People CENTRAL FLORIDA’S
‘Girl Wonder’ When it comes to graphic technology, Erica Crawford is Central Florida’s ‘Girl Wonder.’
Modestly, she contends that she is an artist whose talents and skills in graphic design and marketing helps businesses and organizations to achieve brand positioning, marketing and communications goals. Erica is an energetic, young entrepreneur and owner of Crawford Designs and Promotions. Her multifaceted skills and talents in graphic and web design as well as marketing and promotions for businesses and events can be seen in various mediums -- from billboards to print collateral -- across Central Florida. Erica took a leap of faith when she started her own business. She recalls how her hands shook while presenting her company’s services before the esteemed Bethune-Cookman University Board of Trustees. Her enthusiasm, fairness, and ‘can do’ attitude, enabled the young entrepreneur to plan, manage, create the branding and market the university’s Centennial Celebration marking the historic 100-year anniversary of the university as well as the inauguration of the newly appointed President Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed. Although the first – and clearly major – undertaking was a valiant feat for the first timer, she had lots of experience under her belt as well as a dynamic committee to aide her every step of the way. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow’…really?” recalls Erica. It was an unbelievable and phenomenal opportunity that was clearly a catalyst in Crawford Designs and Promotions quickly becoming one of the contenders in Central Florida’s graphic design, promotions, and print production industry. This is just one of the groundbreaking feats the ‘Girl Wonder’ has been known for since the inception of her business.
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Reared in the Lowcounty of Beaufort, South Carolina, Erica moved to Orlando -- what she referred to as the ‘Big City’ in 2002 after graduating from Savannah State University with a Bachelors of Art Degree in Print Communications. Instead of the run of the mill jobs, Erica designed and printed funeral and special event programs to sustain her lifestyle throughout college and worked as the Senior Graphic Designer for The Gullah Sentinel, the first Blackowned and operated newspaper in Beaufort, South Carolina. Upon her arrival in Orlando, she remembers telling her mother, ‘I only plan to be here a short time. I plan to save money then move to Virginia with friends.’ No sooner had the words left her lips; she landed a job as a reporter at the areas oldest Black newspaper, The Orlando Times. Under the tutelage of Dr. Calvin Collins, Jr., Erica quickly progressed from Reporter to Assistant Managing Editor in under a year. “I was blessed to cross paths with people who wanted to pass the torch of experience, talent and wisdom. Being a self-starter, team player, and a good listener makes me a perfect match for building business and customer relationships. I constantly remind myself of the lessons my mentors shared. I am able to give this interview because some one else cared enough to help me grow and succeed along the way,” says Erica.
Like the Little Engine That Could, Crawford Designs and Promotions continues to emerge and revamp its services. They strive to provide their clients with the most cost efficient and highest quality graphic design, marketing, and event planning services. Erica, the ‘Girl Wonder’ of Central Florida is truly talented in all aspects of print and electronic graphic design, event planning, and marketing. November/December 2007