Creativity in Action: Growing Through My GARCIA Internship
The Stories We Keep Program, designed by Christopher Amador
By Christopher Amador (Spring ‘26)
Coming from studying design academically and doing freelancing, I came into this internship at GARCIA looking for a bridge between my classes and real world industries. I wanted to see how my design work could actually function within the bigger picture of PR and community advocacy.
GARCIA supports non-profits and political figures around Southwest Florida, which meant there was never a slow day. I anticipated that my design skills would be put to use, but I didn't expect the wide variety of roles I’d be jumping into. One day I’d be deep-diving into research on social media growth and appearances, and the next I’d be out at a local event for a Congressional campaign. Being on the ground at those events, talking to people and collecting petition signatures was a massive shift from sitting behind a screen. It forced me out of my comfort zone and taught me that PR is just as much about face-to-face connection as it is about a digital presence.
A huge highlight for me was working on the Giving Challenge. It was a high-energy period where I was constantly designing and staying on top of social media to keep everyone posted on our milestones. I even handled outreach, contacting previous supporters to encourage them to donate again this year. Seeing that direct line between the content I created and the money raised for good causes was incredibly rewarding in between those big pushes.
Managing that mix of social media content and physical print work really sharpened my eye. I had to learn how to pivot quickly, like when I was working on the carousels. I’d start with a broad concept and then have to narrow it down to specific, researched details like the geography, dishes from different cultures, or clothing traditionally worn for diverse holidays. It taught me that in this field, your research and flexibility are just as important as the final export. Even on the more technical side.
What really stuck with me, though, was seeing just how involved my local communities actually are. I got to learn about and design for so many small grassroots events that I never would have been aware of prior. It was eye-opening to see so many people fighting for change in my own backyard coming together for such great causes. I’m leaving GARCIA with a portfolio that shows I can handle a little bit of everything—from coding and high-level strategy to the essential "boots on the ground" work. I am eager to enter the next phase of my career, and I feel far more confident heading into whatever comes next.
About Christopher Amador
Christopher Amador is a recent graduate of Cape Coral Technical College's Digital Design program. With experience in web design, photography, graphic design, and project management, Chris is passionate about all things design. Whether it be graphics, systems, or products, he always aims to create an unforgettable final product.
With a strong foundation in branding, layout, and visual consistency, he hopes to create cohesive and iconic branding systems for local businesses.
Certified in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
