Raised in the rural Midwestern town of Hamburg, Illinois, I was surrounded by orchards and fields, the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, and the tradition of a strong work ethic.
After growing up with either a fishing pole or paintbrush in hand, I studied fine art at Illinois State University. At the end of the second year, I transferred to the University of Utah and moved to the Intermountain West. I completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts with a double-emphasis in Graphic Design and Illustration, while studying a range of mediums—from photography to figure painting—all working together to form my own distinctive style.
In the final months of college, I developed my skills further while interning at Design of Today. This experience led to an in-house freelance opportunity with Blaine Olsen White Gurr Advertising (now Rare Method) immediately following graduation. When January rolled around, I was hired with Love Communications, one of the top full-service, integrated advertising agencies in Salt Lake City.
Five years later, I’m fortunate to say, I’m still employed as an Art Director at Love Communications. The fast-paced environment and the amount of experience has been invaluable. While at Love, I have concepted and collaborated TV and print campaigns with the creative team; branded new and existing companies and organizations; art directed commissioned photography, illustration and animation; designed websites and a variety of print materials; managed the art for existing clients; coordinated with account services; and, communicated directly with the clients.
To learn more about my growth as an Art Director, visit my blog or click here.