Alumnae Spotlight: Shannon Sokolik '95
The Midlands Business Journal’s Business Minute
Name: Shannon Sokolik.
Age: 45.
Title: Senior art director.
Place of employment: Anderson Partners.
Associations/ Titles: Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Take Steps.
Hometown: Columbus, Neb.
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer graphics from the College of Saint Mary.
How I got into the business: I enrolled at the College of Saint Mary with intentions on being an elementary school teacher. After taking a few of the required art courses and excelling, I was asked to consider the computer graphics program.
Accomplishments or milestones: My proudest accomplishment is being a mother of two wonderful boys. Second to that is the satisfaction I have working for a successful advertising agency that employs a group of talented employees who inspire me to be better.
First job: Graphic designer at First Data
Biggest career break: I cannot pinpoint one career break, but I feel my career has been built on wise choices. An excellent internship at Woodmen Life Insurance and a summer employment at an Omaha print shop helped me stand out above the rest when applying for my first job in corporate design that led to my future career as senior art director of an advertising agency.
The toughest part of the job: Design criticism can still be difficult to overcome even after designing for over 20 years. However, I do believe the criticism has presented many excellent opportunities for me to grow as a designer.
About my family: My husband Mike and I have been married 19 years. We have two sons, Lucas, age 15, and Joseph, age 11, and a dog named Lucy.
Book I finished reading recently: "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Cline. Because my great grandmother came to Nebraska on the orphan train, I found it a very interesting read.
Something that not everyone knows: I have an intense fear of heights. I cannot watch someone on TV skydive, tightrope or rock climb without my hands sweating and heart rate increasing.
How my business will change in the next decade: It is difficult for me to predict the future of graphic design with technology changing at such a rapid pace. In advertising, our audiences will rely more on their phones, laptops and iPads, and it will be our challenge to reach them quickly with clean and concise design reaching them on multiple platforms.
Outside interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy binge-watching Netflix series and reading a great book.
Pet peeves: I am a very punctual person, so tardiness is one of my biggest pet peeves.
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere warm.
Other careers I would like to try: Architecture or interior design.
Favorite movie: "Pride and Prejudice:'
Favorite cause or charity: Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and Holt International Adoption Agency.
Favorite app: Because I rarely carry cash, Venmo has been a lifesaver!
