Zac Grace
Class of 2006, Graphic Design
Current Job Title: Creative Marketing Executive
Current Employer: Lamb Solutions Advertising Agency
Since graduation, I have been involved in various roles within the graphic design industry. I’ve worked on designs for school supplies across the country, and for many promotions with a top radio company in the Northeast and one of the top television companies in the United States. I’ve combined my background in graphics and media, and now work at an advertising agency which allows me to work with all of my previous employers. Graphic design, combined with my music background, has allowed me to thrive in Nashville across various media. I’ve also designed the promotion for my new, self-titled “Music” that I’m releasing as an artist after achieving the goal of securing a publishing deal in Nashville.
Describe any interesting projects that you have worked on:
At AccuWeather, I took meteorologists’ drawings of updated weather maps, then converted them from paper to the computer screen for broadcast across 160 different TV networks worldwide. At the radio stations, I did a lot of new promotions for the national artists coming to town such as Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, and 3 Doors Down. At Sinclair Broadcast Group (WJAC-TV Channel 6 NBC Affiliate Johnstown, PA), I designed graphics for different promotions, stories, and events broadcast across 11 counties in central PA.
What did you learn at PTC that still inspires you to this day?
The main skill I learned from PTC is Mr. Tim Ankeny’s exact words, “Time Is Money.” Man, was he ever correct about that! I’m so glad I took that to heart because it is the main lesson that has helped me get hired on so many jobs. He also taught me software program shortcuts. All of the teachers at PTC have provided lasting lessons, and I could sit and type each and every one but I’m not sure there is enough space for every teacher I’ve had! PTC is just great all around. The staff is great and always accommodating, even when I come back to visit. I can’t say enough great things about this school and that’s not just because I take pride in being a former Student Ambassador.
What or who was your biggest influencer as a PTC student?
My biggest influence at PTC was simply the entire staff. Not only were they accommodating, they were very focused on helping you achieve greatness. They weren’t interested in letting you coast by to be “good enough,” if they knew you could do better. They pushed you for greatness. This is the same mentality that I still use to this day whether I’m designing billboards and TV ads in Central PA, or writing a new song in Nashville. Nothing in life comes for free so you must go get it, and PTC instills that in your life.
Is there anything else that you would like to share? Personal accomplishments?
I’ve secured a publishing deal in Nashville for my music, which has allowed me to make a name for myself with other artists, and has also led me to other design work for artists, in addition to my personal music endeavors. I have also designed graphics for different booking agencies in Nashville on Music Row which has been a huge accomplishment. One thing I would like to share with anyone currently enrolled in any Multimedia/Graphics courses at PTC is that even though you may graduate from PTC, you will never stop learning new tips and tricks and techniques along the way. Don’t give up searching for that graphics dream job because if you want it bad enough, then you need to make it happen. I’m fortunate enough that I’ve stuck it out in an area where Graphic Designers aren’t often hired, and I’ve found a way to make a name for myself doing so. Anyone can do this, but you have to want it bad enough.