Meet Suwanee In-House Graphic Designer and Marketing Director: Kristen Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Thompson.

Kristen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
“When I was born, my mom took one look at my long fingers and thought I would play the piano. It never occurred to her that I would become an artist! As a young child, I always found solace in drawing, painting or crafting. When I was 15 years old, I chose to take my first Graphic Design class. Not because I was super interested in Design, but because I was interested in the older boys in that class! Terrible, I know! But guess what? My lovely teacher, Mr. Boyce, saw the potential I had, and put me on a computer! And I haven’t gotten up from a desk since!”

“Currently living in Buford, Georgia, I am the In-House Graphic Designer and Marketing Director for Temporary Apartment Management, the number one staffing source for apartments in the Greater Atlanta area. Upon entering my senior year at UWG in 2008 and standing as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) President over my graduating class at UWG, I received two internships for design; one at the Department of Marketing & Publications and one at the Department of Art; both at located at the University of West Georgia. Each internship and the Art classes provided at UWG gave me the training needed to fulfill my last internship opportunity at Charleston Magazine, located in Charleston, South Carolina. After graduating from UWG in 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree with a specification in Graphic Design, I received my first job as a studio assistant for MTC Development in Atlanta, Georgia. One year later, moving forward with my personal career goals, I became a custom designer for Apartment Finder Magazine in Norcross, Georgia; all of which have prepared me for my current job.”

“During my residence at UWG, I was bestowed the honors of the Hope Scholarship from 2005-2009; Dean’s List from 2005-2009; Art History Award in 2008; membership of the National Collegiate of Scholars in 2006; and also serving as the student representative from UWG for the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), Atlanta, GA Student Chapter. After graduating from UWG, I have had the honor of having my personal graphic design work published in “Type Rules! The Designer’s Guide to Professional Typography; By Ilene Strizver.” I served on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors for UWG in 2012-2013; and also serve with the Gwinnett County, Georgia, UWG Alumni Association, starting in 2014. In 2014, I received the nomination of induction from the National Association of Professional Women in Garden City, New York. In 2015, I was honored to accept UWG’s 30 Under 30 Award. 30 Under 30 is an annual recognition program sponsored by the UWG Alumni Association. The program recognizes 30 alumni that are under the age of 30 that have made a significant impact in their career industry while exhibiting dedication to UWG and representing the university well.”

“Most recently, I have had the awesome opportunity to be a guest presenter during an artist talk at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Georgia, and at my own alma mater, the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. I loved being able to share my own college experiences and advice on the ‘real world’ with the current students at both universities.”

“I am inspired by different magazine layouts, photographic images, and helping others find their own love of design. I love being able to have a career that I am proud of and enjoy being a part of, and not just a job. In the future, I hope to continue to have the happiness of a steady career, appreciative employers, and a maybe even my own business!”

“Aside from my professional life, I enjoy spending time with family & friends, camping, kayaking and going to church.”

Has it been a smooth road?
“While in college, I faced the challenge of taking constructive criticism! As a designer who also suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and a mean case of “perfectionism”, taking criticism from others made it very hard during my first classes taken at UWG. I quickly learned to not take things personally, and although it may be hard, ‘the client is always right! (and they’re paying!)”

What are your plans for the future?
When I think about the future, all I see is being happy. I am hoping to still be at a job where I am appreciated and cared for, not only as an employee but as a person.

Let’s go backward a bit – can you tell us about the most trying time in your career?
When I was a senior in college, I accepted an internship at Charleston Magazine in Charleston, South Carolina. It was such an honor to be accepted into the elite program, I hopped on board within 2 hours of receiving the notification of acceptance! I was so excited to move and start a new chapter of my life and career! Shortly after I moved to Charleston, I became very aware that I was alone. I did not know anyone or have anyone I could rely on for help if needed. My family and all my friends were 4.5 hours or more away. I found myself working 40 hours for free at my internship, and 12-15 hours part-time at a local retail store to make ends meet. It was the first time that I realized, real life isn’t all that it is cracked up to be! While in Charleston, I applied for many many graphic design jobs with no response. It seemed to me, that if you weren’t a waitress or in the tourism field, it was going to be very hard to find a job! I was terrified to graduate college, and not have anything lined up! After 5 months living in Charleston, I applied for jobs in Atlanta. The first company I applied to in Atlanta offered me a job the day before I walked across the stage and received my diploma! I moved back to Atlanta two months later to start my career!

Are there days when you feel like you’ve done everything you wanted to, careerwise – the “I’ve made it” kind of moments?
As far as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a graphic designer for a magazine. Even back in my early high school days, when most people were still wondering about their future, I knew! I remember when I accepted my second career job at Apartment Finder Magazine, thinking I was finally doing it! It didn’t matter much to me, that it was a smaller magazine and that it was only about apartments! I didn’t care! I was creating layouts and enjoying my job! One of my earliest memories of this exact thought, was when I actually saw my magazines out in the ‘real world!’ I could grab a magazine anywhere I was, Georgia, South Carolina, Washington, and spot out designs and creations that I had made! It is a cool feeling! Unlike any other!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kristenthompsondesigns.carbonmade.com
• Email: kristenthompsondesigns@gmail.com
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-thompson-8231881b

Image Credit:
Personal photo by: Ashton Thompson