About Us: Summer

Creative Manager, Direct-to-Consumer

Hello, my name is Summer and this is my Avery story. ♥

About 10 years ago when I first joined Avery, I never knew that I would be in the position I am today. I have to admit…back then, I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. I had no process, my design skills weren’t refined and I wasn’t very knowledgeable about how a corporate business ran.

I was introduced to Avery by my friend from college who passed my name to a recruiter from a placement agency. Intrigued about the opportunity from a company I’ve actually heard of, I accepted the contract position. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting myself into.

Wait, what am I doing again?

The drive was far from my home, about 60 miles one way in fact. But it wasn’t just about being a hungry freelance designer wanting a shot at a job. Venturing out into the unknown, to an area I’ve never been to with no friends or family, presented the opportunity for change in my life. I didn’t know what would become of it, I just knew this was something I wanted to do for myself.

I started my very first project with Avery in 2010. I was helping with design and mock-ups for color-coding labels that were part of the Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery project.

As I entered the building on my first day, I was extremely nervous and shy. I met the person who is my manager today. He brought me up to the design and prototyping room and quickly explained the project and what I had to do, and then let me have at it. An extreme sense of panic surged over me. There were certainly some things I didn’t know how to go about but somehow, I made it through my first day.

If there’s any piece of advice I can give to young designers it is, don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they are stupid ones. It’s better to ask and get it right than to do it wrong and have to do re-work. Plus, asking questions shows you are proactive, and that’s an A+ in my book.

Back then it was just my manager and me who were the creative team for our concept development group. Together, we were able to conquer my first big project and help launch over 150 products. The project was certainly a challenge but an amazing learning experience. After making hundreds of mockups for sales presentations and spending many late nights to hit deadlines, what came out of this project was amazing. The company created some beautiful products and everyone was proud of what we accomplished together.

It’s funny to look back on this project and how differently we did things then. We’ve certainly come a long way and our ability to adapt, learn and evolve is what makes being part of the creative team so enjoyable.

Ready or not I’m jumping in

I learned a lot the next year under my manager’s guidance and from working with various functions across the company. In 2012, I was officially hired by Avery and my career journey took me to new heights.

I began working on other big product lines from labels, cards, dividers, and fashion binders, to kick-starting packaging and marketing collateral that helped launch our Avery WePrint business.

I have worked with almost every department in the company and I can say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and learnings I’ve gained from everyone I’ve worked with. From my current manager and all my previous mentors to my fellow creatives, marketing teams, and other various functions, I’m where I am today in my career because of all of them. The memories and friendships I’ve made here will be with me for a lifetime, and that’s what makes Avery such a great place to work.

Moving up & out

When I first graduated college, I didn’t think I could ever live on my own. I always thought I needed to have someone else there to support the dreams and goals I wanted for myself. I proved myself wrong.

I’ve always wanted to live on my own but I didn’t want to do it until I felt financially stable. Being out 100% on my own was one of the biggest life-changing events that I’ve ever experienced. It’s the greatest feeling to say that you’ve accomplished something all on your own. As a woman and designer, never think things are too far out of reach for you. They are always in reach, you just have to jump in and grab them.

Finding my true passion

In 2018, I was promoted to the role of Creative Manager overseeing the creative needs for our direct-to-consumer online businesses. This includes both our custom printing service, Avery WePrint, and our blank labels by the sheet.

Being a part of this team has been a big game-changer for me at Avery. First off, I have two incredibly talented self-starters as my direct reports. There’s nothing more satisfying than helping your team evolve by giving them opportunities to grow as designers, as well as individuals.

Being a manager is incredibly fulfilling and I make it my personal goal to listen to my team’s needs, give them the best advice I can and always support them. Their happiness is my happiness.

A good team means everything

It’s true what they say, a team is only as good as the people in it. I have never learned so much about running a business until I joined the direct-to-consumer team. Our key to success is simple really. We have outstanding communication. We don’t sit next to the rest of the team but that doesn’t stop our communications. Whether by email, phone, text, instant messages, or dropping by someone’s desk, we find a way to connect.

We also have a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration. We understand our roles and how we each make a project come to life. We trust and respect each other and that helps us be more creative and strategic.

Establishing a strong internal process is also key to our success. We learn from each project and are constantly refining processes for a better experience next time. We are agile and nimble and that’s what keeps us successful even in the toughest of times.

I love this team and working with each and every person. We aren’t perfect but we have the dedication and drive to always want to do better. I can truly say that this is the happiest I’ve been working at Avery. I’ve learned and grown so much in this short time and it has helped me find my true passion.

I look forward to helping make a positive difference in the organization and those around me and growing with this team in the years to come. We are like a family, and the heart we put into projects is what brings great products to our customers.

Short & sweet, this is me

If you happen to get this far in my sea of self history and thoughts, here are some other things about me. While I still love traditional print design, I’ve always had a greater passion for web design. Learning about how visual elements bring a great user experience to life is awe-inspiring.

I love to travel with my husband. My home away from home is Japan, followed by any beautiful island. When I’m not in front of the computer doing design work, I’m in front of another screen playing video games. I can’t get enough of Call of Duty or my Final Fantasy RPG games. Can someone say Escape Rooms? I love those things. I also love eating and trying new restaurants and food joints, don’t forget the boba!

Lastly, I leave you with these thoughts. Never give up on your passions. Always strive to make yourself a better person, a more valuable asset to any given team. Stumble, fall, learn and rise. Keep pushing for change, good change and you’ll see improvements come. Love your team, believe in people, and show them you care. Only good things will come by doing these things, so believe in it!