With more than 20 years of experience behind me, I can still say I love what I do!
I moved to Oregon to attend the museum art school (now PNCA), however financial constraints curtailed that venture. It wasn't until later, as a fine arts student at U of O, I discovered that I could sell the drawings I did for fun! It was a revelation and I never looked back. For several years I worked as a fashion illustrator.
I transitioned to graphic design, doing production work and eventually earning a position as senior designer at Syracuse University. On returning to Oregon, I spent several years at Meier & Frank, U.S. Bancorp, and started my first design firm in the mid-80s. Later, at CNF, I supervised the in-house design staff and print department for that international global logistics corporation and parent company of Con-Way and Menlo International. And I worked for numerous agencies along the way.
My current firm is imagina creative, llc. Popular media portrays a glamorous world of marketing and design—making big client pitches, developing witty campaigns, and shooting the occasional game of hoops in the office. In reality, it's mostly work. Being creative on demand can be challenging and frustrating. Countless ideas end up in recycling before the client ever sees them. But my reward comes when the client sees the finished product and declares it perfect!
A big thank you to John Valls Photography for my new photo! So much better than an iPhone at arm's length.
