Membership Spotlight :: Stacy Matthews

November 30, 2011 Filed Under: Member Spotlight 3 Comments

CPCC Advertising & Graphic Design Student

Stacy Matthews’s passion is to create an experience with purpose in her designs. She uses her gifts and talents to impact her community. Stacy is heavily involved in the Autism community creating awareness of this rising epidemic. She is currently finishing her degree in advertising and graphic design at Central Piedmont Community College. Stacy is a sponge, ever learning, and curious of the world around her. Anything is possible with creative problem solving power! For more information, please visit stacymdesigns.com.

AIGA Involvement: AIGA Member since 2010 & CPCC AIGA Communication Officer 2010 – 2011

What attracted you to the design profession? Did you have particular mentors or experiences that opened the door to the profession for you?
I have always loved the arts and I love to work with my hands. I am proud to say that I get it from my Mom. Growing up seeing my Mom over the years as a professional florist working her magic, to seeing her at home sewing clothes for my sister and me or taking ordinary items around the house and making them into extraordinary, beautiful creations.
My work experience ranges from having been a Pre-K Teacher to working for a Non-Profit Organization as well as in the corporate world as an Executive Assistant. These diverse experiences introduced me to layout design and developing innovative solutions to get the job done. When I was laid off in 2008 I had to reevaluate my goals in life. The best quality about me is that I am creative. After a bit of research I found that graphic design would be perfect fit for me. I can honestly say I have found my purpose in life.

What’s one goal (professional or personal) you have for the future?
One of my goals is to apply my talents towards helping non-profit organizations. A particular non-profit area that is near and dear to my heart is autism. I have two boys that are 15 and 11 years old. My 11-year-old is autistic. If I can help in any way with coming up with creative solutions to make autism patients' days progress more smoothly then that would be a huge victory. I am actually doing my internship next spring with TEACCH; a non-profit organization that helps diagnose and support families with autism.

What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on my AAS degree in adverting and graphic design from Central Piedmont Community College, and I’m on target to graduate in May 2012. I am the chair of our portfolio show which will be December 7th at the Trolley Museum, check us out at spotme2011.com. We designed the website to promote the event but also to create awareness of our ideas and talents for those who cannot make it. I wanted to lead this event because my heart's desire has always been to see not just myself, but all my fellow students, succeed in this profession. This is not just a time to market ourselves but a time to celebrate all the hard work we have accomplished.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
From the greatest designer that lived, Walt Disney! I love how he thought of every detail and created an experience. He took his imagination, along with the imagination of others, and brought it to life with his creations. I love that he was fearless in doing the impossible, and also had fun doing it.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I have always had an interest in marine biology. I grew up on the beautiful beaches of California and I still love it! There is something about the power and mystery of the ocean. It is where I believe the earth meets God.

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About AIGA Charlotte's Member Spotlight
Each month AIGA Charlotte interviews a selected AIGA Charlotte Member. It is a great opportunity for the Charlotte design community to see who AIGA Charlotte is along with all the amazing things our members are doing. If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed and appear on AIGA Charlotte’s Member Spotlight, please contact Kevin Brindley, Membership Director.