Experience
Strategies 360
Vice President, Creative Director
06.2015 – Present
Utilizes research and empathy to understand end-user needs to create a seamless user experience in both print and digital environments. Mentor and art direct three junior designers. Assist in designing visual brand exercises for internal and client workshops.
As of 2017, I began working closely with my creative director, Kevin Patnik, to further develop the Hilt's brand strategy practice.
AIGA Seattle
Design for Good Director
06.2016 – Present
Director of AIGA Seattle Changemaker Series. Lead a team of eight committee members to implement a nine-month program, aimed at bringing creative professionals together with nonprofit and social change organizations to use human-centered design principles to solve community challenges. Responsible for program marketing, community outreach, and logistics planning for eight events—including a three-day workshop for 50 participants, as well as our annual Showcase (most recently held at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center with 200 people in attendance).
Pyramid
Communications
Senior Designer
01.2011 – 06.2015
Researched to understand audience segmentation and competitive market landscape. Implemented concepts through print and digital storytelling. Reviewed scopes and created project timelines and budgets. Led creative projects from start to finish—from client presentations to print management.
AmeriCorps VISTA
OlyCAP
Marketing Coordinator
12.2010 – 12.2011
Volunteer service that built marketing and communications capacity for a nonprofit organization serving low-income communities in two counties of Washington state. Identified communications gaps and provided outreach solutions to reach target audiences. Designed marketing materials and print collateral for five programs.
University of Kansas:
New Student Orientation
Orientation Assistant
08.2006 – 01.2009
Acquainted nearly 5,000 new students and families per summer to University policies, facilities, services, student activities and academic departments. Familiarized and assisted new students with advising process, requiring deep knowledge of all academic departments. Led discussion groups for incoming students, acting as a resource on social, personal and academic issues.
Education
University of Kansas
08.2004 – 05.2009
B.F.A., Visual Communications—Graphic Design
About Me
After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!), I was unsure if graphic design was a career path I wanted to pursue. I spent five years educated on the principles of design, learning that my talents should be harnessed to solve problems. Unfortunately, the only career options I ran across involved selling junk to folks that lived in a society of abundance.
So, after graduation, I took a year off and volunteered as an AmeriCorps VISTA, working as the marketing coordinator for a non-profit organization serving low-income residents of Jefferson County, Washington. To date, it has been one of the most humbling experiences I have had, as a person, and as a designer. I left my year in Port Townsend rejuvenated—realizing I could use design to do good work in our world.
While originally from Arkansas, I now reside in Seattle, Washington where I spend much of my time talking about design, drinking microbrews and finding any excuse to wear tank tops.
Homepage photo taken by Lost in Print
