Hometown
Holden, MA
What is your job at CampusLIVE?
My job at CampusLIVE is to design boss graphics for the site's challenges. I work with Amanda and Ash on Design Island where we collaborate ideas for each challenge and work like beasts to make our site look BEAUTIFUL.
What brought you to CampusLIVE?
My ambition to not be a college graduate with nothing to do. (well and Ash recruited me AND I saw Jack's Facebook post "Designer's Needed") I saw that CampusLIVE was looking for Graphic Designers. I knew instantly that this was the job for me. I did freelance work for about a week and then got an email that I was invited to come into the office to meet the team. The same day I received an email that I would be coming back the following day to meet the CEO for an interview. I got a job offer that day and almost threw up I was so nervous. There is so much creative freedom being a Graphic Designer at CampusLIVE that there's no way in hell I could turn down this opportunity. BEST DAY EVER.
Do you have any favorite stories from your work life?
On my second day here at CampusLIVE, I got into work and sat down. Being the new girl and all, I was acting really shy and being super quiet. Next thing I knew the UPS man arrived with a HUGE box. Riley opened up the box and inside was a bunch of "Forever Lazy's" (pajama onesies with butt flaps) She handed me a bright pink one and everyone started putting them on. Second day at work and I'm wearing a hot pink onesie? Pretty normal.
What does the typical day look like for you?
I come in to work each morning after going to equal exchange with my fellow roommates Jared and Mark Stenquist (The Stenqui bros). I set my coffee on the table and turn on my computer. I say good morning to everyone and check my mail. Then I usually GChat Jay and ask him what is on the docket for today in gibberish. He thinks I type with my elbows. I get a challenge and I just go into beast mode for the rest of the day. I often ask Ash or Amanda for some design inspiration as well as some helpful hints since we all have different ways of designing in Photoshop. There may be a brainstorm, a meeting, OR a couple of coffee breaks in there somewhere as well. Everyday at 2pm we do a 2-minute plank so we all have six packs. It's a requirement at CampusLIVE to have rock hard abs. There are many days where I cannot stop laughing due to the abundance of humor present in this office EVERY DAY!!
Why do you come to work in the morning?
Why wouldn't you come to work in the morning is the real question.
What lessons has your work life taught you?
My work life has taught me to never have self-doubt. You want to do something, do it, and take action. Don't say you can't. Before I came to CampusLIVE I thought maybe I wanted to change careers and teach art. I thought I wasn't good enough to be a designer straight out of school and get a career that I would enjoy. I was so frustrated and never thought that I would be sitting here today an even better graphic designer than I ever thought possible. And it's only getting better. Self- doubt only pulls you back in life so don't hesitate to think that you CAN because the only thing that will get you there is your own determination and positive attitude.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursuing a similar line of work?
I would say be prepared to meet some of the best people you will ever meet in your life. I would also tell them to be excited to learn so much more than you already do about designing. You'll be amazed at the pace in which you'll advance. However, these results only come if you're willing to work your hardest. If you are willing to learn you will only get better. Be prepared to grow with this company. From the time I started and now (which is not that long) I have seen a HUGE growth all around in this company. It truly has opened my mind to the amazing opportunities that are within a startup. This business is the biz-NASS.
What is the best part of working at CampusLIVE?
The best part of working at CampusLIVE is the happiness I have while working here and the people I work with. I know I'll always have these people in my life no matter where my career takes me and I'll look back on my career and think "Wow, those were some of the best days of my life."
What's the coolest thing you've accomplished thus far working at CampusLIVE?
The coolest thing that I have accomplished thus far at CampusLIVE (besides killer design improvement) is being part of a team of some of the most driven and intelligent people. I've accomplished becoming a part of a team where I feel comfortable and at ease in my work. I can ask anyone for help without feeling embarrassed or scared. I look back at myself right after graduation and I see a girl who wouldn't ever think she could be on her own this quickly. I didn't have 100% confidence behind my design and I didn't think I would be on my own for at least another year. CampusLIVE took me in and it only took about 3 days to feel like I had been working here forever. My happiness went from just okay to absolutely off the charts. This all happens SO fast, and is SO cool to think about.