Our “Artist In Action” series is all about giving you a snapshot of a Christian visual artist actually operating in and active in their creative gift. If you’re like me, seeing fellow artists using their God-given talent motivates me to get off of my butt and create!
Chad McMillan
Chad McMillan is the creative mastermind at ShowCase Marketing, a leading marketing organization based in South Carolina. He’s also an entrepreneur, friend and great man of God. Take a look at what he had to share:
1. Tell us who you are and what you do as an artist/designer:
As Creative Director, I lead ShowCase Marketing’s team of brand developers, ensuring that everything about a client’s brand that is seen, heard, and experienced is consistent and at the highest level of excellence. I consult with business leaders on the creative aspects of a business, including design, interactive and social media strategy, and perfecting the vehicles that communicate the brand of an organization.
2. Now tell us about your artistic/creative background:
I’ve always loved drawing and being creative, but I didn’t start to hone my skills as a graphic designer until I was 17 when I got my first computer. I started by creating manual covers and brochures for the ministry college I attended. From there, I continued by helping other ministries create their logos and business cards until I eventually started my own business doing freelance design and web building.
3. What role does God play in your life and in your work?
Huge part! At one time, I was interning at a ministry training for the day when I would become the pastor of my own church. Of course, God had other intentions. Being the Creative Director for a marketing firm that assists many ministries allows me to impact hundreds, if not thousands, for the Lord…way more than I would have impacted in a local church.
Staying centered on the Lord is everything and, without His guidance on a daily basis, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
4. What advice can you give the rest of us?
Stop waiting for your door to open. As a teen, I planned my life out early. I knew that when I turned 20 I would get engaged, married by 23 and have my first child at 25. Career, ministry, married live, everything was planned. When I turned 25 I had accomplished none of the above. I wasn’t even in a serious relationship. I was devastated and frustrated at why God had not opened the doors in my life. One day, the Lord spoke to me and told me that He had already given me the tools and talents to take me wherever I wanted to go. Stop asking me (God) to open the door and open it yourself.
God talks us to us how we need to hear it. That was exactly what I needed to hear, when I needed to hear it. So, my advice to people…stop waiting for the door(s) to open. You were born with the tools and talents given to you by God to accomplish whatever you want to accomplish. Get moving and don’t slow down!
5. What’s the latest project that you’re most excited about?
It’s hard to ask a creative person this question. It’s hard to narrow down the list if you’re passionate about what you do. If I had to narrow it down to one project, I would probably have to say Redemption’s (Redemption World Outreach Center) newest website we’re about to launch.
Share your feedback or questions you may have for Chad by posting a comment below:
Related posts:
- Artist In Action: Christopher Marion Thomas I was so impressed with the work and the story of artist...
- How Artist Devin Smith Went From Idea to Action: ‘XENON’ Web Comic (audio podcast) NOTE: Download this to play in your car, at the...
- CASE STUDY: Tomeka Atkinson, Artist In Action You’ve heard it said here that goals are dreams with...
Comments About Stuff