Graphic design and marketing are practical art forms. I am a practical artist, creative thinker, and problem solver. I can visualize and conceptualize complex concepts and make them visually appealing and easy to digest. I have worked with businesses of varying sizes and stages in their development for over 25 years now, and I can proudly say that my first employer is still a current client. Let me paint you a little picture (side note: I CAN NOT paint) of how I came into the creative world of graphic arts and marketing. I come from a proud line of serial entrepreneurs and creative thinkers...I also hated school. In high school, I was known for pulling together marvelous presentations on subjects I took little real interest in —earning me undeservedly good grades in my classes— and charging for my teachers to redesign their district-issued business cards. This led to a summer internship after high school producing marketing materials for a theater group and ironically inspired a love for learning about what made people tick and how design played into their decision-making process. A career was born.In my professional life, I have had the great privilege of working in my profession for nearly the entirety of my adult life and made it a priority to keep myself educated in design/marketing fundamentals and innovations along the way. I have worked for small and large companies in a wide range of industries: engineering and architecture firms, real estate, commercial printers, restaurants, non-profits, construction, retail, government organizations, the wine industry, and so many more. I have been part of, or all of, the "in-house" marketing team wearing many, many, many, many (you get the picture) hats, including; proposal and grant writer, print coordinator, web designer, creative director, copywriter, business development department, accountant, purchaser, delivery driver, and janitor.