Alumni Spotlight – Jon Lacey: Being Yourself Can Take You Far

Jon Lacey is the perfect example of what it means to put yourself out there. Jon has created a success story through his hard work, dedication, and being himself.

Being a graphic design major wasn’t always in the cards for Jon. “From an early age, elementary through middle school, I always had an interest in technology, computers, ipods, and macs specifically,” said Jon. “Going through general art classes growing up, then getting into photography in middle school and finally doing my first 101 beginner graphic design classes freshman year of high school”.

During Jon’s time as a graphic design major for Montclair, he was required to get an internship. He said the process of getting an internship was quite easy for him. He was able to land one with Blue Dog Graphic Design and Printing. “I called them up asking for the person in charge of hiring interns, went in later that day and pretty much through my charisma got hired right on the spot – no resume, no portfolio, no nothing. I walked in with knowledge and confidence and got the internship on the spot”. Since then, he has worked his way to becoming a Head Graphic Designer.

Since graduating from Montclair, Jon has built a career for himself. He started his own company, “Laceys Designs”. “Brick by brick everything was all built out. Laceys Designs began as a way to branch off into my own realm and get personal freelance experience in the business world”. His creation for his company was based on his love for the work that he does. “Being a designer comes with a little bit of moral responsibility and the general responsibility for taking accountability in life…I only set it up once I knew this was where I wanted my life to go; helping people design and capture their dreams to reality”.

When it comes to the most valuable lesson learned over the years, Jon learned that it isn’t hard as long as you put in the work. “With proper education, hands on training and having the soft skills of knowing how to interact with people, anything is possible” Jon said “Don’t let parents, friends, professors, bosses, anyone, hold you back. Just do it! It’s never been easier, the entire world is at your fingertips”.

Jon’s best advice for current and future Redhawks is to make new friends as they could help you out in the long run. “Talk to everyone, a simple ‘hi’ can go a long way. Especially in college, the peers in your major have similar interests”. “Multiple times I’ve called upon old classmates to do design jobs for me where their skill set was much better. The people you meet now will go off and do extraordinary things with their life, it’s always good to have your name in their contacts list with them knowing you are a capable trust worthy hard worker”.

Written by, Jayla Trice