Spring 2007
Graduate Assistant: Natalie Chavers
It all began with an email from Mr. David Lovegrove at the end of my last semester
as an undergrad student. He asked if I had considered a “GA-ship” here at BJ—I hadn’t. In
fact I was strongly advised by my internship boss to not get further education. She told me
I needed experience, not more education. But here it was, experience PLUS more education!
It was the perfect opportunity for me. At that time, I had no idea what an amazing asset this
opportunity would be to my future professional career/ministry. I began my work at Creative
Services in August of 2005. Since that time I have been able to work on a great number of
jobs—ranging from handbooks to Day of Prayer banners and handouts to artist series logos
and Museum & Gallery brochures. Those that have been here for a while are quick to help
any newcomers, which makes transition time go much more smoothly than one might expect.
I have learned how to prepare documents for a professional printing press. My people skills
have been developed through interaction with my colleagues and clients. I daily understand
more and more the processes required for running a large-scale design firm. Creative Services
is a small design team serving a large institution. Whereas the “smallness” of our design team
enlarges the workload for the individual designers, it also broadens the field of opportunities for
each of us as well.
Creative Services is also just a great place to work. The atmosphere is relaxed, and I’ve been greatly impressed with the management’s continual striving to make the workplace more conducive to creativity. Mr. Lovegrove is always looking for better, more efficient ways to do everything. We are encouraged to share our thoughts on processes and systems that we think could be improved. This makes for a lively work setting and one that encourages each team member to work his hardest to achieve the goals of the whole.
I’m so thankful to the Lord that He allowed Mr. Lovegrove to contact me that semester. I have gleaned so much as a GA, not only from the academic program here but also from my job at Creative Services.