http://www.uncp.edu/sga/ace/

UNCP junior Jermaris Genwright intently works at his computer as he designs his latest graphic arts project.

“I’m a graphic designer,” Genwright said, describing himself as creative and a good listener, two characteristics he believes will help him gain a career in advertising.

Genwright works free-of-charge odd jobs for small companies and friends to expose his name and work. He entered a logo design contest for the Mecklenburg County Health Department in Charlotte and won first place on Jan. 5, 2006.

Health departments deal with people of all ages, ethnicities and cultures, Genwright explained.

“If you look at my design you’ll notice that I tried to incorporate different races, ages, and family structures. You’ll also notice that no one has a face…because most sick people don’t want to be identified in the current state that they’re in. Most don’t want to be singled out or felt sorry for, so I didn’t give the people in the image a distinct profile.”

After earning his associate degree in graphic design from King’s College of Charlotte, N.C., Genwright is working toward his bachelor’s degree in public relations.

“Having only an associate degree makes it difficult to find work. I figured public relations would get my foot in the door, as far as advertising, since we don’t have a specific advertising major at UNCP,” Genwright said.  “My plan is to go to graduate school and get my master’s in advertising. I want to work for a firm or hopefully I could freelance.”

The 24-year-old acknowledges his father’s influence in his graphic design and advertising career goals.

“I used to doodle a lot and draw things, and my father took pride in my work. I thought it was really basic, but he would take it to work and show people. When I told him I thought about going back to college [for my bachelor’s degree] he suggested something in art,” he said. “Art is hard to get into, but graphic design is better. You can still sell your work, but you can also work for somebody.”

While in school, Genwright focuses on his academics and works as the coordinator and public relations projects assistant for the Association of Campus Entertainment, ACE.

“It’s going to be a lot of work this year,” he said.

According to Genwright, he hopes to move out of North Carolina when he begins working heavily in his career field.

“I’ve been in North Carolina long enough, it’s time for a change. I’ve heard talk of Columbia, S.C. being real big on advertising. So I’m thinking about going there after I graduate,” he said.