Earlier this year, a syndicated newspaper cartoonist and a renowned painter delivered wisdom-filled lectures on the Greenwood campus of Piedmont Technical College (PTC). Both ― B.C./Wizard of Id comic strip artist Mason Mastroianni and award-winning fine artist John Pendarvis ― were participating in the new PTC Visiting Artist lecture series.
The fact that widely acclaimed artists will take their valuable time to inspire a small-town college audience is reflective of the growing stature of PTC’s exemplary Commercial Art Program and its many strong connections.
“As word gets out about the high-quality instruction, connections and outside learning opportunities available here, I believe our program is becoming a regional magnet for young people who want to pursue careers in the creative sector,” PTC Commercial Art Program Director Kendall Adams said. “Contrary to the beliefs of some, commercial art is alive and well. It has just taken on new forms. The industry has made stunning changes in a digital environment. We are equipped to prepare students for the latest in commercial art technologies.”
Adams says the program continually revamps its assignments to ensure that they are current and relevant for students in today’s work market.
“We have some of the best computers and equipment around with new resources coming in regularly,” he said. “Our students have the tools. When they leave here, they are forces to contend with. Every single one of them has risen to the top of their class quickly.”
Last year, the program installed a chapter of the international Kappa Pi Arts Honor Society. PTC was the first exclusively two-year college ever to be accepted as a member chapter in the 108-year history of the society. To gain admission to Kappa Pi, potential chapters must submit a portfolio and clearly demonstrate excellence.
“Without question, it is our students’ graphic design, photography, and creative work that won over the Kappa Pi portfolio review committee,” Adams said. “The installation was a direct reflection of their talent.”
“We have some of the best computers and equipment around with new resources coming in regularly. Our students have the tools. When they leave here, they are forces to contend with. Every single one of them has risen to the top of their class quickly.”
While at PTC, Mastroianni visited commercial art classes and expressed that he was remarkably impressed. “Your commercial art program here just blew me away,” he gushed. “I love your school.”
With dozens of cartoon, comic book and graphic novel fans in his audience, Mastroianni offered up some great advice.
“Less is more. If you can bring the audience to a chuckle or just a moment of relatability, you have succeeded,” he said. “After I have worked out a gag, I will go back and remove as many words as possible. You don’t want to insult your audience by giving them too much information. Writing humor ― or anything really ― is about balance. Write just enough so you are not insulting their intelligence and little enough that they can fill in the gaps themselves.”
The winner of multiple Emmy Awards for animation work he did before taking over his grandfather’s comic strips, Mastroianni was candid in discussing the fits and starts of his early career.
“My first piece of advice is to fail as much as you can. I’m serious,” Mastroianni said. “Fail. If something doesn’t work, let it go.”
Of his time working in animation after a big break, Mastroianni also advised his audience to embrace every opportunity, even if it seems frivolous or a waste of time. “If somebody offers you an opportunity, something that you even have a modicum of interest in, say yes,” he said. “The answer is always yes, no matter what, even when it is hard.”
Visiting artist Pendarvis of Greenville encouraged his audience to become involved in local arts councils and get to know other artists. He urged them to be proactive and introduce themselves, because the relationships an artist builds can have unlimited potential.
“Get involved in the art community yourself,” Pendarvis said. “You will meet a lot of artists. They will give you feedback about your art. Get your name and your art out there so it can be seen.”
Adams confirms that the creative arts industry is very competitive, but opportunities are out there for those who can set themselves apart from the field.
“All our students have unique styles,” he said. “Some of the work they do is nothing short of amazing.”
Don’t Blink, or You Might Miss PTC’s Claire Manuel
Book designer, typographer and author John D. Berry famously noted: “Only when a design fails does it draw attention to itself. When it succeeds, it’s invisible.”
Piedmont Technical College (PTC) commercial art student Claire Manuel rather exemplifies that premise. The reserved yet massively talented 20-year-old is a rising rock star who is most comfortable working anonymously from behind the scenes. She’s so good, she’s practically invisible.
"Claire came to Piedmont Tech with unrecognized potential. Shy, a little withdrawn, and unassuming, she was the proverbial diamond in the rough,” said Kendall Adams, PTC commercial art program director. “With a little attention, some new skills, and a newfound level of confidence, Claire has become much more polished and professional in her general demeanor, her attitude and most certainly in her skills. She is that artist who will continue to grow and challenge her peers in art, photography and design."
Even before she graduates, Claire has added a notable client to her portfolio ― The Greenwood Promise, a last-dollar scholarship program for graduates who live primarily in Greenwood School Districts 50, 51 and 52. The organization is a happy customer and is now actively using her logo design.
“They just wanted a revamped logo, really,” Claire said. “I came up with about three or four designs that I really liked. They picked one and asked for a couple of small changes. That was it.”
Claire begins her creative process making sketches until they start to transform into a design that pleases her. “I just go with the flow, whatever my brain tells me to do,” she said. “I take into account balance, unity and movement, but I feel that the most important element is the use of emphasis. I always make sure that there is one component that draws in the viewers’ eye and makes them want to look at the rest of the design.”
“I like for my work to speak for itself. I’ve learned to have a happy balance between being reserved and being proud of my work. I am confident in my skills.”
In addition to her course load at PTC, Claire held a Federal Work Study job in the college’s Marketing and Public Relations Department. Department Director Russell Martin said that Claire is the type of worker for whom no job is too small.
“Claire has a fantastic work ethic,” he said. “She is always willing to try something new and unfamiliar. Nothing seems to intimidate her. She’s a very can-do person.”
Claire says that, under the tutelage of the college’s Commercial Art Program, she has gained confidence and an even greater appreciation for industry professionalism. Even after being honored for academic excellence this past spring, Claire remains low-key.
“I like for my work to speak for itself,” she said. “I’ve learned to have a happy balance between being reserved and being proud of my work. I am confident in my skills.”
Learn more at www.ptc.edu/commercialart.