College of Arts and Sciences
Majors: Art
Current Occupations: Art Directors at TracyLocke

It’s a world many only see on television: working with stars like David Beckham, Britney Spears, Shakira and Enrique Iglesias. Brainstorming the next “big idea” for companies like Pepsi, Levi’s, and Kimberly Clark. Delivering breakthrough ad campaigns and building brands through innovative thinking and marketing strategies.

“It’s a job that’s both exciting and demanding,” says Laura Vardzik, Associate Creative Director at TracyLocke, one of the country's top advertising agencies.

“Our jobs are very fast-paced,” agrees Ania Glodek-Harrell, who also works at TracyLocke, as a Senior Art Director, “but we wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Both Laura and Ania chose Sacred Heart University for its distinguished Graphic Design and Illustration programs and for its liberal arts foundation. Ania earned a B.S. by choosing electives like biology and astronomy–classes she feels opened her way of thinking through problem-solving and understanding the products she markets. Laura, meanwhile, discovered that “the professor-to-student ratio at Sacred Heart provided ample opportunities for one-on-one interaction and attention.” Jack De Graffenried, Laura’s Illustration professor and adviser, encouraged Laura, a Graphic Design major, to take her drawing abilities further. Under his guidance, Laura graduated with a B.A. in Graphic Design with a secondary emphasis in Illustration, enabling her to have a dual skill set, which she uses in her current profession. Laura was also a member of the Sacred Heart University Art Club and served as Vice President for one year. Prior to joining TracyLocke, she worked at Pitney Bowes and News America Marketing. Ania accepted her position at TracyLocke following her internship there between her junior and senior years at SHU.

“We design concepts from brainstorming to the finished product,” Ania says, “always trying to come up with fresh ideas for bringing concepts to life through the best art.”

“I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do,” Laura agrees. “We get to be creative every day and work with amazingly talented people. We come together to make the impossible possible and have fun doing it.”