This website is for informational purposes, regarding my professional work and presence. For freelance information, please find me on Upwork.
a little Professional . . .
I am a devoted art director, design leader, and brand expert. 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 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 then 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 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 moved on to work for the premier administrator of government healthcare programs. At the time, I was the first and only graphic designer on staff. I was able to transform their collateral; and create a standard of design and quality that other contractors still work to duplicate. I orchestrated a project that took form scan rates from below 30% to over 90%; co-chaired the diversity council (and participated in diversity-driven, charitable, and health initiatives for several years); and headed 508 compliance and implementation. 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. They are Design Thinking for Graphic Designers, Designing with Data, and Professional Practices in Graphic Design.
Throughout the years, 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'm a print designer at heart, and 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.
a Little Personal . . .
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 member of the AIGA, and have been since 2001.
Some of my work has won some awards, including two American Graphic Design Awards.
I had the privilege of meeting some of my design heroes, including Dana Arnett, Paula Scher, Michael Bierut, Steff Geissbühler, and Milton Glaser. Nothing like a design hero to turn you into an awkward fangirl.
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 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.
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 an avid fan of Star Wars, Outlander, Yellowstone, Godzilla (Mothra, really), and Little House on the Prairie (of course).
There is no "box" that I fit into, so it's likely best not to try to place me into one.