Recent Southern Arkansas University Communication Design graduate Tyler Orsak has already landed a gig that ticks his requirements for a dream job.
Orsak, of Magnolia, graduated from SAU in May of 2012 and now works as Administrator and Creative Director for Preston Palmer Studios (PPS) in Conway. In this role, he oversees the front end operations of the growing music school and guitar repair shop. He is also in charge of all design, marketing and creative work including the company website, film, ad graphics and collateral.
“My dream job consists of 4 things: working in a creative environment, working with talented and interesting people, having the chance to grow and change, and breaking out into random musical numbers,” said Orsak. “Sometimes this job fires on all cylinders.”
Orsak said he expects PPS to grow exponentially over the next few years. He would love for this growth to see him overseeing a small creative group of designers, in charge of a lifestyle brand that includes apparel and merchandise, custom builds, and film projects all circling around music.
“I have a great passion for creating, so being able to design for an interesting, dynamic place that actually uses my concepts as their reality is such a reward,” said Orsak.
Orsak recalls many aspects of his college life at SAU that were rewarding as well.
“SAU is full of very kind people who will bend over backwards to help you get to where you need to be, but it also takes boat loads of initiative and hard work to be successful and stand out,” said Orsak. “As long as you embody the very best qualities of SAU – kindness and hard work – you will love your time there.”
Along with his work with the SAU Department of Art and Design, he said he also adored being active with SAU Theatre. He remembers there never being a lack of passionate, hardworking people in the theatre department, or a lack of fun times.
Orsak also served as a Resident Assistant for SAU Housing for three years. He helped run the Greene Light Art Studios, which is a unique program at SAU for art majors to have their own studio and creative space.
“Obviously, my work and experiences in the Art Department at SAU stand above the rest, and I would have to credit that to the outstanding professors that showed me the ropes. Their mixture of experience, talent, skill, wit and guidance was what made my education so valuable. They were the tops,” said Orsak.
He added that along with the professors, he credits the practical knowledge, opportunities to study abroad and chances to work in a “real world” environment as making the SAU art program top notch.
To find out more about the Department of Art and Design, visit the department’s webpage.