About

What started as a hobby has evolved into a successful career. I first started dabbling with Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Photoshop while in high school, and at the same time I taught myself HTML. I obtained an Associates of Applied Business in Computer Programming at Northwest State Community College after high school and then enrolled at Bowling Green State University to pursue my BFA in Graphic Design. In 2007 I graduated Magna Cum Laude, receiving my BFA in Graphic Design while achieving a secondary concentration in Printmaking.

When I'm not pushing pixels around, I'm addictively following a sport. The New York Jets, Chicago Bulls, and Cincinnati Reds require quite a bit of my attention. I enjoy doing any sort of sports design projects, and regularly create desktop wallpapers in my free time.

Awards

 2012 Advertising Club of Toledo
Silver ADDY
2011 Advertising Club of Toledo
Gold ADDY
Silver ADDY
2010 Advertising Club of Toledo
Bronze ADDY (2)
2009 Crystal Awards
Crystal Award of Excellence (2)
Merit Award of Achievement

CASE District V
Silver Award

Education

 2007 BFA Graphic Design
Secondary concentration in Printmaking
Bowling Green State University
2002 AAB Computer Programming
Northwest State Community College
2000 Swanton High School

Experience

 2008 Oct - Present Coordinator, Web Design & Development
The University of Toledo
Member of the Web Development team whose role is to design compelling, rich and user friendly interfaces for Web sites, banners, interactive e-mails, intranets, CD and DVD applications and Web-based modules developed in Flash and other applications. This includes the visual look and feel, navigation, layout, graphics, styles and stylesheets. Works closely with the Web Development team, Software Engineers, and multimedia specialists as a team member contributing to design, layout and implementation. Additional duties include creating web pages and supporting ongoing efforts to maintain the University of Toledo's web presence and other web projects.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Management of the creative product – taking the leadership role in the look, feel, graphics, navigation, layout, and style of Web sites, web-based applications and other multimedia applications.
  • Make use of CSS, integration of third party applications, social media tools and other reusable and integrated techniques in order to create efficient and effective products.
  • Work closely with university clients to understand their web and multimedia needs and develop creative solutions that meet the project objectives.
  • Collaborate with the Web Project Specialist, Director of Web Development, Database Manager, Manager of Technology Support and Software Engineering to maintain the appropriate information architecture for Web sites, CD & DVD's and web applications and insure integrity of the user interface.
  • Continually keep abreast of industry techniques and best practices in order to stay current on emerging and advanced technologies.
  • Provide project managers and university clients with time estimates in order to plan projects.
  • Provide maintenance support for applications and Web sites on a routine basis.
2007 June - Present Graphic Designer/Consultant
Martini Creative
Projects have included various print materials such as calendars, postcards, pamphlets, and stationery sets. Worked on various identity/logo projects and designed and developed many websites. Was able to increase my knowledge of HTML and CSS, while learning to understand various Javascript and jQuery functions.
2002 July - 2008 Sept Manager
Expresso Car Wash
Responsible for the daily operations and profitability of the car wash facility. Managed people both directly and indirectly and through supervisors. Managed inventory and handled customer complaints as deemed appropriate by the General Manager. Assisted in staffing and training for the car wash facility. Handled scheduling for all car wash personnel. Contributed to building of team environment. Assisted the General Manager as needed. Maintenance of entire car wash including cleaning the car wash; car wash building maintenance, and vacuum upkeep; ordering replacement parts; equipment repair and emergency repair.

Activities

 2012 Presented at OHECC Conference in Toledo, OH
Attended Summer of Learning lecture on topics such as HTML5, CSS3, High-Res Displays and Responsive Layout
2011 Presented at NMC Conference in Madison, WI
Attended lecture by Debbie Millman AIGA Executive President
Attended lecture by Matt Park of Nike
2010 Attended EduWeb Conference in Chicago, IL
2004-2007 BGSU Graphic Design Club
Visited NYC Design Firms: Office of Paul Sahre, Karlsson Wilker, Inc. and Doyle Partners
Attended Lectures by Designers Rick Valicenti, and Louise Sandhaus
BGSU CASA Light of Hope Art Award Winner
2000-2002 NSCC Presidential Scholarship

Skills

 Proficient In Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, Dreamweaver, Flash
HTML, CSS, SEO
Knowledgeable In HTML5, Javascript, jQuery, ActionScript
C++, COBOL, Visual Basic, RPG/400