Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronald Duckett.
Hi Ronald, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey as a graphic designer began at Ponitz high school (formerly known as Patterson Career Center) in Dayton, Ohio. During school orientation, my escort introduced me to the Advertising & Design classes available at the school. Where I met a man who inspired me to challenge myself in graphic design, Mr. Jerome Ingrame, a retired Air Force Graphic Illustrator. While under his guidance, he taught me the importance of typography, how brand design plays a pivotal role in our everyday way of thinking, and how using art helps messages appear clear to the reader. From there, I have followed those moments that Mr. Ingram taught me to help shape my future.
Towards the end of my senior year in high school, I had not planned on going to college. I put all my eggs in one basket and was determined to join the Air Force. There was only one problem I was hard of hearing. I was told by a teacher that I would not be able to join the military because of my hearing loss and that it would make me a liability to the government. I was determined to prove them wrong. I had taken all the tests and passed them until I got to the MEPS Station in Columbus and failed the hearing test twice. This was a crushing blow to me then my mother told me to pursue a career in graphic design. She knew how much I loved it. She signed me up for classes at Sinclair Community College, where my passion for creative exploration would be reignited to further light the way to my future as a graphic designer
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like anything in life, the road to get where I am today has not been smooth, it has had its challenges. As much as I adore being a graphic designer, I have thought many times of switching my career because either not being able to find a job that best aligned with my skillsets or being in a place where I needed to sacrifice my personal interest to make sure I had a secure means to provide for my family.
Right before I graduated from college my then-girlfriend, now wife, told me that she was pregnant with our first son. I had dreams of progressing to my dream job and gaining new skills but that seemed, for me to be a more difficult challenge than I had anticipated. The job market was trying to come back from a national recession and graphic design positions were slim in my city. Growing up, I was always taught; it is better to have a bird in your hand than one that you have to go catch. So, I made the decision to stay at the local pharmacy and try to advance my career in other ways. A year and a half passed after applying multiple times, and finally, I was promoted to the department manager. Although this was not a career move directly correlated to my design ambitions, I used this time to gain new skills in leadership that, unknown to me, would benefit me later in my career.
In my thirteenth year in the pharmacy industry, I was given a review for my performance. Hoping I’d get high marks for the jobs I had managed and led but my supervisor at the time would see things differently. The score given to me was not bad, but it did not permit me the opportunity to progress to the next position. I was hurt by his remarks and felt like a failure because I was putting all my energy into something I had no passion for. But this was the fuel I needed to pursue my career as a creative just and truly understand my value. Looking at myself, the answer was clear, I am a designer in my heart so, I need this to work for me and my family. After searching the web, I came across a position as a production manager. A few weeks passed and I received an email from a local franchised printer here in Dayton, asking if I’d be interested in the position. I immediately said, yes! I was now a full-time designer, seven years after I graduated from college.
I overcame challenges only because of the support from my wife, family, & friends. Although there was a moment when I almost gave up on my dreams to pursue a path that did not feed my creative ambitions, I never forgot about what made me happiest, being able to create and communicate messages through visual methods.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Two things I would say define me best, loving my family to the best of my ability and being a creative person who loves to make designs and speak to people visually.
As an artist, I specialize in three aspects of creativity: graphic design, photography, and illustration.
I am most proud of not giving up. Thankful to share my story with others who may be going through the same thing in their careers. My goal in life is to inspire at least one person. To take the torch of creative thinking, as it was given to me so many years ago, to inspire other artists to know their value and to embrace the joy of expressing their visions through art of all forms. I am also proud of being a family man. My wife and children are my anchor and inspiration. Their support motivates me whenever I am at a low; they lift me to my highest potential.
What sets me apart from others is I try to treat every person with dignity and respect; no matter their social status, we are all human first.
Knowing and understanding the value I bring to myself and others; I can apply my design and leadership skills to work. In my current role, I meet many interesting people while working as the Brand Design Specialist at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. My designs and thoughts help communicate clear and engaging messages to our members throughout the region. Check out some of my work and how the Dayton Chamber can help your business grow, at www.DaytonChamber.org.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Knowing your value, letting your passion guide your path, and always loving & be true to yourself is the best advice I’d like to share with up-and-coming creatives.
Although in my heart, I wished to pursue my passion sooner, I am blessed and thankful for all the experiences I gained through the years. As my wife would say, “All your experiences have prepared you to be in this season”. Meaning, it has given me the skills in knowledge to thrive in this time and place.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ronduc.design
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronduc_design/
