Graphic Design

As an Anderson University graduate with a concentration in both graphic design and painting and drawing, I see many ways in which my fine art skills have influenced and served me well in my design work. I acknowledge that when appropriate, I use my hand rendering skills to illustrate, develop patterns, icons, typography, and imagery that will ensure the outcome of my project is more successful and personalized to the audience. I believe in creating design solutions where visual aesthetics and function are equally important to be able to successfully communicate to the desired audience and strive to fulfill this goal in each project.

My design process begins with lots of research, my client, the problem, the target market, and the goal. I also study the design solutions of well-known designers and take note of their strategies and how they would benefit me. I study the competition. Analyze what they do well, and what might be lacking. Once I write out a plan, my goal, and plan my sketches, I then transfer to my computer. Color is a big factor in my decision-making. I make a decision on the appropriate color choice keeping in mind the cultural as well as the psychological meanings and feelings that colors evoke.

My stylistic tendency is to present visual elements in a manner that has a touch of elegance and sophistication. When appropriate, I create my own hand-rendered typography or visual elements that would make the end result more unique, tailored to the audience, and visually attractive.

I draw inspiration from several designers and artists. I am deeply inspired by Louise Fili and her elegant and fluid designs, as well as the type treatments and color combinations of Jessica Hische. Another great inspiration to me is Massimo Vignelli’s organization of information and the elaborate patterns of William Morris.

I choose to be a designer because I want to create visually pleasing designs for everyday purposes. I believe that every design solution should not only serve its purpose in communication and function, but should also be alluring. I believe that good design should be admired like a piece of art. You can sit and look at it, dissect the details, study it, and connect with it; that is the artist’s mindset that I bring into my design work