Christina Butler
https://www.sanderscandy.com/
Class of 2014
Independent Alum of the Day
Christina Butler was born and raised in metro-Detroit, and says the Motor City and all things Michigan hold a special place in her heart. Christina's passion for art began as early as she can remember, and she has always aspired to incorporate it into her everyday life.
Christina graduated from Adrian College in 2014 with her bachelor's degree in studio art focusing on graphic design, with a minor in photography and marketing. She involved herself in many on-campus clubs and organizations during her time at Adrian. She was an active member of the Kiwanis Circle K club and was on the board as the Public Relations Chair and Bulletin Editor. She was also an active member of the Adrian College Mortar Board, Photography Club, Alpha Chi, and Relay for Life.
Chosen with a selected group of students to participate in the American Advertising Federation, Christina helped produce a real marketing campaign for Mary Kay Cosmetics as the Design and Marketing Chair. She also completed an internship at TLC Community Credit Union doing graphic design, where she was able to create her first billboard series promoting a new campaign.
Throughout her four years at Adrian as a student, Christina was a strong influence in the art department and was selected as manager of the art experience point system for all the students participating in art classes. During her senior year, she was also interning in the public relations department and was offered a full-time permanent position as graphic designer. The next day, after walking across the stage during the commencement ceremony where she graduated summa cum laude, Christina found herself sitting at her very own desk with business cards that read "Graphic Designer". "It was a moment I cherish as I realized my dream from so many years ago had come true," she says.
Over the next four years, Christina was not only doing extensive design but also social media management, website content editing, photography and leading the department. When Adrian College received a new mascot puppy, Christina lead the social media campaign to unveil the new gift, planning each step of the three-week promotion that became highly successful, reaching an audience of over 30,000 people daily.
While she thoroughly enjoyed her employment at Adrian, Christina became curious about what else was out there, and she longed to be back in the Metro-Detroit area that she loved so much. She then seized the opportunity to work for Sanders and Morley candy company where she remains as the current graphic designer. She has also started her own design and photography business doing freelance projects for individuals and companies including General Motors.
My motivation
I have always been motivated by an unwavering passion for design and the opportunity to bring people together through visual conversation. I view art as a means to cross boundaries and connect people of all cultures and backgrounds. Every day, I find myself inspired by the visual world that surrounds me, and I strive to find new ways to be innovative in my designs. I believe in hard work, responsibility, professionalism, and self-motivation. I also have come to love photography. I find my motivations for photography are different than those of graphic design. They stem from my love of nostalgia and the chance to relive an entire event, day, etc, by capturing just one moment of time. Further than my love of the arts, I am motivated by the people who surround me. Family and friends continuously provide encouragement and give me the opportunities I need to be successful.
My latest accomplishments
I accepted a new position as the graphic designer for Sanders and Morley Candy Company, which is a historical and nationally known American confectionery company. Sanders has become a leading purveyor of confections in the region and has begun selling directly to national supermarket chains and retailers as the business continually expands even after 143 years. It was a significant accomplishment to be hired for not only my skills that I have worked to refine but also my experiences as a designer, marketer, and photographer. While pursuing my career, I have also begun my own freelance business in design and photography. Doing the additional work has afforded me the opportunities to work with numerous diverse clients, including General Motors and the Adrian Film Festival, as well as expand my portfolio and connections.
Next big goal
My next big goal would be to continue to grow my freelance business and start a larger photography business. I am working on building my portfolio and expanding my cliental so that I am able to be diverse in my photography abilities. While at Sanders and Morley Candy Company, I also have set a goal to grow in my position and become a senior designer or junior director in a few years, and an art director in the long-term. Part of my plans for the future also include teaching myself how to code and design websites. It is a skill I have always admired and have now set a goal to be fluent in it within a couple years.
Why is choosing your own path important?
To choose your own path means to follow your passions and always strive for what makes you happy. Nobody walks through life down the same path and everyone needs to find what makes them tick. Life is more enjoyable when you pursue the things that make you excited to get out of bed each day. It allows you to be in charge of your own destiny and realize the countless opportunities that are available. Every choice you make leads you to a better, healthier and happier you. You must define your path and yet realize that it is forever evolving, and learn to grow and develop as life changes. Following your own path also inspires others to do the same in nurturing their own interests, and this is what makes the world so unique.
Favorite place on campus
My favorite places on campus are the Mahan Art Department and Arrington Ice ArenaShare this profile
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