Background

Education

I thoroughly enjoy the learning process and consider myself a lifelong student. My aspiration is to pursue additional design training with the intent of acquiring another advanced degree. Areas that interest me from a multidisciplinary perspective include perception and cognitive psychology as it relates to design, and the social impact of graphic design.

M.S. Health Sciences - Thesis: Usability Testing in the Healthcare Environment - Grand Valley State University 2004
B.A. Graphic Design and English - Adelphi University, 1993

Experience

My experience spans the creative process from start to finish; from initial concepting to hands-on production. I enjoy the challenge of finding the balance between aesthetics and useful presentation across various media types. Details of my experience are described below. Please click on a link to learn more.

Web Design and Development
Establishment of look and feel for web site home and sub pages
Integration of content, navigation and graphics into a cohesive user experience
Creation of supporting graphics and construction of html web pages
Development of user interface for effective functionality
Development and application of CSS
Browser and platform quality assurance

Interface/Screen Design
Analysis of existing interface design for effectiveness
Dissemination of information into logical user task flow
Screen design and development of user interface elements based on task flow
Application of best-practice usability standards
Introduction and execution of innovative, usable interface elements

Logo and Brand Development
Creative concepting for logo development and brand strategy
Execution of brand strategy across media
Development of style guides detailing branding standards

Print Design and Page Layout
Initial creative concepting for print media
Development of creative concepts across collateral types
Page layout and prepress production

Traditional Advertising Services
Preparation of advertisements according to publication specifications
Insertion of advertisements into publications

Usability Testing
Usability Testing and Reporting
Application of user testing to interface development
Research of current best-practice usability principles

Art Direction
Project management, coordination and supervision
Preparation and dissemination of training materials
Presentation to clients and creative discussion


Client List

I have had the privilege of working with the following clientele, as well as a number of smaller, independent companies.

The Dow Chemical Company
Dow AgroSciences
Dow Corning Incorporated
Delphi Corporation
Johnson Controls Incorporated
Steelcase Incorporated
Ford Power Products
Whirlpool
Alticor
Quixtar
Amway
Grand Rapids Symphony
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Mercantile Bank of West Michigan
Roche Pharmaceuticals
Sabena Airlines
Home Federal Savings Bank