I’m Christie. It’s great to meet you.
I started CMD Graphics in 2007 after graduating from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Certificate Program in Graphic Design. In my last years at CSU, I was the co-President of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Cleveland Chapter, organizing events and designing galleries.
Post-grad, I regularly attended networking events in Cleveland, primarily for the American Marketing Association (AMA). I knew the end game was to start my own business. After education and a degree, I needed the next most important element:
E X P E R I E N C E.
I worked for several creative companies part-time, building up skills and knowledge. I believe every single job you work provides valuable lessons you’ll use later on, and it still proves to be true. Even when your job is part designer / part accounts receivable at a copier company – it taught me a great deal.
For one year I attended marketing gatherings in Downtown Cleveland. My goal was to hand out at least 10 business cards. After that year, word of mouth became the primary marketing tool for me. I built bridges and created a strong network of really good people in our community. If people continue to positively pass my name along, it’s feedback that I’m doing something right.
“If you do good work for good clients, it will lead to other good work for other good clients. If you do bad work for bad clients, it will lead to other bad work for other bad clients.” – Michael Bierut
I value the clients I work with. I appreciate learning about various different industries. I enjoy listening to your vision and goals, and have fun with the process of providing designs that represent your message.
I am incredibly grateful for the partnerships I have built with my clients, print vendors, IT companies, and mentors.
Over the years I’ve collaborated with many other creative individuals. I have a team of people who collaborate on my website development and talented designers who help keep things fresh and bounce ideas.
At home, I have a super patient husband and two wild children, who keep the lessons coming and make the days more interesting {crazy}.
Ever heard of Clifton’s Strength Finder? These are my top 5 strengths.
ACHIEVER • COMMUNICATION • STRATEGIC • WOO • EMPATHY