I would like to take this time to introduce myself and give you a glimpse into who I am. My name is Gina Perry, and I am a Columbus based artist and graphic designer. My PASSION has been art and design for as long as I can remember. In my early years, my elementary and high school art instructors noticed my enthusiasm and were great coaches throughout my young life. I remember my mother, who of course thought everything I did was a "Masterpiece!", and still does, would take me to "Saturday Classes" at Columbus College of Art and Design, during my pre-college years. I recall looking up to the 'real' art students, as they walked through the halls and down campus sidewalks with big drawing boards under their arms, wearing paint splattered pants and long unbrushed hair. I couldn't wait to be a part of it!

These key people in my life provided so much support and helped me realize my dreams. As a result of continually challenging me and entering my designs in competitions, they helped me earn a generous scholarship to Columbus College of Art and Design in 1990. My instructors at CCAD are truly gifted individuals. Their 'boot camp' style of strict and over abundant lessons, as well as heart breaking critiques, have had an enormous impact on my work ethics and determination for perfection. I cannot thank them enough for enriching my life and keeping me on the right track. I proudly earned my Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in 1994. Throughout college I thankfully gained some recognition for my designs, which in turn I received a few freelance projects, primarily in illustration and fine arts.

Shortly after graduating, I faced the harsh reality that I was too green for many companies to hire me. Therefore, I picked up a bartending manual and quickly learned how to make quick cash while I "paid my dues" as a young designer/artist. You should really try my margaritas! As fate would have it, I FINALLY landed a real design job! As I moved quickly up the ranks as evening junior designer to evening Supervisor, to "Ahhhh, there's the day job! - Creative Services Manager". I managed a staff of 12 designers, which were divided into day and evening shifts, for a Creative Services Department at a newspaper company in Dayton, Ohio. This position contributed to valuable management and people skills, as well as great printing production and printing press knowledge. Within the last few years I have moved back to Columbus and gained tremendous experience as the sole graphic/web designer for a local computer company, working within an IT environment. Within this time, I was able to get a real good idea of how engineers and programmers work. Obviously a different environment and work structure from the art and design world, but nevertheless, an experience I am so glad I was a part of, and a contributor. The experience has improved my organization and technical skills, as well as polished off my professionalism.

In 2003 I quit my corporate job and began working for myself as a full time freelance graphic designer in my home based office. In 2004, my husband and I were blessed with a beautiful baby boy. Life is good, especially if you stick with your strengths and follow your heart!