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Alumna realizes dream of working
for Nike
Savannah College of Art and Design graphic design alumna Kristy Lauzonis (B.F.A. 2000; M.F.A. 2002) said she has known she wanted to work for Nike, Inc., since she was 5 years old. In fact, she said it was her motivation for attending SCAD. For Lauzonis, working for Nike, Inc., and, specifically, the Nike Team Sports Division, is not only the realization of her childhood dream but also the opportunity to combine art and her love of sports. An avid athlete in high school, Lauzonis played softball for two years at SCAD. The athlete’s experiences at SCAD have had a lasting impact on the designer. “The classes and professors played a major role because they provided the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the world of design,” she said. “My work in the residence life department helped to enhance my communication and organization skills and has forged some of my most valuable friendships.” Lauzonis credits playing sports with teaching her the value of teamwork. As with many students, internships played a vital role in helping Lauzonis land her current job. Lauzonis participated in two internships during her graduate career at SCAD, both at Nike, Inc. “Networking and communication were key factors in maintaining relationships established on my initial journey to Oregon,” she said. “Following my second internship, a position was available for an apparel graphic designer. I went through an interview process and then received an offer letter.” Making the transition from student to professional often can be challenging. Even with her previous experience at Nike, Inc., Lauzonis entered her new job with trepidation and excitement. Thankfully, her manager was supportive and paired her with seasoned designers: “My art director helped walk me through the design process by giving timely and constructive feedback. Here at Nike Team Sports, we stand by our motto: ‘It’s all about team!’” As a designer, Lauzonis is presented with new challenges daily. She’s had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects for college football, basketball and club soccer, as well as projects for teams from the National Basketball Association. “Working with team sports presents a very dynamic workload. We are the official licensing division of Nike, Inc., and we authenticate the brand,” she said. “We deal with an assortment of college and professional sports leagues.” Working with the diverse clientele at Nike, Inc., offers a number of unexpected challenges. “Every design must be approved through the legal department as well as the teams we deal with. Sometimes it can be difficult to express an idea by finding verbiage that has not been trademarked by someone else,” said Lauzonis, who must balance her vision with that of the clients — not always an easy task. However, she credits good communication and veterans who know the business well with helping to make it all run smoothly. “As a designer, if you have a solid argument, it is possible to persuade the client to see that vision and jump on board,” said Lauzonis. Despite long hours, tight deadlines and the self-imposed discipline characteristic of a good designer, it’s the company itself, not the particular job, that keeps Lauzonis where she is. “Nike, Inc., has a set of maxims; these guidelines represent the inspiration and innovation of a company that was not started by a group of investors, but by average people. People who had a work ethic that is unrivaled and a vision to succeed. That spirit still exists today and is the driving force behind what makes working here beyond compare,” Lauzonis said. While having achieved her goal of working for Nike, Inc., Lauzonis’ career is only just beginning. Having accomplished such a large goal in a relatively short amount of time has only helped to push her further. “I believe that now the sky’s the limit. I want to be able to get to a position where I can utilize design to inspire people on many different levels, not just within the realm of sports,” she said. These days Lauzonis is working on a variety of projects and is excited about them all. “I recently finished two lines of special edition products within the football category that will debut [during the] fall and holiday season 2004. I am sworn to secrecy on those, but be ready because it’s going to be hot!,” she said. Lauzonis encourages current students to make the most of their time at SCAD and remind them that their future is what they make of it. “Remember that your destiny lies in your own hands,” she said. “You can accomplish anything you desire if you devote yourself to that goal. Networking is the single most important thing that you can do. Commit yourself to it.” Blaho is communications coordinator at SCAD. |
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