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Sequia Spratley, Midlands Technical College Alumna, Class of 1999

 By Sandy Taylor 

In this edition of the Featured Professional, we’d like to introduce you to a very talented graphic designer, whose career began at Midlands Technical College.

 Mrs. Spratley is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer.  She designs brochures, business cards, logos, and invitations for small businesses.  Sequia has also illustrated book covers and created the charming illustrations for a children’s book, the cover of which you see here. The most rewarding elements of her career, Sequia says, are the challenge of designing and illustrating new, creative, and unique designs for clients, and the deep sense of joy that comes from seeing the work published.  The satisfaction of seeing her hard work result in a successful final product is thrilling!   

The important qualities that it takes to be a success in this field are creativity, innovation, and the ability to brainstorm and come up with new ways to express an idea.  Clients like to work with a designer who is articulate and who completes projects on time, so professionalism and organizational skills are important, as well as effective verbal and written communication.  There are a few challenges in this field.  For example, it can be frustrating is when a client comes in with a preconceived specific design. When this occurs, the artist can feel stifled; especially when she has a great idea of how better to convey the client’s message. Ultimately, however it is the client’s decision and the client is of course always right.

Sequia graduated from Midlands Technical College in 1999. She was Sequia White at that time.  She attended MTC straight from high school and especially liked the small class size, the easy access to instructors, and the very personal way that instructors relate to the students.  She is convinced that her success in achieving her Bachelor of Art in Graphic Design from University of South Carolina 2001, and in her professional life is in large part due to the time she studied at MTC.  Sequia says that the great courses studied at MTC were not only the ones “in her major.” The basic computer courses helped her master Microsoft Office, which is an invaluable tool for a small business to manage client lists and expense accounts.  The art courses helped refine her skills as an illustrator and provided experience working with various other types of media such as charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints. 

When asked about her other memories of MTC, Sequia told me she loved her English Literature class; which she said was “so much more than reading.”   Art teacher, Ms. Geiger, taught her to express herself, and how to have fun “artfully.”  In another art class, Dr. Washington taught the important skill of networking and guided the students to enter an art contest – which she won!  The prize was that her cover design was published -- Her very first published work of art! 

As for advice she’d give MTC students, Sequia said “Take full advantage of every course you take, because you’ll be able to make full use of that information later on in your career.”  Sequia knows that in education nothing is wasted.  She works a second job where she is a customer service agent for Verizon Wireless using some of her business skills.  Also, she suggests that you try to sign up as an intern at a local advertising or graphics design agency to learn more about the career and to get ‘hands-on’ experience.   She urges every graphic art student to maintain an up-to-date portfolio of their illustrations and designs to show potential clients and employers. Sequia’s student days were not without stress. She worked two jobs, which was indeed very demanding. That is why she says “I know it can be a real challenge to finish college, but remain focused on your studies and the career that you have planned and it will pay off in the end.” 

Mrs. Spratley loves to spend time with her family.  Sequia has an adorable little girl, Tautiera, who is ten years old.  She is married to Jamahl, another talented artist whose specialty is black and white photography; Sequia’s photo here is his work.