Resume

I am passionate about the UX/UI experience from conception to the final deliverable. As a designer, I am solution-focused, with a desire to make every design shine. I strive to ensure that the customer has the best possible experience interacting with a product.

My goal is to create products that enable a customer to achieve their objectives in the best way possible.

Professional

I have been in the creative field for over 20 years. I have worked with a wide range of clients, entrepreneurs, small businesses, funded startups, and various organizations that are passionate about their brand. Email me for a copy of my resume.

How I Approach My Work

I start every project by laying out the facts and performing any research I need to do. My design strategy is to define the problem and empathize with the customer. I put myself in their place as I gather the data needed to identify problems and customer needs. From there I brainstorm to generate design ideas to solve the problems. I ask “what if” questions and have a keen sense of seeing future problems that may not have been considered. I am concerned with what the goals of the customers are, and, in turn, what interactions are necessary to achieve these goals. Part of my design strategy is to strive for inclusive design patterns. It is important that not only is the product useful, but the design is also accessible to everyone.

What I Value

I value a work environment that is collaborative and inclusive. I believe that to generate a great solution-focused design every person on the team needs to be valued and heard. A great work environment is one that encourages everyone to share their ideas in a safe space that is inclusive and free of judgement.

A healthy work environment allows ideas to flow more freely and makes the creative process a more fruitful endeavor.

My Skills

In the digital world, best practices are constantly shifting and algorithms change daily. It is impossible to master it all. What I can do, however, is recognize when I need to learn something new and fully commit to learning a new skillset. This has been an individual asset in my professional and personal life as while I will never know it all, I can learn what I need to know when I need to know it.

UX/UI

Customer Centered Design · User Interface Design · User Testing · UX Research · Data Analysis · Wireframe · Personas · UI Prototyping · Heat Map Analysis
Card Sorting · User Interviews · UX Writing · Information Architecture · Content Audit · Heuristic Evaluation · Visual Hierarchy · Interaction Design · Journey Map
Customer Journey · ADA Compliance

Graphic & Web Design

Visual Design · Typography · Page Layout · Logo Design · Social Media Graphics · Brand Identity · Print Collateral · Web Design · Digital Design
Presentation Decks · UI Design · Style Guides · Moodboards · Prototype

Soft Skills

Inclusive Leadership · Empathy · Integrity · Teamwork · Open-Mindedness · Cross-Cultural Sensitivity · Willingness to Learn · Critical Thinker · Creativity
Problem Solver · Adaptability · Agile Mindset · Collaboration · Perseverance · Written & Verbal Communication · Analytical Thinker · Fairness · Optimistic
Strong Work Ethic · Process Improvement · Inspire & Mentor · Active Listening · Project Management · Self-Starter

Technology Proficiencies

Adobe Creative Suite · Adobe XD · Figma · Sketch · Asana · Hubspot · Slack · Basecamp · Microsoft Office

Education

FAQ

What drives me?

I love being part of a team of creatives that are all focused on the same end goal. Nothing is more exciting to see the product finally launch with your team.

I am a creative problem solver and visual communicator that is always seeking to uncover solutions through design. To do this effectively you need a strong creative team. I thrive on big ideas, innovative designs, and providing inspirational leadership for teams with extraordinary talent in the field of creativity- from copywriters to developers. My expertise is crafting compelling stories through captivating design with an end-user approach that resonates with consumers across all media. My goal is always to connect emotionally with my audience by taking the time for deep listening and understanding; this leads me towards finding innovative ideas that are forward-thinking yet still in line with company values & goals.

How do I stay current?

I have a love of learning and keep my skills sharp by doing online courses in UX Design, reading industry-focused articles, following innovative thinkers on social media, networking, and looking to the latest trends for inspiration and guidance. In UX/Visual Design, learning never stops, so therefore I never stop learning.

How do I find a work/ life balance?

Life is all about balance. I love the outdoors so when I am not working, I am hiking, tent camping, or in my flower gardens taking care of my beehives. I love to knit and have more yarn than I will ever use in this lifetime. As a creative, you can sometimes face a creative block. When this happens, I grab my camera and head out on an adventure with my deaf Australian Cattle Dog.

How do I give back to the community?

Part of my balance is giving back to the community. I am a member of Together Digital, an association that is dedicated to the advancement and growth of women in digital fields. Additionally, I am a member of AIGA, the professional association of design. I am a University of Dayton Alumni mentor and an alumni specialist for Alpha Phi International Fraternity. Pre-pandemic I was a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House as a host to corporate groups that come to the house to prepare meals for the families.

A Fun Fact

I am a Converse shoe aficionado, animal whisperer, enigmatic beekeeper, creative director, avid hiker, lover of craft beers, photographer, brand storyteller, silkscreen artist, college professor, and mom to one.

Crazy Things I Have Done?

In June 2021 my adult son and I rented a transit van and drove from Ohio to Montana. We had no plans, just went with the flow. We tent camped along the way, woke up in the Grand Tetons to 13-degree temperature, lost the keys to the van for 2 hours in Bozeman, Montana, and spent most of the trip in Glacier National Park. We worked out of the van in a McDonald's parking lot in Yellowstone, and various coffee shops along the way. We hiked a lot of miles, saw amazing views, ate the local food, and met a lot of wonderful people.

Becoming a beekeeper is probably the second craziest thing I have ever done. When a co-worker asked me if I wanted a hive of bees, I said sure, why not. I now have three hives.

Adopting a deaf Australian Cattle Dog, teaching her sign language, and becoming her social media manager after she had more followers than I did.

If you would like a copy of my resume, please email me, and I will be happy to send you a pdf version.