Today we’d like to introduce you to Christi Cokeley
Hi Christi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Michigan and moved to South Carolina in 1997. I came for the warm winters and stayed for the beautiful area of the upstate. I began my career as a prepress graphic designer in printing based in Ann Arbor, MI. I continued that design career when I moved to the upstate. I have always liked design and making things by hand. I enjoy making crafts, painting, wood work and recently delved into using a diode laser to create new projects.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I got my first job fresh out of high school at a book manufacturing plant where I worked in the prepress department. I learned so much and enjoyed it because, at the time, preproduction of books was done by hand. Later on, as computers became more prevalent, I was part of the first team in that company to learn new software that automated the prepress portion of the book manufacturing process.
I was able to get on-the-job training in the printing industry and added multiple computer and digital design courses to further my software and design knowledge. I went through several jobs early in my career but always worked my way up. Each new position took me further toward expanding my graphic design skills and creative ambition. I worked hard to prove myself and each challenge was a step-up in my career and my life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My full-time position is of a Production Specialist where I use my graphic design skills in preparing digital files for print and large-scale events. My co-workers rely on me to keep our digital asset management system organized and to make sure graphic files used for printing are correct. I am in charge of QC for our vendor proofs and final production pieces. I also do freelance work and recently created my company CouleoStudio. I am just at the beginning of building my business.
Recently, I ran across a video of a laser used to cut wood and create signs and other items. It immediately sparked my interest so I did a deep dive into diode lasers and how to operate them. I took the leap and purchased my first laser and haven’t looked back. I am excited that I found a new outlet for my creativity.
I am most proud of my daughter and hoping to show her with hard work and determination you can meet your goals. My dedication, work experience and perfectionist traits set me apart from others.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
We are so lucky to have YouTube videos to watch of anything you can imagine. I watch craft videos almost daily to learn different laser techniques and software tricks. I use Adobe Creative Cloud software and I use the Photoroom app to make my photos amazing. All my images are real of my sale items and with Photoroom I can enhance the background using it’s AI capabilities. It takes my photos to the next level.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @couleostudio
- Facebook: CouleoStudio
Image Credits
Images by CouleoStudio, enhanced by Photoroom.
