Kirstie Conklin
Director of Marketing
Fusion Academy
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
The faith my Life Drawing teacher had in me. She made me feel brave and competent.
Did a bunch of graphic design freelance and got paid!
Took a leap of faith and went into advertising sales. I loved developing marketing plans for people.
Worked for a Business Process Improvement company and learned about Lean Marketing and gave lectures.
Entered ArtPrize.
Became a Director of Marketing and get to do everything I love!
Education
High School
Kalamazoo Central
Kalamazoo Central
Career
Director of Marketing
I lead people to Fusion to help students not thriving in a traditional school model.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Design
Education
Being Creative
Day to Day
We start with a quick "huddle" to find out what the team is working on and how we can help each other. Then you might see some design work being created, edited, or approved; coaching of employees on event planning; negotiating media buys or budget; conversations with vendors and schools; copywriting, editing and proofing of all kinds; learning materials crafted; travel planned; and website development.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Get an internship asap! Find anything that allows you to be in a creative setting in an office environment.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"Art school? What are you going to do with that?"
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
First-Generation College Student
