Cameron Garrity is what’s known around campus as a “triple threat.” He’s not only an alum of Daemen’s graphic design program, but he’s also taught classes, and now serves as one of the college’s talented graphic designers within Institutional Advancement. Let’s get to know Cam better!
Name: Cameron Garrity
Title, Department: Graphic Designer, Publications
What inspired you to pursue your career?
I was a student at Daemen studying to be a teacher when I realized I was much more interested in pursuing a full-time career as a commercial artist. The graphic design program here is second-to-none and I found a home in the Visual and Performing Arts Department. I had always been interested in layout and digital art — so this was a perfect fit.
What two things might people NOT know about you?
Since June 2018, I’ve hosted a podcast called, Puppet Tears: Puppetry Shop Talk where we interview “the world’s most passionate puppeteers” from theater, film, and television. I’m also a performer on Buffalo ComedySportz’s Minor League squad that performs every Friday (during non-pandemic times) right up the street from Daemen at Main Street and Harlem Road.
In what ways have our students and the college community inspired you over the years?
I am constantly in awe of the Daemen community. I’ve had the unique privilege to be a student, alum, faculty member, and now staff member at this college over the last 11 years — there’s so much creative energy and passion to draw from, it’s one of the reasons I can’t stay away. There’s room here for everyone to be themselves, exercise their unique voice, and inspire their peers, which makes Daemen greater than the sum of its parts.
What is something you’d like the college community to know about you personally or professionally?
Working as a graphic designer at Daemen is the dream job I never knew I wanted. The same creative freedom I experienced as a student continues to permeate my work in institutional advancement. Every day, I am allowed (if not encouraged) to bring my full self and personality into the projects I create — from illustrations to puppets and everything in-between.
What is your greatest accomplishment this year and what do you hope to achieve in 2021?
My greatest accomplishment in 2020 was getting hired to work here! To be more specific, though, I am tremendously proud of the work I’ve been allowed to put into further developing the school mascot, Willie the Wildcat. I have had a blast giving him a more rounded personality — I think it’s been a morale booster for the whole Daemen community.