Alumni Stories
Jena Apgar
Interior Design
The Art Institute of Dallas, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design
[My education taught me how] to handle multiple projects with multiple people and tasks involved. At any given point, I can be pulled from one project to another. Jena Apgar Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, 2007 , The Art Institute of Dallas, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design
Works with Clients to Create Websites, Maintain Social Media Accounts
Jena Apgar is the owner of Brand Dot Blog, a holistic digital marketing agency. She describes herself as the “chief marketing warfare strategist,” responsible for managing partners, employees, and client programs. A typical day involves creating websites, writing sales letters, and working with clients. She also monitors clients’ social media accounts.
Prior to starting her own company, she worked at The Lauck Group, T. Howard Architects, and Richard Drummond Davis Architects. Jena believes that the key to succeeding in the creative marketplace is to have a solid plan. “Write down what must get done and work backward with actionable items.” She says that she literally experienced the term “blood, sweat, and tears” in her work when she accidentally cut her leg with an exacto knife, while pulling an all-nighter in school. “I bled all over my studio boards. Two hours [and a lot of silver paint] later, I turned in my project, looking perfect, with no excuses.”
Jena also served in the United States Air Force, earning the rank of Senior Airman. She says that during the recent recession, she refocused her career goals when she was faced with a layoff. “I started my own agency and now help others in the industry.” Her company was created after she tossed “all preconceived notions of what constitutes a business out the door.”
Jena keeps herself and her business competitive by remaining up-to-date with new technology. “I got my certification in digital marketing last year and am wrapping up my application to be an ActiveCampaign certified consultant. There is always another step you can take.”
Jena, who in 2007 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Dallas, says that her education taught her to handle multiple projects with multiple people. “At any given point, I can be pulled from one project to another. My design education makes my websites, posts, and programs some of the best out there.”
*As of December 2016, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design
The Art Institute of Dallas, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, is one of The Art Institutes, a system of private, non-profit schools throughout the United States. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. The Art Institute of Dallas, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, 8080 Park Lane, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75231. © 2019 The Arts Institutes International LLC. All rights reserved. Our email address is materialsreview@aii.edu.