Avon students dipped their toes into the wonderful world of graphic design earlier week during the latest presentation in the high school’s Lunch & Learn series.
Organized by Dr. Christine Green, Avon’s student engagement coordinator, in partnership with the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lunch & Learn series is intended to expose students to different career paths.
About 30 students assembled in the High School Library Wednesday, Nov. 17 to hear from Tracy Clarry, a local freelance graphic designer, who owns and operates her own business, Tracy Design.
Some of Clarry’s past clients include SUNY Geneseo, Promote Geneseo!, a tourism agency, and even the family business of Avon student Brian L. - Sweet Arts Bakery in Geneseo.
Clarry talked to students about how she first got into the industry, how she secures and communicates with clients and walked them through “a day in the life” of a graphic designer.
She then gave students her top 10 tips on what steps they could take now if they’re interested in pursuing a career in the industry.
Perhaps above all, Clarry sought to impress upon students that it’s OK to take a non-traditional path on the way toward their career, like she did.
“I was a communications major and was working in a PR department at an advertising agency and I was like ‘What’s this whole creative department? That's where I want to be, that’s way more fun,’” Clarry said. “So if you change your path like I did, you can always learn. It’s something where you don't have to feel like ‘Shoot, I didn't go to graphic design school - now I’ll never be able to be a graphic designer.’ If you have that want, you really just need to focus on ‘OK, I need to learn the programs and kind of learn as I go.’”
Lunch & Learn events occur about once per month, said Green, who’s working with the Chamber of Commerce to find presenters in the welding and electrical engineering industries, both of which are career fields that Avon students have expressed interest in.
Tracy Clarry of Clarry Design talks to Avon students about her job as a freelance graphic designer. Her presentation was part of the Avon High School's Lunch & Learn series.