Potter bestows virtues of LCC

Brandon Potter graduated from South Lenoir in 2000 before enrolling at North Carolina State University.

"I attended NC State for a few years but struggled with what I wanted to do," Potter said. "I changed mind two or three times, and I realized it wasn't worth all the money being spent while not knowing what I wanted to do."

Potter says he left NC State but lived and worked in Raleigh for roughly 18 months before coming home to "hit the reset button." 

"Shortly after coming home I found myself with three part-time jobs," Potter said. "I sold cellphones, worked at Kinston Country club and near the end of 2002 started working with Isaac Hines at his photography studio in Kinston."

After a few months of working at Hines' studio, photography, imaging and graphics seemed to be a good fit for Potter. 

"I caught on pretty quick," Potter said. "It wasn't long before I dropped the other part time jobs to focus full-time on the photography studio. We did weddings, events, portraits; I started building websites on my own during this time as well."

After a year or so of doing this type of work full time, Potter decided it was time to back up his on-the-job training with a degree. 

"I spoke to the people in charge of the graphic arts and imaging programs at LCC and decided it was a good fit for me," Potter said. "Growing up I always drew and painted a bit and was kind of artistic, but never thought I could make a living at it."  

Potter worked full-time with Isaac Hines while attending LCC.

"I was immersed in graphic design, photography and web design," Potter said. "It was hard work having a full-time job while going to school, but it paid off. I earned my associates' degree in graphic arts/imaging technology at LCC in 2005."

After completing his studies at LCC, Potter continued working for Isaac Hines.

"I worked for Mr. Hines for a while, but he was close to retirement," Potter said. "I decided it would be best for me to go out on my own. I started Potter Photography and Design in June of 2007." 

Located at 118 West North Street, Kinston, Potter's is a full service portrait studio that specializes in children's photography, senior portraits, family portraits, professional headshots and commercial photography.

"I also design websites and about three years ago started Magic Mile Screen Printing Shop," Potter said. "We do all the screen printing for Chef & The Farmer and The Boiler Room. I'm also a co-founder of Magic Mile Media with BJ Murphy."

Potter says the training he received at LCC links directly to everything he does to earn a living.

"Yes I had some on-the-job training," Potter said. "But if you take a look at the services offered through my business regarding the technical side of digital imaging, web design, photography, screen printing and graphic design -  all of that is a result of my time at LCC. As you can see I've put my associates' degree to work."

Potter believes LCC's programs and facilities are comparable if not superior to those offered by some four-year colleges and universities.

"There are four-year colleges and universities that don't have the facilities and equipment that are available at LCC," Potter said. "LCC has saved me so much money because I don't have to pay anyone to create a website for me. If I need to run an ad, I can design my own. Not having to pay anyone for those services has helped my business tremendously."

"LCC was some of the best money and time I've ever spent. What I learned out there helps me make a living every day."

For more information on how you can help a student obtain an education, contact Jeanne Kennedy at 252-233-6812.