Graphic Design Program Helps CFCC Student Addison Brown Find Her Way as an Artist
Addison Brown’s participation in CFCC’s Graphic Design program has given her hands-on experience and helped her realize her lifelong dream of becoming an artist.
Graduating this December, Addison always dreamt of being an artist. Thanks to CFCC’s Graphic Design program, she’s discovered a new kind of artistry and it’s one that will propel her into a thriving career.
After starting at CFCC as a high school student in 2023, She knew she loved creating, but she also wanted a career that would be practical. When she found the program, she was hesitant but soon realized how it could offer both the stability and creativity she was looking for.
“I realized that there is so much more to it, beyond just being on a computer…You can take it anywhere you want. You can do anything you want to do with it.”
More than a class
With the support of knowledgeable faculty, students are encouraged to take on real-world projects where their creativity leads the way. “The program gives you real world-problems to actually solve, and then you can see your work like on a t-shirt or used as a logo for a business…”
Addison experienced this firsthand when her poster submission for CFCC’s Department of Fine Arts production of A Charlie Brown Christmas was chosen as this year’s promotional flyer. Seeing her work displayed throughout the school boosted her confidence and reaffirmed her skills. She credits her growth not only to the curriculum, but also to the guidance of faculty members like Nicki Bloomer.
“I’ve learned more about art and become a better artist, but I’ve also learned a lot more about myself and other people through the program.”
“They promote storytelling through your art and they teach you how it’s not just pixels. It’s not just hex codes and things like that. It’s still art, and there’s so many different pathways through graphic design that you can take.”
For Addison, being a part of CFCC’s Graphic Design program led her to prioritize problem solving, teamwork, and enhanced communication. Beyond technical skills, the program focuses on developing the social awareness essential to creative work. Learning to give and receive constructive criticism is pivotal, and at CFCC it is foundational.
“You learn how to humble yourself and be like, you know what, these people do know something.”
Up Next
Cape Fear is just the beginning for Addison. Next, she plans to freelance as a graphic designer while preparing to step into the publishing world as a children’s book illustrator.
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation Addison! We are so proud of you.
To learn more about CFCC’s Associate in Applied Science in Graphic Design, and to see how you can get started this spring, visit cfcc.edu/graphic-design .
