Header image courtesy of Abby Drey.
Every graphic designer at the American Philatelic Society brings something different to the role. Perhaps you've noticed some of the design changes that Chad, the APS' graphic designer since April, has brought to The American Philatelist. This month, APS Development Assistant Erin Seamans interviewed Chad about his art background and what it was like to start a new job in the middle of a pandemic.
Meet Chad, graphic designer of The American Philatelist
What is your job title and what do you do at APS?
I am the Graphic Communication Specialist for the APS. I usually explain it as I am a graphic designer. I am responsible for the design of The American Philatelist and the PLR and many other graphical needs for the organization.
How long have you worked for APS?
I started at the APS in April of 2020. I worked with Doris for a month to get my feet wet and was a big help before her retirement in June. I previously worked for a local magazine in Centre County so publishing design specifically is an expertise I brought to the job.
What are the best parts of your job?
The people I work with are great and they do so much for the members, especially in the pandemic conditions we are living in. It is also fun to bring something to life that people will read and save for years.
Is there one resource on the website you’d like to highlight for members that is connected to your job?
Well I have to say the digital version of The American Philatelist on our site. It’s a great resource if you can’t have your physical issue with you to read, or if you need to quickly find a story we have done on your niche of collecting.
Are you a stamp collector? If so, what do you like to collect?
I am not a stamp collector, so I am learning so much about the philatelic world every day. Though collecting in general is not foreign to me... I was an avid sports card collector in childhood and in my teens I did some comic collecting. I remember going to small local sports card shows with my brother and cousin and seeing all of the collectables... and marveling at the variety and value of the items. I know how fun and passionate we can be about our collecting. Currently, my collecting has focused on art books about concept art for a variety of pop culture interests.
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The September 2020 cover of The American Philatelist features a Monopoly-style cartoon drawn by Chad.
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A Frost Giant sketched by Chad at a recent event.
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Chad is familiar with multiple mediums, although the AP almost exclusively requires digital artwork.
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Chad is a Penn State graduate.
What is a fun fact about you that you’d like to share with our members?
I was an art student in college and one of my hobbies is drawing and painting. I had early dreams of being a cartoonist. The cover of the September 2020 issue of the AP is a favorite of mine since the main images is an illustration I created. I am hoping that I can maybe one day do a full illustrated cover for a future AP issue.
Tell me something you enjoy about APS/APRL members? Or a memory you have with a member?
Well I haven’t had much of chance to meet members because the offices have limited access for visitors. I am looking forward to meeting them and hearing their stories about collecting and being members. I have read some wonderful feedback in emails from members on the work I have done in the few months I have been working at the APS. It is really nice to hear their positive opinions of the work we do.
How have you transitioned to working from home?
This is an interesting question - since I was hired during the pandemic I have worked from home more than I have been in the physical office. It has been pretty smooth generally since almost all of my work is computer-based. I just work through the normal routine of the monthly publishing cycle. Each month requires a different focus in order to get the AP to our members.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your job/APS to members?
It's been great to be accepted and made to feel welcome in the short time I have been part of the APS. It’s great to be part of a team that wants to help its members the way they do.
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If you would like to support APS Cares, you can send a check to:
American Philatelic Society
100 Match Factory Place
Bellefonte, PA 16823
c/o APS Cares
Or Support the APS Staff Online:
Please select APS Cares in the Gift Designation.
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