Media
• Research and Reports
• Analytics and SEO
• Client interactions and meeting
• Photo retouching
• Logo design
• Company/Group Meeting for collaboration

What events lead to working for the company?  Internship? Word of mouth? Advertisement listed (where)?  Did this lead to employment in the company?
Thanks to Professor Kendal Baker (who was also my advisor at the time), he connected me with Cerami Worldwide Communications when I was seeking a reliable, Internship for credit.  Two months following the end of my internship with Cerami, I was asked to come back one day a week as a Freelance Social Media Content Manager (creating Graphics and Images for the company and client accounts, posts, research articles, etc.).  Approximately one year later I was offer a full time position as a Graphic/Interactive Designer for the company, with full benefits.

How did your experience in Caldwell’s foundation/art core/graphics programs contribute, if it did, to your employment?  What skills, knowledge or understanding learned at CU has been useful in getting through the ‘door’ or for advancing your career?
The wide array of skills that were developed under Caldwell’s Graphic Program has been a prominent and key component in obtaining a job.  The exposure to Photography levels 1 and 2, Web Design 1, and even the video art class from one of my core requirements have expanded my knowledge beyond the scope of Graphic Design, making my varied knowledge desirable to employers.

What do you know now that you wish you knew as a younger student about the Graphics program at CU?
While Caldwell’s Art Department provided me with a very solid foundation and a wide scope of knowledge, I do wish that I had more exposure to Social Media and its relation to Graphic Design.  Many of the groups that I have freelanced and volunteered with have primarily looked at my age as a “millennial” and immediately redirecting their interest in my skill set to Content Generation for Social Media Domains.  While I consider my knowledge of Social Media to be self-taught through experience, I was able to offer an edge of creating compelling content and images with the use of photography and Adobe Creative Suite.
In addition, I wish I had known that in effort to graduate with both a BFA and a minor, the student would ideally complete approximately 18 credits a semester, (had they chose to complete the degree in four years).  While I did graduate with a BFA in graphic Design, having known this information in advanced, I would have added a minor (in marketing) to my degree in the process.

Are there any tips you think would be helpful to students completing their coursework that would perhaps be useful or encouraging?
I was a student who came out of a small private school, which had a very small art department.  I arrived at Caldwell never having known anything about Photoshop, Illustrator and the rest of the Creative Suite.  My only knowledge and mentality was “I’m paying a school to teach me, they will just have to start from scratch”.  That is exactly what Caldwell did.  Everything I learned on the computer was thanks to Caldwell’s Art Department.  Never Get Discouraged!  My first graphic design class of my career I sat in from of the computer for 8 hours straight trying to understand Photoshop, because I couldn’t grasp the concept that there were three tool bars (haha).  I remember Professor Sandecki walking into the classroom saying, “You are still here?  You need to go take a break and get some food.”  It wasn’t until the end of the semester that the light bulb finally went off for me, that I understood the program.

University Art Therapy Program and faculty who I now call my colleagues and friends:

I can’t imagine life without the Art Therapy Program at Caldwell University. Through the instruction, guidance, and mentoring of the faculty,  I’ve made tremendous educational, professional and personal growth. I was hired in the mental health field prior to graduation, and I’ve consistently worked in a clinical role since that time. On a few occasions, I’ve even had to turn down work opportunities!  Due to the versatility of the program, I’ve been fortunate enough to choose a position/setting/population that best fits my lifestyle and interests. I’m forever thankful to the Caldwell.

Name of company/institution currently employed.

Harmony Bay Wellness

Current position title.

Clinical Supervisor 

How did your experience in Caldwell’s Art Therapy program contribute to your understanding of the field?  What skills, knowledge or understanding learned at CU has been useful in getting through the ‘door’ or for advancing your career?

Making my way through Caldwell University’s art therapy program helped me grow both professionally and personally through the guidance of my professors and internship supervisors. Caldwell instilled in me how important it is to be part of the art therapy community by volunteering, going to conferences, networking, and supporting your peers. Through being involved in these events I’ve made many lifelong friends and valuable professional connections along the way. 

What events lead to working in your current position? Internship? Word of mouth? Advertisement listed (where)? 

During the pandemic I found myself interested in learning about remote work. I completed a telehealth training recommended to me by a former Caldwell connection. I applied to a posting on LinkedIn for a remote clinical therapist position with Harmony Bay Wellness. As the company expanded I was able to grow into a leadership role. 

What are the benefits in seeking a career in Art Therapy?

As a graduate of Caldwell University we are eligible to be licensed as a professional counselor and an art therapist. This is very marketable to employers and allows us to stand out beyond other candidates. We can reach a range of clients, especially those who can have a difficult time engaging in a regular talk therapy session.  Oftentimes in ways that clinicians who are not trained in art therapy can. Art is so healing, so versatile, and can be utilized in a multitude of ways.