Illustration is my passion, but I studied graphic design in college, and when I started working at Garnet Publishing, in 1998 (Yikes, am I that old?!), I was employed as a graphic designer. I enjoy doing anything creative, and have been fortunate enough to be able to combine my illustrative and design skills together. I feel like I’ve done everything, from billboards and construction walls, to email marketing design with animated snowflakes made out of shirts, to gift cards, packaging, vehicle wraps, and Jumbotron graphics!
For some years, I was involved with a local arts magazine. Designing ads and creating layout. I also had some of my fine art featured in there too (I know, how self serving is that?! Fortunately, I can say it wasn’t my decision though!).
Hammer Made is a high end mens shirt company based out of Minnesota. I worked with some wonderful people here. People who genuinely care about others. The owner is one of the nicest people you could meet and was incredibly supportive and encouraging to his employees.
I had freedom to be creative and we had fun coming up with ideas for gifs in email marketing, and places where I could use my illustrative skills.
I don’t know if other graphic designers feel this way, but that feeling you got the very first time you held something in your hand that you designed and was now printed—it’s exciting. Maybe it’s meant to wear off, but it hasn’t for me. Once, an ad I had designed went up on the Jumbotron at a Minnesota Wild game, randomly, a friend of mine was at that game and had taken a photo at the same time the ad was up and posted it on social media. That made me so happy! I hope I never lose that thrill. Something you’ve created being seen by thousands of people. I love it!
Kenosha is a wonderful little town with a bustling art community. Artworks has become a bit of a hang out for me. The owner Chet (an accomplished artist himself) runs his framing business from there and has framed all my artwork that requires it. And I, do his graphic design work.
Inside Artworks, is The Pencilllarium. You want pencils, old and new? Go here! It’s a fascinating place. Pencils from when the Dinosaurs walked the earth. Or, at least the 1800’s. You can visit the website at https://www.pencillarium.com
And here’s some of the other fun things I’ve had the opportunity to work on. It’s incredible when people give you creative license. ‘Here’s what we need. Go do your thing.’