Written by Marcie Kamb, July 17, 2025
The Center on Education and Training for Employment (CETE) is thrilled to welcome Charlie Cunningham as the new Graphic Designer for the Assessment Program. In this role, Charlie will be instrumental in translating complex information into visually engaging and accessible content to support the development, communication, and implementation of high-quality assessments across the state of Ohio.
Charlie’s arrival at CETE is grounded in the belief in the power of design to drive educational change. With previous experience in working with a nonprofit that supported crime survivors, Charlie brings a sense of purpose to their creative endeavors. “Being able to use my graphic design for education purposes feels meaningful,” Charlie said. “It’s about working toward a better tomorrow, making sure students have what they need to succeed, starting with the visuals we provide to them.”
Charlie’s design experience encompasses quite a range. From crafting logos for small businesses to producing motion graphics for major brands like Honda and Coca-Cola, their portfolio showcases adaptability. Charlie also brings an understanding of how to design for specific audiences, stating, “You wouldn’t deliver a children’s book illustration to a finance firm. Good design is about tailoring visuals to connect meaningfully with the people you’re serving.”
At CETE, Charlie is excited to collaborate with subject matter experts, helping them bring their discussion to life through effective design. “It’s about building a shared language between design and content,” Charlie explained. “Once that connection is made, the possibilities open up.”
Charlie is also passionate about the value of visual art and hopes to share the broader impact with CETE’s associates, students and faculty. Whether it’s enhancing data visualizations or bringing clarity to technical research, Charlie sees design as a bridge between information and understanding. “Visuals allow people to process information faster,” they noted. “They create an immediate connection that words alone often can’t achieve.”
Outside of work, Charlie’s creativity thrives through writing and community. They’re an active member of a Columbus-based writing group, where they’ve built an expansive “Charlie Cinematic
Universe” of interconnected stories and characters. Whether designing characters based on antique paperweights for a Zine they are working on with a friend or crafting found-document narratives, Charlie finds endless inspiration in the world around them, from rusted textures on shipping containers to the shape and shine of a clock. “Literally anything can spark an idea,” they said.
Charlie’s boundless curiosity, commitment to inclusive education, and dedication to meaningful design make them a welcome addition to CETE’s Assessment Program. CETE is looking forward to seeing how their talents will enhance the experiences of the learners, educators, and communities the Center serves.