“Roughing it” with everyone’s favorite K9, Diesel.
North Shore, Lake Superior
I’ve had the good fortune of having my hands in many facets of advertising and design. Working at several smaller, independent agencies has allowed me to wear many hats and work with a wide range of clients. Whether I’m on set directing a photoshoot, behind a monitor creating layouts, rendering in-store retail displays, product design or concepting campaigns in a conference room…I bring insight and attention to detail. I’m Empathetic, hardworking, hands-on, logical and inventive…with an inclination to create with purpose—rather than design for the sake of design. I put a lot of thought into what I create.
Advertising is about problem solving. Using strategy, design, activation and timing to influence shoppers or to raise awareness. It’s learning and intimately knowing consumers’ wants and needs and giving it to them (even if they don’t know they want it yet).
Online data, point-of-purchase heat maps, focus groups and purchase journey research tell us so much about the consumer and how they act and react while shopping. But, there’s a nuance in visually speaking to consumers (and potential customers) that not only speaks to a brand’s DNA but nudges a purchaser toward a choice. There’s an art to putting visual elements together in a way that says more to a consumer than words alone ever could (take that copywriters). I leverage the power of design to influence decisions and give brands a competitive advantage.
Much of my experience is in the home goods and outdoor markets—turning shoppers into consumers through dealer networks and at retail. I’ve lived and breathed shopper marketing for many years and am no stranger to the funnel, purchase journey, promotions, launches, RTBs, KPIs, CTAs, and the various retail channels. My work has been on display in thousands of retailers, at tradeshows, online and on social media. Resourceful, collaborative and able to execute a broad range of projects…I’m always enhancing my skill set. I’m currently getting certified in UX/UI Design and learning motion design in After Effects.
Are you looking for partnership over politics? I work best with those seeking top level work without the fluff or dog and pony show. My “Midwest work ethic” shines through in all I do. Sound too good to be true? I have over 20 years of experience working with national and regional brands to back it up (name drop—LG Electronics, Verizon, Trane, Do-It Molds, Intek Strength, St. Croix Genuine Stoves, GoDaddy, Clear Creek Fly Fishing, Mendota Luxury Fireplaces, etc…).
Or maybe you’d
like to sift through
my resume?
Senior Art Director at North Forty
2012–Present; Hiawatha, Iowa
I work closely with in-house design teams, sales teams, marketing teams, and other agencies, injecting new thoughts, ideas and energy into their materials. This includes point-of-purchase, branding, set design, in-store displays, directing photo/video shoots, industrial/product design, conceptualization, strategy, website/interactive design, print design, retail circulars, promotional materials, social media assets, online ads and tradeshow booth design.
Direction and collaboration with an internal team of designers as well as outside web developers, in-house design/marketing teams, production houses, vendors and Emmy award winning artists, animators. In-store agency of record for LG Electronics in all of their various channels.
Includes working closely with national “big box” chains like Best Buy, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Costco as well as various regional retailers nationwide such as Conn’s, HHGregg and Nebraska Furniture Mart, on behalf of LG Electronics.
Also includes work for: Trane, Mendota Luxury Fireplaces, St. Croix Genuine Stoves, Piazzetta Italian Gas Fireplaces, Intek Strength and Clear Creek Fly Fishing Gear.
Art Director at North Forty
2008–2012; Hiawatha, Iowa
Developing creative strategies through inventive design, conceptual and stylistic direction. Building strong visual brands while achieving strategic sales, marketing and training goals.
Includes work for: LG Electronics, Best Buy, Trane, Mendota Luxury Fireplaces, St. Croix Genuine Stoves, Piazzetta Italian Gas Fireplaces and Clear Creek Fly Fishing Gear.
Art Director at EdgeCore (now MindStream)
2007—2008; Cedar Falls, Iowa
Setting a digital standard for Verizon’s Indirect Channel as their Agency of Record for all of their co-op websites. Making sure that each site reflects the unique brand of each authorized retailer but also fits each of the requirements to meet Verizon’s guidelines and inventory.
Art Director at ME&V (now Amperage)
2004—2007; Cedar Falls, Iowa
Taking direction from creative and sales teams to satisfy and exceed the needs of local and regional brands. Logos, branding, website design, print collateral, photography and video. In-house photographer.
Design Manager/Designer at Community Media Group
2001–2004; Waverly, Iowa
Maintained a small-town, twice weekly newspaper. From layout to production to print, making sure this traditional broadsheet publication and all its special tabs and inserts met expectations and deadlines. Some some old-school wax paste-up, some digital. Led a department to create the newspaper and the advertisements that funded it. Roles included layout, imposition, photography, and design. As Design Manager I redesigned the newspaper and launched a new newspaper brand for a neighboring town. I also trained entry-level workers, fixed computers and maintained servers.
Studied Fine Arts at Hawkeye Community College
Associates of Arts in Graphic Communications
1999–2002; Waterloo, Iowa
Completed Fine Art Foundations prior to completing the Graphic Communications curriculum. Learned the foundations of the Mac system, fonts, typography, design, photography and layout.
Received several purchase awards for fine art pieces; untitled paintings, charcoal drawings and a six foot abstract metal sculpture that still stands in the entry of the Hawkeye Community College Library.