Savannah College of Art and Design alumnus Marcus Waltermark
(B.F.A., graphic design, 2003) has many and varied talents. Not only
is he the designer of two industry magazines in Sweden, he also is a
kickboxing instructor and a painter and has entered the political arena,
where he was elected to public office.

Waltermark recently was hired by Mentor Communications AB in
Helsingborg, Sweden, his hometown, where he will design Grafiskt Forum,
a magazine for leaders in the graphic design industry in Sweden, and U&D,
a news magazine for workers in industrial maintenance. He also will be
responsible for designing brochures, advertisements, concept developments
and other miscellaneous items.

“The best part about graphic design is coming up with the right idea and
designing the right logo to represent the firm in the best possible way,” he said.
      Waltermark applied for the job by e-mail and was offered the position
after three interviews, which included meetings with the production
manager and chief editors.

“The knowledge of type, design, layout, color theory, brainstorming and
other skills I acquired at SCAD is essential to my job,” he said.

In addition, he joined Sweden’s Moderaterna, or liberal moderate, political party in 2005,
and was recently elected to serve on the Cultural Board of Helsingborg until 2010.
      In the summer, he picked up his paintbrush after a long hiatus and began painting
large-format abstract pieces in oil, acrylic and sometimes gold leaf. Drawing inspiration
from everyday life, fellow artists and music, he said his paintings represent abstract
energy that he channels from within himself.

“I never know what the painting will look like,” he said.

His first group exhibition was in December 2006 at the public library in
Helsingborg, where he sold one of his paintings to benefit the Lions Club
and other aid organizations for children. His work will be part of an
exhibition in the Stockholm Art Gallery in March.
      At SCAD, Waltermark was involved in many student activities, including
the SCAD cheerleading squad, National Residence Hall Honorary and
Inter-hall Council. He was a Weston House resident assistant, formed
the SCAD Kickboxing Club and taught nearly 120 students the popular
fitness technique. Waltermark said he wanted to help students get into
shape and learn a method of self-defense. This purpose has driven him
to teach kickboxing and fitness at the largest gym in Helsingborg, Friskis Svettis.

“I enjoy helping other people get into shape by inspiring them and
teaching them the right techniques and training programs for the i
ndividual,” said Waltermark.

Although he is passionate about his career as a graphic designer,
he said he aims to incorporate all of his interests into his overall career and life plan.

“From childhood, I was inspired by my dad, who is a commercial illustrator
and designer,” said Waltermark. “Since my years at SCAD, my goals have
been evolving to encompass more of my interests.”His future aspirations
include owning his own design firm, having a prestigious political assignment,
and of course teaching health and fitness.

By: Amanda Tower

Published: Friday, January 12, 2007
Tower is a publications editor.