about
In My Element
ART: I’ve been experimenting with what it means to be an artist and designer since I was first encouraged to play around with oil paints as a four-year-old. STYLE: My aesthetic interests led naturally into crafting my own sense of fashion and style; one that often set me apart from my peers (and remains a major source of joy in my life!) LISTENING: As an art minor in college, I learned that the true heart of my interest wasn’t so much in the making of my own studio art, but more in the history classes where I could listen and learn about the people — the depth and details of life experience, artistic process, and personality that fueled their creations.
These three interests define me, my business, and my professional goals. I tell people: Graphic design is the use of visual elements to create a message or a feeling. At its best, I think it can even contain an element of translation and healing. A person can feel deeply seen, comprehended, encouraged, and validated when they receive a custom design that totally resonates with who they are, what they’re offering, and how they wish to be perceived. It’s not just about making things pretty! Each job is about engineering a meaningful, practical communication tool that takes the invisible (intentions, personality, values, ideas) and makes it visible — delivering information with grace and precision.
Experienced & Skilled
BRANDING = My passion and emerging specialty. Working with people to craft the overall look and feel of their business combines my interests and talents perfectly. It’s been my strongest work, and I plan to build my career around it.
Freelance Graphic Designer
2003 – Now. I work with small business owners and artisans to conceive original designs for their marketing and promotional materials.
Adjunct Faculty at Westfield State University
2008 – Now. I teach several undergraduate classes in computer graphics programs, including the Adobe Creative Suite and Quark XPress.
Communications Chairperson
9/2009 – 6/2011. Women’s Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley, Inc. I maintained the web site, all social media outreach, and produced the newsletter.
Ad Designer
8/2007 – 8/2008. Turley Publications, Palmer, MA. I designed at least 50% of the print ads for local businesses, published weekly in 26 area newspapers.
Graphic Design Intern
2/2003 – 5/2003. First Light Marketing, Communications and Design. Feeding Hills, MA. I worked closely with art directors and account executives as a full-time graphic designer, creating a variety of print projects and multimedia projects, including Flash animations, and Powerpoint presentations.
Educated
B.S. in Communications/Media.
My concentration was Graphic Design, with a minor Fine Art. Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, MA. I graduated in 2003.
Distinct
Top 25 Women to Watch: Western MA Women’s Magazine. October 2012.
40 Under Forty: The Young Business and Community Leaders of Western MA, BusinessWest. April 2012
Young Entrepreneurs Series. The Reminder, featured article. November 2010.
Outstanding New Member: Women Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley. 2008.
Exhibiting
Mount Tom Ice Cream (Part of the Easthampton Art Walk): Pint Sized, An Exploration of Feeling Small in a Large World.
September 2012. Easthampton, MA.
Eastworks Gallery: Inward and Upward, A Study on Memory and Growth.
December 2010. Easthampton, MA.
Dane Gallery: Inward and Upward, A Study on Memory and Growth.
January 2011 – February 2011. Springfield, MA.