Why graphic design and what's your definition?
I believe graphic design has the power to influence anyone on anything using any technique. It's a form of communication.
A simple text newspaper ad featuring a local event.
A magazine ad featuring a new pharmaceutical drug.
A textbook describing the latest of the universe.
A magazine article showcasing the latest in phone technology.
A website that teaches children about their country's history.

Graphic design needs to be precise; its goal is to deliver a message to its audience. It has to get a particular message across to the audience to that they will understand what the design is trying to convey.
Text and imagery work together in delivering a message. It takes a creative mind to be able to pull people into a design's grasp.
Like Sharon Helmer Poggenphol states on the American Institute of Graphic Arts website, "Graphic design is a creative process that combines art and technology to communicate ideas."

Designers have to be sure to be familiar with their tools (such as typefaces and medias), and be able to attract an audience no matter what time period it is. This was when I started my personal phrase, "Graphic design is an ever evolving form of art and communication." It doesn't ever stop growing; it has to keep evolving to keep its audience interested and to keep up "with the times."
So, the question "What is graphic design?" is one question that needs to go beyond the simple answer such as "brochures, logos, advertising." It needs to have an answer that is educating; one that tells people that it's an art form and that it works together with technology to guide that final message to the audience. That has to be expressed through the design itself. That’s what makes graphic design such an exciting profession – it combines the best of art and technology and expression and communicates to an audience in a form unlike any other in our time.

How did I start out?
After settling down in Princeton, KY, I decided to pursue the arts, specifically graphic design and computer animation due to my love for animation and video games. After graduating as one out of 10 Valedictorians from Caldwell County High School in 2001, I pursued My Bachelor of Arts at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY (major in Studio Art (emphasis Graphic Design) and music minor), where I graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2005.
While at MSU, I had the chance to work under two Creative Directors in the communications office which inspired me to work in university setting (and eventually teach at the college level). I moved to Auburn, Alabama in 2006 to work for the College of Education at Auburn University (the only graphic designer for that college). I also freelances for clients in the area and back in Kentucky.
I started working on my Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with Savannah College of Art and Design in 2009.

Here's a brief resume, which leads to a more detailed version if needed.

Other random information
Originally born in Clarksville, TN, I had the opportunity to live in Germany for 6 years due to my father's military career. At one point, my family decided to live off base, which gave us the unique chance to fully experience European culture. While growing up, I learned much about the arts, music and fine art, science, mathematics and government.
On the side, I'm the handbell director of two handbell choirs (youth and adult) at Union Christian Church. I also perform with a local Taiko group in Chambers County and have my yellow belt in Yoshukai Karate.