Employee Focus on Kerri McTigue

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Kerri McTigue
Current Title: Senior Graphic Designer
Pronouns: her/hers
Hometown: Boardman, Ohio
Degrees and Institutions attended: BFA, Columbus College of Art and Design
Years of Employment at the College: 20 years

Q&A

What brought you to the College of Optometry?

I wanted a change from retail. I had worked at Bath and Body Works in their Design Department for a few years after college. I liked it, but I wanted to get out of the retail world (and in the holiday season for 10 months out of the year!). A friend of mine saw the position posted for an “Instructional Aide’s Assistant” at the college. I didn’t know what that was, but the job description made it look like a graphic designer. I was qualified, so I applied! Dr. Karla Zadnik was interim dean at the time, and she interviewed and hired me. One of the best decisions I’ve made!

Describe your typical day at work or describe your position/role.

It’s always a huge variety depending on the day/month! I work on anything from designing certificates, to ads for the clinic, to ADA compliant policies and procedures, to posters and interior design/signage. As technology evolves, I have had to learn more and more. The past few years I have become very competent in website design and ADA accessibility in PDFs and other documents so our designs can be pretty as well as accessible. I am the brand ambassador to the college, so I have to make sure we are following visual branding guidelines from University Branding in all of our designs and materials.

What brings you the most joy in your work?

I love making things beautiful. It’s really fun to elevate a simple program, sign, or poster to something more appealing than the person requesting it thought it could be.

What do you do for fun outside of work?

For fun, I love hanging out with my husband or meeting up with friends for a wine night or trivia. We have a four-year-old dog named Rex who needs many walks, so I walk him three times a day! I also took up running a few years ago and ran the Cap City Half Marathon last month.

Because I do not get enough design at work, I also run a side business (Indigo Iris Designs) where I create note card sets, notepads, and prints from original watercolors. I have a booth at the Dublin Market this summer where you can find me most Saturday mornings from May to September!

What is your go to Columbus/neighborhood eatery?

A variety! Aab India, Local Cantina, Zenos, and Adriaticos.

What was your first job?

Chick-fil-A at the Southern Park Mall in Boardman.