Hi! I’m Morgan.

I’m so glad you found your way Off The Grid. My name’s Morgan! I’m a wife, mother, graphic designer, content creator, marketing specialist, author, and typography enthusiast. I am also the owner of Christopher Creative Group (CCG). 

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This is the question that every parent asks their child throughout their life, from preschool to graduation day. My answer was always the same, “a teacher.” As I began my senior year of high school I was quite confident that I wanted to be an American Literature professor. That same year, I was introduced to Graphic Design by my technology teacher, Mrs. Burgess. The course introduced basic design tools and principles. To my surprise, I did well in the class. Taking notice, Mrs. Burgess began telling me more about Graphic Design and the abundant career opportunities that the profession offered. I went home and did my research. I remember the conversation with my Mom when I told her I wanted to pursue an art degree. She was a little apprehensive at first, but, as always, she supported my decision. In the Fall of 2006, I began earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Jacksonville State University (JSU) in Jacksonville, AL. 

Here’s a fun fact that many people don’t know about me. I was actually awarded a vocal scholarship to JSU. I was extremely honored and excited to pursue music alongside art. Understandably, both the art program and the music program were very demanding. I quickly realized that working while going to school and participating in a chamber ensemble would be quite literally impossible. There just weren’t enough hours in the day. So I chose to earn my BFA and forgo studying music. However, music has never been absent from my day-to-day. I am thankful to have the opportunity to sing in church and for family and friends when given the opportunity.

Fast forward to the Summer of 2010. Shortly before graduation, I attended a portfolio review at the Atlanta campus of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Before the review, I met with Ms. Diana Cadwallader, or Ms. C, as everyone lovingly called her. She was one of the most amazing art professors at JSU and my mentor. She helped me prep for the meeting and encouraged me to be confident. With much anticipation, fear, and excitement, my husband and I drove to Atlanta. When we arrived on campus, I checked in to receive my name tag and professor assignment, “Morgan Christopher here for a portfolio review.” As the sweet young woman found my name on the list, her perky smile quickly faded to a concerned and sympathetic expression. As she handed me my name tag and told me who I would be meeting with, she gently smiled and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.” As I turned to walk away, I thought, “Well that was weird.” I will never forget the encounter I had with this professor. As I entered the cold, giant room, surrounded by drafting tables, the professor was sitting at the head of a long table tapping away on his Blackberry®. I greeted him with a nervous “Hello, how are you?” He didn't say a word. I gently placed my large leather portfolio on the table and patiently waited for him to acknowledge my existence. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally opened my portfolio and began turning the pages quickly. Then… he began to laugh. I didn’t know what to do or how to respond. He then asked me, “How long have you been a designer?” I replied, “I am earning my BFA in Graphic Design and I will graduate in the Fall.” As he continued to turn the pages of my portfolio he chuckled and said, “You will never make it as a graphic designer.” I was stunned. I couldn’t find the words to respond. I quietly thanked him for his time, gathered my things, and left. I cried the whole drive home and contemplated changing my career altogether. Thankfully, with the support of my husband and the encouragement from Ms. C, I did not let one professor’s feedback define my future. Instead, it only fueled every professional decision that I made moving forward. 

That same Summer, I began my professional graphic design career in the Office of Marketing Services at JSU as a student designer. In the Fall, graduation was quickly approaching. My supervisor made me aware that her position would soon become vacant. She encouraged me to apply, and I did ever so eagerly. Many qualified candidates were considered. Mary Smith, the Director of Marketing and Licensing, decided to take a chance on a recent grad and I am so glad she did. Mary quickly became a mentor and a dear friend who I still keep in touch with today. I served as the sole Graphic Designer for my alma mater for five years. 

In the Spring of 2016, my career brought my family and me to Savannah, GA, home of the Savannah College of Art and Design. I served as a graphic designer at SCAD on the Presidential Initiatives team in the Department of Creative Direction. I was one of twelve designers and learned a great deal about myself and my profession in a highly competitive atmosphere. I served at SCAD for almost four years. And no… I never ran into the professor from the portfolio review. 

I currently am a Senior Graphic Designer & Marketing Content Specialist at ORAFOL Americas in Black Creek, GA. Entering the private sector has been an exciting pivot in my career. I have the opportunity to work with fellow team members to manage brand identity and messaging across multiple product lines and platforms throughout the United States, Canada, and South America. In this role, I have been given the opportunity to learn many different avenues of graphic design and visual communication, from web design and social media management to video production. 

And that’s how I got my start in the world of graphic design. It is a very small piece of who I am, but I’m excited to share more with you and discuss other interesting topics each month. I don’t have all the answers, BUT I’m willing to share my experiences in hopes that it will inspire the next generation of creatives to create with passion, and excellence, and pay forward the extraordinary benefits of mentorship and education in our industry. 

Join me next month as I dive into the meaning behind the blog name, Off the Grid. If you have a topic you would like me to cover or if you have a question about a project you’re working on, drop me a line. I would love to chat!