If students in Mark Hall’s 2-D design class are still complaining about their assignments with construction paper and scissors, Michelle Curley ’03 has some words of wisdom:  You will use those lessons if you choose a career in art.

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“Everybody hated those weekly (sometimes daily) projects – creating construction-paper designs, cutting out a seemingly infinite number of tiny shapes and meticulously piecing them together over and over and over again,” Michelle recently explained. “However, I must admit that those annoying little projects taught me so many foundational principles that I apply daily in my career. I didn’t realize that when I was in college. Now I think about it often as I work.”

Today, as a head graphic designer for restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday Inc., Michelle is responsible for everything from company/franchise benefits guides and recruitment material to menus, magazine ads, banners, table tents and art on the company’s website.

“I work on the conceptual and creative side, as well as the technical and production side,” she said. “I work very closely with our outside advertising and design agencies, as well as vendors and printers.”

She credits Hall and art professor Carl Gombert for helping her succeed educationally, personally and professionally. As one of two apprentices selected by Gombert in 2002, Michelle helped him complete a collection of six 5-by-4 foot portraits now on display in the Knoxville Convention Center.

“They helped me become the artist that I am today,” she said, adding that ultimately, she’d like to teach at the college level, too, and have more time to work on personal projects, especially paintings and drawings.

“I love my job at Ruby Tuesday. I have been promoted several times and enjoy climbing the career ladder, working with our executives and having my creative input considered and even put into action. Being hired at Ruby Tuesday was a privilege in and of itself. However, what I find most rewarding is freelance work.

“I love working with clients, meeting their needs and knowing that my talents, education and strong work ethic have helped them progress in their business or personal pursuits.”

Landing the job

Before graduating, Michelle was encouraged by her professors to send her resume EVERYWHERE.  She did – with one notable exception.

“… I got a job at a small advertising agency in Knoxville,” she said. “I wasn’t very happy there, as I was not using my talents or education as I desired. One day, I received a phone call from the HR department at Ruby’s. They asked if I was interested in a graphic design position and conducted a phone interview.

“I later found out that RT posted the job opening and didn’t receive suitable applicants. They then asked notable design firms in the area to forward résumés of candidates they would hire if they were hiring graphic designers. RT got my resume from one or more firms and contacted me. Needless to say, I was surprised, especially since I didn’t know the corporate office was in Maryville (or in Tennessee, for that matter). A day after my phone interview, I filled out an application. Another day later, I had a personal interview. The next day, they offered me the job.”