Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Berry.
Hi Seth, 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 backstories with our readers?
I am a graphic designer and travel, nature, and landscape photographer based in the Upstate of South Carolina. I serve full-time as the senior graphic design manager for Columbia International University and have been with them for the past 13 years. I have been operating my freelance graphic design and photography business for a little over 10 years now. While I stay busy in many creative roles, my greatest passion lies in travel and nature photography.
Ever since I was young, I always had an artistic eye and a fascination with creativity in drawing, creating, and capturing. My art passion began with me drawing my favorite professional and college athletes during middle and high school. I learned graphic design during high school where I took two years of commercial design class, which gave me the realization that I could use my artistic abilities as a career. I attended Clemson University with a degree in Graphic Communications to gain a knowledge of the printing industry and how to use graphic design in the working world. I worked two internships during college, which one of them was as a graphic design intern in Asheville, North Carolina. It was during my time at this internship in the Blue Ridge Mountains that I picked up an avid passion in photography and determined to use photography to capture the beauty of God’s creation and travel this amazing world.
Since then, I have been using graphic design, photography, and my creative and artistic talents in the professional world. I love to travel as much as I can and capture all of the beauty and majestic details of my surroundings. One of my goals is to visit every National Park and every state in the USA — so far, I’ve visited 19 National Parks. But my heart and devotion belongs to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Foothills of South Carolina.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, I have found that if you follow your passions and what you believe that you are gifted and talented in, then the road is much smoother than if you were doing something you’re not meant for. To me, that doesn’t necessarily mean that I am living a significantly wealthy life from the income of my professions, but instead I am genuinely enjoying the work that I get to do and how I get to make an impact through my God-given talents. The journey hasn’t always been smooth and easy as there has definitely been struggles. But those struggles are meant to help you grow and get you to where you’re meant to be. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if I didn’t go through challenges that taught and grew me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an avid travel, nature, and landscape photographer, it is my joy and calling to explore this amazing world, capture its beauty and marvelous details through my lens, and share it with others to inspire and encourage them. My heart has always belonged in the Blue Ridge Mountains as I love to hike and explore the ridges, rivers, waterfalls, and all of its wonder. As a native of South Carolina, I belong in the Foothills of SC and love exploring the Upstate and showcasing all of its iconic and overlooked scenery. I have visited and photographed all 47 State Parks in South Carolina. Some of my work has been featured in publications and places such as The Backpacker Magazine, The Outbound Collective, South Carolina’s Vacation Guide, The Views Magazine of Cashiers, NC, and the Charleston Magazine. My goal is to travel to and photograph every National Park and state in the USA. So far, I have visited 19 National Parks.
As a full-time graphic designer for Columbia International University, I have the wonderful responsibility of serving all areas, departments, and ministries of the whole organization through graphic design. I design a vast array of materials including brochures, flyers, magazines, billboards, logos, advertisements, promotional items, vehicle wraps, and much more. I am most known for being the creator of the university’s collegiate athletic logo and brand — the CIU Rams. However, I am most proud of serving alongside many fellow coworkers dedicated to the same goal and mission of attracting and equipping students to a school that will train them to go out and make an eternal impact in our world.
As a freelancer, Seth Berry Design LLC provides graphic design and photography services to anyone in need of creative help. I love to serve local organizations and non-profits in helping build a modern and recognizable brand. I am available for photography services such as events, on-location real estate or landscape photography, and portrait needs. My travel and nature photography is available for purchase of use and in fine art prints and canvases.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Wow, when I look back on my journey of my career and calling in the creative arts, it’s very encouraging and humbling recognizing all the mentors, supporters, and cheerleaders I’ve had along the way. I know I won’t be able to recognize everyone in this, but anyone who has encouraged me and cheered me on in what I love to do, you have played a huge role in where I am, more than you can ever know!
The ones who have been there all along and saw my interests blossom and grow since day one have definitely been my parents and my grandma. They are absolutely my greatest cheerleaders and have supported me for the longest time.
One of the first influencers who saw my potential in art and graphic design was my high school Commercial Design teacher Mrs. Bundrick. She was perhaps the best teacher I ever had, as I know many of my classmates who have gone on to become graphic designers or professionals in the creative world, can all agree and point back to her assurance and encouragement in getting us to where we are today.
Two of my most influential professional mentors and supporters are Clint Hankinson and Bob Wenzel, who both were my supervisors at Columbia International University. The were not only my bosses, but most significantly they were great friends and mentors who saw my potential, weaknesses, strengths and helped grow the best out of me. They encouraged me to follow my passions and work towards where I want to go. Although I don’t work alongside them anymore, they are still there cheering me on and only a phone call or text away when I need help or a friend to call on.
Contact Info:
- Email: berry.seth@gmail.com
- Website: www.sethberryphotography.com, www.sethberrydesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sberryphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SethBerryPhotography/
Image Credits
©Seth Berry Photography
