This website is for informational purposes, regarding my professional work and presence. For freelance information, please find me on Upwork.
A little professional information . . .
Throughout my career, I have worked on many freelance projects, including identity and brand creation, music promotion material, interactive and engaging environmental designs, special event collateral, presentations materials, and much more. I am a devoted art director, design leader, and brand expert. I also love to design anything that you can hold in your hands, whether it be packaging, business and media publications, promotional items, etc. However, new opportunities for design always bring new chances to engage a user, learn a new type of design, and broaden my creative experience.
I got my start as a Graphic Design and Architecture major at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, GA. After my freshman year, I took a detour and obtained a B.A. in Radio/Sound from Columbia College in Chicago, IL. Interning at the renowned Chicago Recording Company, I assisted with foley sound design and post-production for commercials. I loved the industry, but my heart was still with design. I returned for my B.A. in Graphic Design from Northern Kentucky University.
I started my career as a Junior Graphic Designer, at South-Western/Thomson Learning (now Cengage), in the textbook publishing industry. Textbook and collegiate media design was a great way to break into the field. I was very fortunate to have been surrounded by well-trained, dedicated, and talented designers who were willing to impart their knowledge and expertise. Being surrounded by these industry professionals was a huge benefit and wonderful learning experience. I use all of that knowledge in my professional life, every day.
I eventually went to work for the premier administrator of government healthcare programs, CGS Administrators, LLC. I transformed their collateral; and created a standard of design and quality that was acknowledged by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and set a standard that other contractors still work to duplicate. I orchestrated a project that took form scan rates from below 30% to over 90%; was a leader on the diversity council and a member of the fundraising committee; and implemented 508 compliance across PDFs, online education courses, and presentations. My work continues to engage clients, educate providers, promote accessibility, and contribute to successful joint ventures and alliances.
In 2022, I accepted a part-time adjunct faculty position with Southern New Hampshire University. I am an online instructor for three collegiate undergraduate courses; Design Thinking for Graphic Designers, Designing with Data, and Professional Practices in Graphic Design.
In 2023, I was promoted to the Lead Marketing Communications Coordinator for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (CGS' parent company). I currently work on a variety of interesting and exciting projects with a great team.
A Little Personal information . . .
Some weird, but interesting facts:
I am a dedicated dog "Mom."
I am a painter and illustrator, with success in commissioned work.
I am just as comfortable in a PC environment, as I am working with Apple products.
I am a proud professional member of the AIGA, and have been since 2001.
Some of my work has won awards, including two American Graphic Design Awards and two CIGNA Circle of Excellence awards.
I am a traditional graphic designer, which also means that I am a design snob. I believe that you need training and education, along with experience, to be a true designer.
I was once a tattoo flash designer. Somewhere, there may be people in the world with my artwork on their skin. It's a wonderful compliment, as some of the best art in the world can be found in tattoo design.
I am a Starbucks junkie. It's such a design stereotype, but I can't help myself. It's the only cliche "designer" thing about me.