Congrats to Reshonda Perryman, Creative Design Manager at Visit Jackson in Mississippi. She’s one of nine winners in the second annual Emerging Tourism Stars program in partnership with MMGY Global.
Readers will meet more of the winners in upcoming issues of The Travel Vertical and they’ll be recognized in person during the 23rd Annual eTourism Summit on June 6-8, 2022 in Orlando.
What’s an Emerging Tourism Star? Savvy individuals (of any age!) in destination marketing and attractions that are new to the eTourism Community of digital travel and tourism professionals or have risen to the challenges of a role.
- Winners will be directly connected with a travel and tourism leader as a mentor
- Winners receive a scholarship to attend eTourism Summit
- Winners will participate in a panel conversation at eTourism Summit moderated by MMGY Global
- One winner will fill the eTS Emerging Tourism Star Advisory Board Seat (an annual appointment)
Q: It’s fair to say that most of us in destination marketing have never designed and painted a 73-foot x 23-foot mural. Tell us more!
LOL. To me, its honestly like a giant coloring page. Ironically, I hated coloring as a child (I rebelled against staying in the lines), but there’s something so peaceful about creating murals for me. It’s really cool to not only develop an entire concept and design it on the computer, but to also see it come to fruition on a larger than life scale. Two of my favorite things about being a muralist are I get to marry two of my passions, graphic design and art, and I get to beautify communities. It’s truly a labor of love.
Q: Tell us about your professional journey. How did you arrive at your role?
I have been drawing or creating in some form for as long as I have been able to hold a pencil. I started painting at the age of 12, and was freelance artist all throughout grade school. When it was time to choose college majors, I needed a change of pace. So I chose a field where I could still be creative, but use different muscles and acquire new skills. That is where I found my love for graphic design, studying and earning a degree in design at Jackson State University. That’s part of why I’m so passionate about working here in the Visit Jackson community. Shortly after college, I reignited my love for art and eventually found a place where I could fully enjoy them both professionally.
Q: What is your role in looking after all creative aspects of Visit Jackson?
My title is Creative Design Manager, but that title essentially consists of managing all things brand-related and creative. I am responsible for our logo design, all items that feature our logo, printed materials, merchandise design, furniture selection and office décor, storefront design, artwork, art partnerships, etc. The list is never-ending. It’s a role I take great pride in, and I especially enjoy seeing its effects on the Jackson and tourism communities.
Q: How would you describe the look and feel, the tone of voice you curate for Visit Jackson?
In short, “soulful” and vibrant. I want to make a statement that makes people feel welcome and at home.
Q: What are three things you’d like a first-time visitor to know about the destination? And three things you’d like them to take away as a memory?
Visitors leaving Jackson are always complimentary about how the people they met are so friendly and how incredible ALL the food is. One reason I love what I do is because I get to debunk stereotypes and misconceptions about Mississippi. I want people to leave with a refreshed perspective of who we are, with the warmth of hospitality in their souls, rejuvenation from the culture, and a belly full of this amazing food.
Q: What are some of your personal career goals and aspirations as an Emerging Tourism Leader? My goal is to continue to grow in my profession and in tourism, by continuing to immerse myself in the needs of the community, new skills, and taking on as many opportunities, like the eTourism Summit, as I can.
Q: What do you hope to achieve by attending eTourism Summit? I would like to soak up as much knowledge, inspiration and energy as possible from my peers and this experience, to continue contributing to the growth of my community and this industry.
Related:
Meet Kathryn Shea Duncan: 2022 Emerging Tourism Star From Visit Lake Charles, LA
Meet Frank Filice: 2022 Emerging Tourism Star From Sonoma County Tourism, California
Meet Courtney Spiess: 2022 Emerging Tourism Star From Visit Marietta GA
