Meet Christopher Graddick

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Graddick.

Christopher, let’s start with your story.  We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
CHRISTOPHER MARCS DESIGN was born in 2013, after a string of rejections.  Honestly, it was birthed out of necessity for employment and my need for creative autonomy.  I had no intention of ever becoming an entrepreneur—even–though one of my college classmates suggested I start a design business almost ten years before I responded to the recommendation seriously. I went to school to be a vocal music teacher in hopes of opening a fine arts school.  I liked the interaction with students daily; collaboration with other fine arts instructors; and the opportunity to impact future generations.  What the classroom lacked was space for my creativity to flourish.  While inspiring creativity in others, my own was being starved and deprived.  I needed room to exhaust my creativity, so I pursued arts leadership opportunities outside of the classroom.  While applying for positions–and eventually unemployed–my sister became engaged. Initially, I was just a sounding board but later became much more involved. I became her “Wedding Planner/Designer.”  Immediately, I was immersed into the event industry without a clue what to do; but I was a “professional student” so I researched, read, and learned as we planned.  Fortunately, as a creative leader, organizer, and strong communicator, I was not overwhelmed by the skills I felt were needed to be successful in the industry but I had so much to learn and I was open to the potential and possibilities this abrupt change in career paths could actualize.

I knew the successful execution of my first official event for almost 300 guests would be crucial. I was introducing myself while introducing myself.  The yearlong planning process was the best on-the-job training for me who was one course away from completing a second graduate degree with a Music Education concentration before donning a Wedding Planner hat.  Witnessing the results of this labor of love was the “marc,” motivation, and momentum I needed to make CHRISTOPHER MARCS DESIGN in the event and design community.  CMD’s journey has been a series of adventures with a very large audience.  I have provided design work for individuals, corporations, and organizations nationwide.  Familiarity within the local arts and faith-based communities and word of mouth helped me to establish my initial client base.  I have been fortunate to provide design work for ministries in the US Virgin Islands and South Africa also.  Partnering with Shondra Glover, former Oh-Brides Magazine Editor-in-Chief and Georgia Bridal Bash and Propose Wedding Shows was also instrumental in my introduction to behind the scenes, production, and publication segment of the event industry.  My diverse skill set allowed me to contribute as the magazine’s Graphic Designer, Production Assistant, and Designer for several wedding shows.

Despite CHRISTOPHER MARCS’ dedication to many things events, I am intentional about distributing my efforts in a vast creative garden.   I have very little time to teach these days, but I save space on my calendar for Hayiya Dance Theatre’s annual STAINED GLASS production, a collaborative worship and arts concert based on James Weldon Johnson’s “God Trombones.”  I have also provided music direction, technical and production assistance for local arts organizations but designing is a very present force in my daily schedule.

In 2016, I returned to the classroom briefly as a contractor for a local school district where I collaborated with a high school student committee to facilitate the management and execution of their annual prom. CHRISTOPHER MARCS DESIGN oversaw this themed event for four years attracting more than 500 attendees and their guests and was the most anticipated event among local high school students.

In February of this year—just before the “Grand Pause” known as COVID-19–I returned to Georgia to concentrate on the development and expansion of CHRISTOPHER MARCS DESIGN (after relocating to the Midwest in 2018 to serve as a church administrator of a midsize ministry to Georgia) to concentrate on the development and expansion of CHRISTOPHER MARCS DESIGN. I will be relaunching FootprinTs, my empowerment t-shirt line later this year and introducing OBSEQUIES a new last rites management and design capability in January 2021.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to where I am has not been smooth always, but it has been forward, necessary, and definitely worth it. I have lost a lot of tangible things on this journey, but I have gained a wealth of intangible encounters through experience and people in exchange for the material things that I would not trade for anything.  Therefore, I would not acknowledge the difficult moments as struggles but opportunities.  Opportunity for growth and challenges to increase capacity.  I have had a village of supporters throughout the development of me and CMD whose assistance – I believe – have helped to mask the “struggle.”

The greatest challenge for CHRISTOPHER MARCS occurred after relocating over 600 miles from my home base.  Balancing my event/design schedule–between two different zip codes and time zones—while maintaining a full and demanding work schedule and lots of sky and road miles was life changing. Event prep on a modified schedule was mammoth as I had to work strategically to ensure that everything was in place to execute the design/management plan upon landing often hours before event day.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
CHRISTOPHER MARCS DESIGN is an event production and design company with graphic and event design specialties. I began as a freelance graphic designer in 2003, before officially launching the event management/design segment in 2013.  I am set apart by the skillset that I can contribute to the creative process, which is a result of my training in the visual, performing, and communication arts. With the exception of food, I am a creative who participates in all things events and design.

As a visual artist and event designer, I am inspired by color and texture so I would say that bold, unique color palettes and texture distinguish my designs. I would say that my style is conservative but impactful. I really enjoy working behind the scenes to help others shine; however, as a designer, large audiences see my work often.  It is my hope that my work consistently sends a strong, intentional message.

I believe some of my most impactful designs are presented discreetly.  As an event and graphic designer, I’m commissioned by many families to honor their loved ones who have transitioned through floral tributes and/or graphic designs.  I am always encouraged and inspired by the impact these pieces have on individuals and large audiences given the time sensitive deadlines and extremely emotional process.

I am most proud of my attention to detail and sincere desire to satisfy my clients.  With an “everything speaks” philosophy, I am constantly working to ensure that every part of the business and process is developing toward something that is structured, substantial, and sustainable.

I have been an individual all of my life, so I have grown familiar with being set apart, “different.” My introduction to the arts began at the age of three and I joined my first piano class earlier than most admitted students. I began exploring visual arts around the age of five and excelled in drawing and painting, winning several state and national art competitions.  I was a student at Wesleyan College’s Center for the Arts/MidSummer Macon for almost ten years before graduating high school and returning as a counselor and instructor. For this cause, I bring a lot of creativity to the design business and process. My designs are influenced by a lifetime of arts exposure.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
No one attains any level of success by themselves. Selfish and dishonest would best describe me if–for a moment–I thought that any of this could be done alone.  Foremost, I am grateful to the Creator, who has endowed me with an undeniable wealth of talent. Though I don’t consider myself self-taught, most of my creative abilities are innate and have been strengthened and enhanced by formal studies.  I am Christopher—DeWayne–Marcs but there is a village of individuals who hold me up daily.

My parents, Marvin and Mary Graddick, responded to my first creative request and purchased my first piano at the age of three.  I did not even know how to play the instrument but I knew I needed a “big piano”–all 88 full size keys–and I would somehow transfer banging on the table to real music-making. They have been ultra-supportive on this creative, entrepreneurial journey.  To this day, they can also be seen contributing to the pre-production process. They have processed flowers; cleaned, and packed hardware; loaded the truck for load-in; participated in setup and strike; accepted deliveries; returned rentals; and helped deliver completed print jobs. When you are a small business and you begin from scratch—nothing–you accept the best help available; and make things happen while your processes are developed; your team is built; and your business takes shape.

Mrs. Annie Mae, my grandmother, introduced me to the symphony and live theatre.  She also transported me to my afternoon music and arts classes.  I never realized how music and events overlapped until I began orchestrating all the moving parts total event experience.

I entered the field of education because I believe that teachers make the difference.  My music professors at Morehouse College especially the late Dr. Calvin Grimes,  Dr. David Morrow, Dr. Uzee Brown, Jr., Dr. Robert Tanner and Dr. David Oliver were all very influential in my post-secondary music development though my primary and secondary teachers established the path for my young artist development.

Helen (Wilson) Adams introduced me to MidSummer Macon and Director, Mrs. Jeanette Shackelford, which opened me up to a world of the visual and performing arts training. Mrs. Marilyn Wade-Newberry is a phenomenal artist whose classroom was brought to life through world travel experiences and arts-integration.  She grew me as an artist.  She took me to my weekly art classes on her way home from work and never made it appear to be inconvenient.  Other influential teachers including the late Dr. Charles Sheftall, Ms. Judy Moore, Ms. Jeanne (Hoskyns) Eller, Mrs. Debra Helman, the late Reverend Nathidus Johnson, the late Wayne Kirkland, and my College Study Abroad Advisor, Mrs. Gwen Wade encouraged me to hone my abilities and not settle for talent alone.

Betty Clark, my high school Journalism teacher, introduced me to the fundamentals of layout and design in journalism which I carried through my tenure with Oh Brides Magazine and to this day with my design commissions for print.  Quandrell Claybrooks, my college classmate, who first acknowledged the potential of CHRISTOPHER MARCS DESIGN.

My team is my extension. Though I am independently driven, they complete me. They esteem the CHRISTOPHER MARCS philosophy “the difference is in the details,” and they are unafraid to pick up where I leave off. They are a team of uniquely creative individuals who bring a variety of expertise to the design process. It allows CMD, holistically, to be diverse, multi-faceted, and well rounded. I am grateful for my clients for their continued trust and for bestowing the honor of executing a design request–no matter how small–for a very special time in their life. I do not take for granted the opportunity to serve an individual for any reason. “The greatest among you must be a servant” (Matthew 23:11, NLT)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christophermarcsdesign.com
• Phone: 404-931-6590
• Email: info@christophermarcsdesign.com

 

Image Credit:
Headshot: Ria Rouse Photography (attached)

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