[My] instructors' drive and passion in design was inspiring. I know I could still go to them today for advice if I needed it. Jenna Mack , Senior Graphic Designer for Triad Retail Media Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic & Web Design, 2013 , The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design

Senior Graphic Designer for Triad Retail Media

Jenna Mack is a senior graphic designer for Triad Retail Media, a marketing and content services company in St. Petersburg, Florida. She works with the sales, content, and marketing teams to concept strategies for leading brands, and aims to drive sales and enhance consumer experiences through digital retail platforms. Jenna says that her typical workday begins with coffee and emails. She looks at what’s on her plate for the day and creates a project task list. She then attends kickoff meetings for new projects—brainstorming and sketching ideas. “We get anywhere from a couple of hours to a week to turn a project around, and that determines how much of the creative process we get to follow.”

She admits that her career is demanding and recommends that when pressure sets in, it’s important to remember the end goal. “Remind yourself of how far you've come and know that soon enough you're going to look back on this moment and realize how much further you've gotten. You will surprise yourself in what you accomplish and it makes the struggles worth it.” She adds that simply meeting job requirements is not enough, and takes pride in surrounding herself with information that helps her to grow professionally. This has allowed her to feel more confident in business meetings. “If you know what you're talking about it shows, and people start depending on you and looking at you as a go-to person for certain things. That's a great feeling.”

Jenna cites a time when she felt stuck on a project—and says that while it is difficult, everyone goes through it. “I realized that if other people could get past it, then I could too. I also changed how I looked at my current situation. Changing your perspective can make everything feel a lot better.” For a mental break, she takes the time to play a game, work on a puzzle, or share ideas with coworkers. “We also surround our work area with inspiring quotes and good design.”

Her determination is rewarded when she receives compliments on her work. “Seeing your work live, or people interacting with it, is pretty rewarding.” She did face a challenge after her manager left—she was given the opportunity to either step up and take the open position or to continue working under a new manager. “It was a little scary and a lot all at once, but I felt I deserved the chance to step up and I wanted to take the challenge. So far, it's gone more smoothly than I thought, and pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone. I've accomplished things I wouldn't have believed were possible for me a year ago.”

Jenna, who in 2013 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Tampa, says that her instructors’ drive and passion in design was inspiring. She adds that the school’s strict attendance policy prepared her for a real world work environment—she was early to every class, stayed late, and only missed class if she absolutely had too. “I became more responsible. I definitely didn't feel like the typical college student.”