“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” – Abraham Maslow
I’ve been navigating creative fields for over 20 years, dabbling in a whole lot of this and thats. I graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design from Kendall College, worked in a design firm for a number of years, then shifted to a full time in the fashion and retail industry for Premier while continuing to develop my own creative practice as a freelancer and adjunct professor at Kendall College. In the midst of all of my professional endeavors, I have been writing and illustrating children’s books, writing music, traveling the country and shooting film, creating art for gallery showings, and finding myself continuously stimulated by all things creative. All this diverse experience has resulted in a garage full of sharpened tools that I aim to use to your advantage. Read below for a summary of my skills. I hope I can help use them on your next creative project.
GRAPHIC DESIGN / Logos, Packaging, Fashion, Publication, Advertising, Print, Illustration, and more. You name it, I’ve done it. Let’s find how my most honed skill can assist you.
PHOTOGRAPHY / I have shot photos for several brands and individuals over the years from editorial lifestyle, sports, portraits, products, and much more. I pride myself in creative thinking, and process. From film to digital, let me know how I can capture your best angle. Let’s be honest, they are all great angles!
CREATIVE WRITING / I’m no Pulitzer Prize Winner, but I’m at least a county fair blue ribbon winner. I’ve launched a gumbo of brands and projects with a focused and untainted perspective of how to go from the writing that helps you map a plan for your brand to the fodder that makes people connect to it on a human level. Let’s make ’em laugh, or cry, or at least make your audience thirsty to read like it’s an oasis in a deserted landscape where words often go unread.
MARKETING / I have listed several of my skills above, now this is the place where I can help collect those assets and get them in front of your people. Whether it’s learning how to properly target your emails, or how to connect the dots the right avenues in your industry, I’m here to help.
WEB DESIGN / Let me begin by firmly saying, I AM NOT A CODER. This is the primary reason I listed this tool last as I find it to be a two person job. I have designed the visuals for several sites over the years, and with assistance of skilled coders, I implement keen attention toward making your website beautiful and functional.
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OCCUPATIONS
36 Squares (2006-2009) (Holland, MI) – Design firm role in c oncept development, print, web design, photography, illustration and copy writing.
Kendall College of Art & Design (2011-2015) (Grand Rapids, MI) – Adjunct professor – Graphics Studio III (focus on poster and cover design)
Premier (2009-present) (Grand Rapids, MI) – Graphic Design, photography, illustration, marketing, social media management, web, retail display creation, and more for a local skate/ footwear & apparel boutique.
Clemente Skatepark (Founder & Chairperson) (2009- present) (Grand Rapids, MI) – Managing the graphics, photography, web maintenance (clementeskatepark.org), park design, and lead representative for city meetings and park planning.
Graytone (2003-present) (Grand Rapids, MI) – Personal freelance artistic services of multiple mediums: Graphic design, photography, illustration, painting
EDUCATION
BFA in Graphic Design- Kendall College of Art and Design, Grand Rapids, MI (May 2006)
SHOWS / EVENTS
2015 Kendall Federal Gallery – Faculty Show
2014 Kendall Federal Gallery – Faculty Show
2014 Meanwhile – “Bring Back The DAAC” Fundraiser
2014 CAC Gallery- “We Own The Night”
2013 CAC Gallery – “Just My Type”
2012 CAC Gallery- “After” Show
2012 CAC Gallery – “Potty Trained” – A Clemente art auction fundraiser curated by Graytone
2012 Good Wood – Detroit “Ride It Skatepark” fundraiser – multi-media on skateboard
2012 UICA – “Live Coverage” Show – a UICA fundraiser with live art creation and auction
2010 UICA – “19 Holes” Show – Artist curated putt-putt golf course – single hole design (“Lazy Putter”)
2011 Green Lion Gallery – “Blanks” / Skatepark fundraiser hosted by Vans with art on blank shoes
2011 Ann Arbor Arts Center – “30×30” Show – Art auction with 30 artists creating 30 pieces of Art
2011 – “Inferno” – Solo Artprize Exhibition at Premier
2010 DAAC – “Trimmings” Show
2010 DAAC – “Brilliant” Show
2010 Gibb’s House – Environmental Sculpture & Photo Demo
2009 Park Theatre – “Something Takes Place”
2009 – Kendall College Main Gallery – Beaux Art Ball Fundraiser