Edition #262 of Industry Insider has landed. We head to Chicago to chat to Christopher Corr about his career in sport so far…
Tell us about yourself, what do you do in your current role and what roles have you done previously?
My name is Christopher Corr and I am a self-taught graphic designer. Currently, I am a Creative Production Specialist for Social Media, at BetMGM. I recently just started this role but will essentially be handling graphic design requests for social media posting.
Previously, I have held roles as a graphic designer at X Games, United States Golf Association, Riddell Sports, Marquee Sports Network, and a handful of freelance clients such as Topps Digital, Colorado Avalanche, & many more!
“Normal” isn’t a thing in sport so what does an “average” week look like for you?
An average week for me involves crafting graphics for a handful of clients in various sections of the sport industry, that serve a purpose for the specific brand, are eye catching/appealing, and push the bar on creativity.
Outside of that, I also am working through completing coursework to complete my MBA program ideally in this summer.
How did you end up where you are right now? When did you know you wanted to work in sport?
I have been a self-taught graphic designer since 2013. I first started out wanting to be a gaming content creator, which led to me learning how to create thumbnails. From there, it grew into working for others and ultimately following down a path of constant creating and improving.
In 2018, I started collecting sports memorabilia which allowed for me to find a niche in that space that wasn’t really having anyone creating custom limited-edition prints, which is where I stepped in.
Later that year, I landed my first project with NBC Sports Chicago in creating posters that were given out at a Chicago Cubs, White Sox, and Blackhawks game. Once I experienced that, I knew that I wanted to continue to work in sports as it was a great environment to be around, allowed for me to be creative, and tap into my love for sports.
What is your number one focus when it comes to your work?
I feel like my number one focus, can vary based on projects, timing, etc. However, a major one that I always like to keep in mind is to always be growing. That could mean in my skill sets, in the programs I know how to use, but it can also mean other things such as gaining new clients, building a better network, creating great communication with clients, or in my personal life with setting goals and working towards them.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most important lesson I have learned is that from my experience, it is very important to create a brand for yourself. By doing so, this can mean multiple things such as creating and growing a network of connections that help yourself, and those around you. But it also means posting your work, improving on your work each time, and establishing that resume/portfolio of experience.
I’ve learned that you could be the best graphic designer in the industry, but if no one knows who you are, or if you aren’t posting your work, growing your network, etc, then those skills will never be recognised in full.
What are you excited about in your industry at the moment?
I am absolutely thrilled to work in the sports industry and am honoured that I do. For me, it always feels like there is an extra layer of fun to everything that I do, whether it be meeting athletes, or seeing fans interact with my work, there is always a benefit to what I create.
On top of this, it’s in an industry that is overall fun. We grow up playing sports, watching sports, and to be able to play a part in the industry itself is really an honour and fun to be part of!
If you could change one thing about your Industry, what would you change?
I think for the most part, the industry is very well established and for designers, there are a ton of opportunities around to grow in someone’s career. Something that I would suggest as a change is for designers and creatives to support each other as much as possible.
Whether it be supporting each other’s work through likes/retweets, or reaching out via messages and connecting, there are tons of ways to be supportive. Creatives for the most part, are only understood by other creatives and its important to have that network and backing of support from those who can relate, understand, and uplift you when needed.
More support, appreciation, and uplifting can only help all creatives within the industry.
Sport is a hectic industry, what do you do to switch off?
For me, a huge passion of mine and hobby I utilise to take a break when needed is fitness. Fitness can be a great way to escape, let out steam, relieve tension, and even have fun!
For me, I love to play basketball almost daily as it allows for me to be competitive, have fun, and stay in shape while taking breaks from work when needed! Especially, for those that may work remotely, often we don’t get as much as social interaction as we would in an office setting, so it’s important to find places to fill that, such as going to the gym.
If you were to give a piece of advice to someone wanting to do your role, what would you say?
I would say first to practice, learn as much as you can, and just keep creating. It truly is a skill that you can teach yourself, similar to I did, and continue to improve just by doing it! Once you are having fun creating, and working on improving, I would then work on establishing a network and connecting with as many people in the industry as you can.
Networking is truly one of the most important things and has led to me landing numerous roles and opportunities that would have never happened without building that network, and those years of practice.
How to connect with Christopher Corr…
X: https://x.com/Chris_Studios
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/chrisstudios_
Website: http://www.chrisstudios.net
Portfolio: http://www.behance.net/chrisstudios
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