Major: Advertising and Public Relations, Broadcasting
Current Position: Motion Designer at Barkley
Current Location: Kansas City, MO
What is your hometown?
Minden, NE
What is your current role?
I currently work at Barkley as a Motion Designer. I work on Haribo, Planet Fitness, Winnabego, Dairy Queen, Taco Johns, Vanity Fair and many others. The opportunities have been endless at Barkley.
Name someone at Nebraska who helped you be successful and how:
One person who really helped me be successful at Nebraska was former Interim Dean, Amy Struthers. She helped me craft my skills at Jacht and really pushed me to do my best. Not only was she one of the best academic advisors that I've had, she is a great friend as well.
What was your first job postgrad and how do you think it helped you grow in your career?
My first job out of CoJMC was at Nelnet in their internal marketing department. There I was a video and motion graphics designer. Being there helped me grow my craft and skills. I was definitely thrown into the fire in the best possible way!
What is one CoJMC class that impacted your current career?
Jacht. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to start my portfolio or get as much 'agency' experience before really working at an agency. Without Jacht, my career wouldn't have been propelled to where it is now.
Are you currently working on any special projects?
I actually just finished working on one of the most fun projects i've had in quite a while. Barkley took on a pro bono client, gamers.vote, and created an animated video campaign for them to really push the gamer population to register and vote. Definitely one of the most fun videos i've had the opportunity to work on! Plus, it turned out great—you can watch it here.
Hobbies or life changing experiences?
I'm a traveler. And if there's one thing I can tell other creatives, it's to get out there and explore the world. Seeing the world from a different perspective has always helped me be more creative and to relax and rejuvenate my mind. I've been to Ireland, Greece, England, the Dominican Republic and others. My creative outlet on these trips is photography, I absolutely love taking photos of my travels—it's just a creative thing I love to do. Flex those creative muscles by getting out there and exploring, I promise you won't regret it.
What would you say is the most important skill or quality to have "out in the real world"?
The most important quality to have out in the real world...is to be flexible. Sometimes you're going to experience things you never thought you would, or you're going to be ask to do things you may not know how to do. It's uncomfortable. It's scary. But each experience will help you grow and your employers will see your ability to adapt and to learn and to be an asset. This advice will help you in the work force...but also in life!
What advice do you have for current students, prospective students?
My advice to current and prospective students - Start early and often on getting a jumpstart on your career. Network. Work on not fun projects. Work on fun projects. Save any and all work you might create throughout the years. Make friends. Travel. And most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help. Life is scary and building a career is hard, but you can always count on your network of Huskers to help you along. All of these things and more will help you be successful.
