Award-winning Publication Specialist (graphic designer and art director) with over 17 years of design experience including: magazines, books, menus, annual reports, media kits, marketing materials, newsletters, brochures, advertising campaigns, catalogs, CDs, logos, presentations — for clients including the Smithsonian Institution, Fannie Mae, PBS, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Recreation & Park Association, Frederick County Recreation & Park Association, American Small Business Association, and Delmar Publishing.
A great eye for detail, both graphically and photographically, I have art directed photographers on photo shoots, and even won awards for my own photography. With my educational background in fashion design, interior design and architecture, I am passionate about and inspired by all kinds of design.
Creative and driven, I can successfully prioritize, meet tight deadlines, and stay organized while managing multiple projects and client relationships — working unattended or within a team. I have a positive attitude, am a good communicator, and enjoy collaborating with editors and writers to develop article ideas, generate catchy headlines, subheads, cover lines, and pull quotes to create a fantastic final visual product. I consider design “problems” as challenges to solve.
My career in visual arts includes six years of visual merchandising and display for department stores including Hecht's, Leggett and Belk. I've literally decorated hundreds of Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands (and still love doing it!). Expert at lighting and utilizing promotional collateral.
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) QuarkXPress, Microsoft Office, PitStop, FlightCheck, PageStore — I am a quick learner and eager to master new programs. I have worked both on PC and Mac platforms. Strong knowledge of the printing and production process.
CAREER
EDUCATION
• BA in Design from Kent State University, Kent, OH
• Writing workshops at The Writer's Center in Bethesda, MD
• Design coursework at Frederick Community College, Frederick, MD
• Care for the Terminally Ill workshops at Frederick Community College, Frederick, MD
• Ongoing seminars at Hospice of Frederick County, Frederick, MD
INTERESTS
I am positive with a great sense of humor, always trying to learn more about design, food, people, and places. My passions include, but are not limited to: reading, lively book club discussions, writing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, traveling, gardening, cooking, cooking shows, eating fatty foods, theater, scary movies, hanging out with my fantastic family (and being an aunt), storytelling, pranks, and learning French. I enjoy giving back to my community with pro bono design work for various organizations, volunteering at Hospice, and was one of the founders and volunteers for an MS Society fundraiser for 10 years.
PLACES I'VE LIVED
Born in NYC then moved to Lakewood, OH (Cleveland suburb) when I was seven. Attended college at Kent State University in Kent, OH; lived in Cleveland Heights, OH, then moved to Frederick, MD, in 1992.
