Creative Thinker | Leader + Educator | Lifelong Learner
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND DESIGNER
on being a creative thinker
Mastering the art of communicating an idea, moving someone to take action or creating a visual road map, is the pinnacle responsibility of a great designer. Making choices based on research and intuitive listening allows the designer to create visually compelling solutions that address intended goals. This is my motto. Whether developing brands, strategizing a new marketing campaign or designing an infographic, the same amount of work goes into each project. Working under tight deadlines and managing multiple projects only energizes these efforts. I believe these things contribute to my success as a designer.
providing the experience
After 25 years designing—a seasoned veteran in the industry—I have worked to become the best person I can be through my successes, my failures and my dedication to always striving for excellence. I continue to challenge myself by looking for that fresh idea, maintaining high standards and keeping up with industry trends. I am patient, organized and have a passion for visually compelling design solutions.
leading teams and mentoring young designers
Being the creative lead on a project does not mean only my ideas work. Often it is the collaboration of all the team that makes for a cohesive design. It is important that everyone feels value and pride in a project well done. I have had the great fortune of working side-by-side with the best copywriters, photographers, illustrators and other designers and our award-winning solutions are proof of our hard work.
As an adjunct professor, I led by example mentoring students—showing them best practices and encouraging them to expand their design capacity to push the limits and move past what is ordinary to something extraordinary.
learning every day
To stop learning, means to stop growing. It is essential for creative people to get out and and play. For me this means taking time to work in a different environment or going back to my fine art roots and exploring. I work toward fitting this into my routine but also spend time taking online courses to keep up on new technologies—essential today for the fast-paced digital world. The only problem I have is choosing what to learn next.
Advertising campaigns
Annual reports
Book cover + internal design
Branding + graphic standards
Campaign development materials
Capability brochures
Event collateral
Direct mail promotions
Exhibit design + Environmental design
Identity systems
Information design graphics
Package design
Poster design
Press kits/Sales kits
Product brochures
Publications
web + media + social
Website design and development
Interactive pubs./annual reports/brochures
PowerPoint presentations
Social media graphics
SEO management
Email marketing
branding + marketing + special
Branding + marketing
Brand management
Strategic marketing plans + implementation
Capital campaign strategies
Image building campaigns
Commercial photography
Copy writing + proofing
Custom Illustrations + artwork
Special event planning + and preparation
Video + Editing