Who I Am

Who I Am

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Creative Professional

Is all this worth reading?
I’ve been in the creative field for almost 30 years and still get tremendous satisfaction from doing something I enjoy. Every project whether it’s personal or professional is different and presents its unique challenges, but the process of creating still drives me to this day. I still get excited about the prospect of coming up with something new each time.

Faded cassette
+ 1984 was a good year +

An apple a day

“It might come in handy one day.”
My path to becoming a designer started with my love for drawing, painting and illustration. I spent my formative years in college as an Art major. I started working in my school’s PR office to pay for art supplies. Then, one day, my supervisor at the time came to me and dropped this really heavy book on my desk. She said, “Here, read this and learn the computer. It might come in handy one day.” It was one of those old, thick Mac User Guides. Yes, you know the ones I’m talking about – the kind that could put someone in the hospital if you threw it at them.

What is a PageMaker anyway?
So, what did I do the first time I got on a computer? What else? I drew. Well, I used a little program called PageMaker. Yes, I know, PageMaker wasn’t made to illustrate but I didn’t know any better. The point is that I took something entirely unfamiliar and fused it with something that I was comfortable with and that opened up another world to me. I am forever grateful to my boss who encouraged me to learn the computer.

Thank you Gail, wherever you are.

A reflection of me

I think the hardest part about making a site for yourself is that you have fewer restrictions. With a client, you have to balance their needs but it’s a little different when you have a blank canvas staring you right in the face – and it’s supposed to be all about you.

I really wanted to say something meaningful about myself. The site wasn’t going to be just about pretty pictures but more about who I am as a creative individual and what it says about me. Speaking of this site, it features work that I’ve completed either as a full-time employee or as a freelancer. After working through many designs (and late nights) trying to figure out what I wanted to say, I decided that I wanted to show several sides of my creativity. I am very fortunate to be able to do something I like for a living. Not very many people can say that.

Mission possible

I truly enjoy working with a team of people who have the same purpose in mind. Even though I am currently employed, as a creative professional I feel that it is important to have a site dedicated to showcasing my work.

I don’t promote myself other than this site. Most of my connections come through word of mouth and I am grateful for being able to have those connections. I have three principles that guide my work ethic. First, I won’t take on a job just for the money (I know this sounds a bit naive) but it’s true for me. Second, I like to work within a team atmosphere. Third, my goal is not about having one more portfolio piece but about the best I can to serve the needs of the organization.

"I try to be professional with everyone. I treat everyone like I want to be treated. I focus on collaboration, teamwork and getting the job done."

Brands that have given me the opportunity to work on their projects