My love for creating visual art began at an early age when I took painting lessons. Every Saturday morning for 10 years, I'd dip my brush into oils and acrylics and slop the gorgeous wet paint on the blank canvas, gradually unveiling works that excited my family.

I left the frozen tundra of NE Ohio and ventured to the bright lights, big city hum of NYC, where I bounced around for a few years, working at various companies such as Burson-Marstellar, MacMillan-McGraw Hill and Worth Publishing.

My career really took off when I was tapped to be the Director of the Reprint Art Department at Scholastic, Inc., the world's largest children’s book publisher. Hired to manage the Book Fair/Book Club division, I directed a team of talented artists as we grew revenue to 25% of the company’s yearly $1.4B portfolio.

Upon leaving NYC for the sunny shores of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, I landed at First Marketing, a direct mail marketing firm. While at FM, I created direct mail and newsletters for national and regional accounts, where I was recognized with two awards.

Expanding into digital design while at ummhumm | creative studio, I have developed my digital design ability and now can add SEO marketing and WordPress management to my skill set. With the rise of social media, I have completely embraced the medium and have created campaigns for multiple clients.

I'm a classically trained pianist and have spent most of my life playing guitar. While in New York City, I was involved in 8 bands ranging from blues to rock to country, recording albums and touring along the East Coast throughout the 1990s.

I am a fervent animal lover, self-described foodie and believe that the need to create is innate in all of us. I get inspired from everything. Seeing a movie, hearing a great band, watching my dogs chase and play with each other – they are all connected. I try to bring all of my experiences to the table with the desire to create compelling, long-lasting creative design.

Why Hire Me

Creative Director
In 2008, I was tapped by ummhumm | creative studio to become the Creative Director. With a book of business spanning automotive, healthcare, government, and real estate, I communicated with all accounts from kick-off meetings through client approval to production, while maintaining staff schedules and overseeing project budgets.

I expanded into digital development in 2012, guiding the company through website and web banner designs, and email campaigns. I've gained valuable experience coordinating with programmers, coders and developers as they enact my designs into coherent finished products.

As the demand for social media marketing exploded, I now manage the accounts utilizing LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram platforms.

Art Director
As the Art Director at First Marketing, I created direct mail and newsletters for national and regional accounts, where I was recognized with two awards. My work on the Pozen, "Got Knee Pain" clinical trial was my first award, and my design of the newsletter for Union Hospital was my second.

My overall productivity was guided by Six Sigma principles as I helped boost sales and retained customers and clients. This was specifically helpful on the Medicare Plan D campaign for Nation's Health.

I grew into directing the Automotive Department, where I managed the workload and mentored 2 staff and 3 off-site personnel. I regularly gave seminars on Graphic Design best practices, as I increased overall awareness on the need for quality design among the sales staff and account managers.

Graphic Designer
Being a Graphic Designer since 1995, I have worked in a variety of industries from Fortune 500 organizations to mom-and-pop outfits. Automotive, Education, Food, Government, Healthcare, Real Estate, and Telecommunications are a sampling of industries I've been involved in.

My designs are clean and modern, but I am not afraid to push the boundaries and disrupt, if appropriate. I study trends and am aware of other designs, but I don't mistake novelty for innovation.

I prefer using impactful artwork that marries with thoughtful text. The two need to combine in a way that engages the viewer, no matter the medium.

I've checked my ego at the door, have rolled up my sleeves and am ready get to work on any project. If you give me specs, I can design it.