Graphics - Mac Production Specialist

Your Name (optional):

Stephen Groff

Male/female:

Male

City:

Mississauga

State/Province:

Ontario

Country:

Canada

Industry:

Graphics

Company (Optional):

Ryan Partnership Canada

Job:

Mac Production Specialist

Community Service Organization:

Education:

College Diploma, 3 year program better than 2 year in most cases. Majoring in Computer Graphics/Graphic Design

Training/experience required (years, other jobs):

3 year College program, evening courses for additional computer courses to further you computer skills. Seminars when available. Read as much as possible in industry related magazines. 5 years or more experience for this kind of senior position.

Explain what you do:  

I produce final files for printing in-store displays, sales materials multimedia CD's, ads etc. Sometimes I take a project from scratch (beginning design to completion) and sometimes from concepts developed by the Art Director or Creative Director.

Why should kids choose your career path?

It is a rewarding and challenging environment for some who gets bored with doing the same thing. There is always a difference each time you do a project. It is also very rewarding to see some of your own work in stores. It allows you to be a designer/production/computer lover in one.

What would you recommend career wise and how should kids approach/develop their preparation for a working life?  

When choosing a career, I found that my graphics was the most prominent in my life. I dabbled in banking, restaurant working and managing, retail sales and a variety of other jobs, but my art (graphics) was always there through the years and it was something I enjoyed. I would never recommend a career just for the money. Think about it before making a decision. You will be in the career you choose for awhile. Money is great but it isn't always everything.

Lessons learned: If you started all over again what would you do differently?  

In some respects I really wouldn't change anything. The way I grew up made me who I am today, but I was lucky life was good to me with some perseverance. I would probably say, plan my finances better if I had the chance again. Computers and software are expensive items and sometimes the sacrifices could have been different, for the better if better planned.

A favorite anecdote, phrase, or expression relating to business that inspires you:  

 "Take life by the horns and hang on tight. Life can get pretty shaky sometimes, but if you stay the course you will reap the benefits in the end." Don't rob yourself of a life in whatever career you choose, family and friends are important to, even if you don't think they are sometimes.

Other suggestions or relevant information you would communicate to kids regarding careers in general:  

 No matter what career you choose, the best advice I can give you is keep in tune with your field. Whether participating in groups, events, reading periodicals: be involved it can only help you, knowledge is never a waste.