Another speaker at Youth Career Day...
Darryl Hillard attended Northeast Academy and graduated from
Midwest City High School. Incidentally, in high school, he played varsity football
and participated in art club and Distributive
Education Clubs of America (DECA), which fosters leadership and entrepreneurism
for careers.
Overcoming Adversity
Hillard’s mother died during finals of his first year of
college at Oklahoma State University. He had two younger brothers at home so he
chose to be an example for them.
Plan
About college, he says to be proactive, i.e., to schedule
and plan. Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access
Program (OHLAP), had a five-year limit. He had a good GPA in high school, but
his ACT was not so good. College required effort.
Dealing with a Setback
His performance in the first three courses of his major showed
he was not good enough to be a graphic designer. He changed into the
studio art program, where a few years later, he became the best artist. Becoming a
showcase artist boosted him so he focused upon becoming a professional artist.
In his senior year, a new graphic design professor on his
own time gave Hillard private lessons. Even with his regular courses, work, and
private lessons, Hillard graduated.
“It’s all about mindset,” he said.
Employment
Once he graduated, he looked where the money was and applied
for work. He built a website to display his art.
His first job was in Yukon, which he still loves. He is now a
full-fledged, full-service graphic designer, i.e., doing all that can be done with art,
conventionally or digitally. Hillard also continues his passion for fine art.
Highly motivated, he has his own business, DH Art &
Design, and serves as the marketing coordinator/graphic artist at Knutson
Irrigation Design.
Salary
In Oklahoma City, a graphic designer may earn from
35,000-60,000 a year.
Advice
- Love what you do.
- Be proactive.
- Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do it.
- Be persistent. Never give up.
About Hillard and Designs/Art
https://www.facebook.com/dhartdesign86 http://www.darrylhillard.com/about.html http://www.linkedin.com/in/djhillard Ret. 4-11-14
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