(WACO, Texas) – For Christopher Parker, of Killeen, inspiration can happen anywhere. His creativity for projects often stems from voice memos he leaves on his cell phone.
“When I am doing something, I will sit and work on it, and I will drop it and not think of anything,” Parker said. “It will quite literally be a flash of light in my head, and then I have to do it. It comes spontaneously to me.”
Parker is a fourth-semester online student pursuing an associate degree in Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College.
“His work demonstrates a strong command of graphic design software, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to infuse playfulness and creativity into his conceptual designs,” said Stacie Buterbaugh, an instructor in TSTC’s Digital Media Design program. “He consistently goes above and beyond with each assignment, adding his own personal flair that elevates the final product.”
Parker was born and raised in Killeen, where he attended the KISD (Killeen Independent School District) Career Center and graduated from Robert M. Shoemaker High School, where he played football and participated in SkillsUSA. His exposure to graphic and visual design early on was through high school classes, playing the Minecraft video game and watching YouTube videos.
Parker said he thought at first that he would attend a four-year university after high school.
“I started battling with myself whether spending all that money is needed for a graphic design degree,” he said. “I started looking it up and asking other people on social media. For the most part, I got a majority (of people) saying what you need is a strong portfolio. I will get a degree to back my portfolio.”
Parker said he learned about TSTC through his involvement in SkillsUSA.
“I looked at the degree plan, and it is more than just graphic design,” he said. “I am the type of person who likes learning whatever. It will get me away from just graphic design. I am learning photography, videography and storyboarding.”
Since early 2024, Parker has been a member of TSTC’s Alpha Omega Omega chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He is now the chapter’s co-president.
“During my time working with Christopher as his PTK advisor, he has shown qualities such as dedication, teamwork and leadership, which will be very beneficial for him in his field after college,” said Caitlin Simmonds, TSTC’s senior manager of Creative Services.
Parker said his options after graduating from TSTC include joining the military or working at a company where he can learn the skills needed to become an art director. He also wants to work on projects close to his heart: an athleisure company he and a business partner have established and using the money earned to set up a nonprofit organization to assist those members of Killeen’s population that do not have housing.
“I think everyone should have a second chance,” Parker said. “I just want to help as many people as I can.”
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
