Sal Buccellato brings a creative eye to the College of Business

Sal Buccellato's path to graphic design began in an unlikely place: the culinary arts department at Macomb Community College. He enjoyed cooking, but found himself increasingly drawn to the art department just down the hall.

Before long, he was taking drawing, color theory and art history classes, exploring a creative interest he'd had since childhood. A trip to Colorado eventually led him to the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, where he initially planned to study illustration or painting. After reviewing his portfolio, the graphic design department chair encouraged him to try something different.

"I had no clue what I was getting into, but I am grateful he directed me that way," Buccellato said. "I think it was a good fit."

That unexpected introduction launched a design career that has taken Buccellato across the country, including New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Colorado and Wisconsin. This summer, he brought that experience to Central Michigan University's College of Business, joining the marketing and communications team as its full-time graphic designer.

Finding inspiration everywhere

Throughout his career, Buccellato has worked in a variety of creative environments, developing experience with branding, graphic design and environmental installations. His time living and working in major cities also shaped how he approaches creative challenges.

In New York and San Francisco, inspiration was often as close as a walk around the neighborhood. When he struggled with an idea, stepping outside could provide an unexpected solution.

"I was so inundated with visual information," Buccellato said. "If I was struggling with coming up with an idea, it was so easy to go for a run or a walk. You would see something that would trigger a thought. It was like, 'Oh, I think I have an idea.'"

The sights, sounds and diversity of the people around him continually offered new perspectives. Those experiences helped him grow both professionally and personally, introducing him to different ways of thinking and approaching creative work.

Now, Buccellato is applying that perspective to a different kind of creative environment. Rather than moving from one client to the next, he has an opportunity to help shape the College of Business's visual communications over time.

He sees value in the gradual improvements that come with working for one organization. A conversation with a fellow designer helped him appreciate how in-house creative professionals can influence a brand's development through consistent, thoughtful work.

"Every little step adds up and they make a difference," he said. “"You have more impact to move that needle versus when you do a whole brand refresh and you turn over all the files. Then you're just done with it."

As part of the college's marketing and communications team, Buccellato supports faculty, staff and programs with visual materials that communicate their work and opportunities. He also brings professional experience and perspective to the student graphic designers working alongside him.

Alisha Draper, director of marketing and communications, said Buccellato's attention to detail and willingness to consider new approaches have already made him a valuable addition to the team.

"Sal is incredibly thoughtful and conscientious about his work," Draper said. "He brings a wealth of professional experience, but what I particularly appreciate is that he doesn't just accept something because it's how we've always done it. He's willing to ask questions, explore alternatives and look for ways to make our work better. That's exactly the kind of creative thinking I want on our team."

Building connections and exploring Michigan

Although Buccellato's career has taken him across the country, Michigan is familiar territory. He grew up in metro Detroit and is enjoying the opportunity to rediscover his home state from a new location. Joining him is Franklin, his well-traveled dog, who has accompanied him through moves between Colorado, Wisconsin and Michigan.

While his career has taken him to new places, many of the relationships he formed along the way have remained constant. Some of his closest professional connections began as friendships in college, growing into a network of designers who have supported one another through career changes, shared creative challenges and new opportunities.

"The connections I made in college have been so helpful throughout my career," Buccellato said. "We've all stayed in touch. A bunch of us moved to New York at the same time, and so it made us bond even closer."

It's an experience that underscores the importance of building relationships beyond the classroom, something he encourages students beginning their own professional journeys to consider. Those connections have helped him find opportunities, exchange ideas and navigate the unexpected turns of a creative career.

Now, as he builds new relationships at CMU, Buccellato brings that same appreciation for collaboration to the College of Business. His experience, curiosity and thoughtful approach to design are already helping strengthen the college's communications and support the people and programs behind them.