“Career Longevity” is almost an oxymoron these days, with recent studies suggesting that the average college graduates will change careers three times throughout the course of their working lives. That’s one of the reasons the path Tina Mriz-Benavides (Fashion Illustration, ’79) has followed has been so remarkable. Now the Vice President, Creative – Greeting Cards at American Greetings, as well as being actively involved in several of the company’s philanthropic efforts, Benavides began her career with AG fresh from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh as an artist-in-training – a career path that (cue the envy from undergrads around the country) began on her day of graduation!

Says Benavides, “Both American Greetings and Hallmark presented opportunities for employment [at the portfolio review]. I started at American Greetings in October of 1979 as an artist in training, was recruited by the planning department as a line designer for cards in 1981, and was made Art Director in charge of free lance in the Conventional Design department in 1985.”

From there, Benavides rose steadily through the ranks of management at American Greetings, gaining experience with internal and international art departments, card planning, and marketing and production. In 2000 she was named Executive Director for everyday and seasonal cards, a precursor to the title she holds today.

While a workload of that size may have been enough for most employees, Benavides was always looking for more.

“In addition to my regular job,” she explains, “I started getting involved in PR work, doing television, newspaper and magazine interviews representing the company.” Benavides also began involving herself in the company’s corporate humanitarian efforts, including work with the United Way and the Harvest for Hunger Food Drive. In 2003, Benavides was named “Woman of Professional Excellence by the Cleveland YWCA,” a select award presented to woman who share both an exceptional work ethic and a dedication to their community.

“I have found it very challenging and rewarding to be part of the strategy that enables creativity to become good commercial product,” says Benavides. “Being able to nurture and motivate creative people is an art unto itself. My job is never boring.”

As someone who’s managed the transition from pencils to pixels firsthand over the years, Benavides is in a unique position to muse on the impact technology has had on her field.

“I think the most important thing to remember about technology,” she cautions, “especially [for] students, is that it is important to learn the basics well. I've seen many a portfolio over the years where, although the person was technically adept at the computer, it was painfully obvious that they had not mastered composition skills. You can't cover up a bad composition with good technique. It always shows.”

Considering her experience, devotion and what must occasionally seem like an ability to function without sleep, it’s not hard to imagine Tina Benavides leading the way at American Greetings for another 25 years.