Safety Shoes and Photo Shoots: Being 22, Creative, and a Woman in Manufacturing
Posted on by Karli Butcher
When people ask what I do, there's usually a pause after I say I’m a graphic designer and photographer in the manufacturing industry. It’s not the most expected combination—especially for someone who’s 22—but that’s exactly why I love it.
I get to bring creativity into a space that isn’t always known for it. My days are a blend of visual storytelling, hands-on learning, and finding beauty in places most people wouldn’t think to look—like a perfectly aligned conveyor system or a just-finished aluminum frame catching the light.
Creativity Where You Least Expect It
Manufacturing might not be the first industry people associate with design and photography, but it's full of untapped visual potential.
Every product has a story, every machine has a function, and every function has a purpose.
My job is to make sure that purpose comes through clearly and effectively—whether it’s in a brochure, on a website, or in a product photo.
The Factory Floor Is My Studio
Most of my shoots don’t involve softboxes and styled sets. They involve steel-toed safety shoes, safety glasses, and sometimes dodging forklifts. It’s a different kind of studio, but it’s taught me how to be resourceful and flexible with my creative process.
Some of my favorite photos have come from unplanned moments on the floor—an operator doing something with such practiced precision, or the way a finished product reflects under fluorescent lights. There’s no faking those details. You just have to be ready to catch them.
Designing for Function, but Still with Feeling
In a field that’s all about precision and process, bringing in a visual, human-centered perspective adds real value. I’m often the person in the room asking, “How will this actually look to someone seeing it for the first time?” or “Does this design clearly show what this machine does?” It’s about creating materials that inform and connect—not just decorate.
I’m not just making things “look nice.” I’m making things make sense.
Finding My Place in the Industry
As a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, I definitely stand out—but that’s not a bad thing. It gives me a unique perspective, and it pushes me to be intentional in everything I create. I get to work with people who’ve been in this industry longer than I’ve been alive, and they’ve taught me so much. But I also bring fresh eyes, new ideas, and a visual mindset that helps bridge the gap between technical and creative.
And that’s what makes this work so rewarding. I’m not just here to “add some visuals”—I’m here to tell stories, clarify communication, and show the value of what we build.
Why It Matters
Manufacturing is evolving, and so is the way we talk about it. Great design and photography help people see that. They bring attention to the details, the processes, and the people behind the products. And being part of that shift—even in a small way—feels meaningful.
So no, I don’t spend my days designing apps or shooting product commercials. I spend them translating machines into stories, and turning functionality into form. And for me, that’s exactly where I want to be.
Karli Butcher is mk North America's Video and Print Advertising Specialist.