My Bio
About Me
Ah, so much to say, yet where do I begin? My first full-time graphic gig was at the age of 15-years-old doing package design for items most commonly found in the frozen food section of the grocery store. Since that time, I have constantly worked in the fields of graphic design and illustration. In my 25-plus years of experience I have had the good fortune to work in publishing, advertising, marketing, product design, website, and software UI design. I have earned some important-sounding management titles along the way and found success with a variety of good people and projects too. The provided Bio links can provide you with a Quick Bio overview of my career path. If you want to check out my work history and education in more detail, then see my Detailed History. The deeper you dig, the more varied my work becomes, and keep an eye out for my strange but interesting career intersections with Muhammad Ali, Spike Lee, Rush Limbaugh, and the U.S. Armed Forces.
Quick Bio
With over two decades of full-time graphics experience, I have worked in the areas of publishing, advertising, marketing, and product design.
I am currently serving as the Senior Designer and Creative Director at StoryRock, a publishing partner with Jostens, Lifetouch, and the U.S. Department of Defense. My years at StoryRock and its subsidiary, Remember My Service (RMS) have been as lead graphics person behind the company’s software development and marketing efforts.
My employment history began at the age of 15 where I began working for a local package design company. Since that time, I have been, a senior draftsman, an advertising director and a graphic designer for several companies, large and small. I have worked as both a senior designer and Creative Director for Herff Jones Publishing, the world’s second largest yearbook publisher. While there, I formulated a national Creative Services program for the company that included multiple design packages, product price points and commission structures for the company’s national sales force. I also managed a department of 6 full-time designers responsible for the creative design needs of over 80 sales reps and over 1800 customers in the Western region of the United States. Before joining StoryRock, I was the Senior Designer and Creative Director for Carpediem International, where I designed celebrity apparel lines for Rush Limbaugh, Spike Lee, and Muhammad Ali. At Carpediem, I managed a department of 9 full-time designers and two full-time administrative staff.
My computer knowledge is extensive, including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Illustrator, Flash and Premiere. I also have extensive experience with the Microsoft Office Suite of products. As a part of the software development team at StoryRock I have in-depth knowledge of MyMemories Suite, PrintMaster, Lifetouch StoryBuilder, MemoriesBuilder, and MemoryMixer publishing software applications.
My educational background includes a Bachelors (BFA) in Illustration from Utah State University with minors in Graphic Design, Marketing, and Advertising Design. I have also completed two A.A.S. degrees from Salt Lake Community College in Graphic Design and Illustration Design. As part of my management training at Herff Jones, I completed two separate sales and management training courses through Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI).
Accolades and awards include an article in the NewYork Times Style section for my design work on the Rush Limbaugh Neckwear line, an article in People Magazine for my Infectious Awareables microscopic organism apparel designs, and a Starch Readership Award for best market response to an advertisement in Modern Salon magazine. I have also been awarded “Best of Show” in the Utah Intercollegiate Arts Competition, and various first place awards for illustration and graphics at the University Level. In high School, I was awarded the Sterling Scholar in Visual Arts from the Deseret News, and was a member of the National Honor Roll, a VICA district, state, and regional champion in architectural drafting design, and a National Merit Scholar finalist.■
I am currently serving as the Senior Designer and Creative Director at StoryRock, a publishing partner with Jostens, Lifetouch, and the U.S. Department of Defense. My years at StoryRock and its subsidiary, Remember My Service (RMS) have been as lead graphics person behind the company’s software development and marketing efforts.
My employment history began at the age of 15 where I began working for a local package design company. Since that time, I have been, a senior draftsman, an advertising director and a graphic designer for several companies, large and small. I have worked as both a senior designer and Creative Director for Herff Jones Publishing, the world’s second largest yearbook publisher. While there, I formulated a national Creative Services program for the company that included multiple design packages, product price points and commission structures for the company’s national sales force. I also managed a department of 6 full-time designers responsible for the creative design needs of over 80 sales reps and over 1800 customers in the Western region of the United States. Before joining StoryRock, I was the Senior Designer and Creative Director for Carpediem International, where I designed celebrity apparel lines for Rush Limbaugh, Spike Lee, and Muhammad Ali. At Carpediem, I managed a department of 9 full-time designers and two full-time administrative staff.
My computer knowledge is extensive, including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Illustrator, Flash and Premiere. I also have extensive experience with the Microsoft Office Suite of products. As a part of the software development team at StoryRock I have in-depth knowledge of MyMemories Suite, PrintMaster, Lifetouch StoryBuilder, MemoriesBuilder, and MemoryMixer publishing software applications.
My educational background includes a Bachelors (BFA) in Illustration from Utah State University with minors in Graphic Design, Marketing, and Advertising Design. I have also completed two A.A.S. degrees from Salt Lake Community College in Graphic Design and Illustration Design. As part of my management training at Herff Jones, I completed two separate sales and management training courses through Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI).
Accolades and awards include an article in the NewYork Times Style section for my design work on the Rush Limbaugh Neckwear line, an article in People Magazine for my Infectious Awareables microscopic organism apparel designs, and a Starch Readership Award for best market response to an advertisement in Modern Salon magazine. I have also been awarded “Best of Show” in the Utah Intercollegiate Arts Competition, and various first place awards for illustration and graphics at the University Level. In high School, I was awarded the Sterling Scholar in Visual Arts from the Deseret News, and was a member of the National Honor Roll, a VICA district, state, and regional champion in architectural drafting design, and a National Merit Scholar finalist.■
Detailed History
My very first graphic design job was working at Creative Packaging and Sales. What I remember most about this first foray into the world of graphic employment was I had to walk there from my high school every day and I seemed to work endlessly on designs for frozen Mexican food. This was only a part-time job, but it was the first time I ever used a stat camera and PrismaColor pencils. I left the exciting world of burrito art to become a full-time draftsman at Great Basin Engineering and Surveying. I worked there for the next four years, three of which I was the Supervising draftsman. My technical drawing skills were forever improved with the intense amount of pencil and ink I put to paper at this place. I also spent a couple of years working as the Advertising Director at Custom Tape Corporation, before deciding to return to school and pursue a Bachelors degree in Illustration.
I supported my new educational pursuits by working graveyard shifts in the graphics department of Herff Jones Yearbook Publishing in Logan, Utah. This large printing facility operated 24 hours a day for most of the year and employed over 300 full-time employees. As an entry-level employee (aka: grunt), I had the opportunity to work in several areas of the printing plant including pre-press, plate making, bindery and press. The long hours spent learning these different areas of the print process proved valuable as I was eventually promoted to the graphics department manager—and a year after that, I was promoted again to Creative Services Manager for the western region of the United States for the company. This position, with the world’s second largest yearbook publisher, was developed in tandem with the print sales division of the company based out of Indianapolis Indiana.
As the Creative Services Director, my department of 6 designers were responsible for all sales-driven graphics for 80-plus sales reps and their customers in 14 different states and the South Pacific. I was personally responsible for the design of over 400 book covers annually in addition to interior book graphics and marketing materials. I developed a program that included multiple graphic products and services available to company sales reps and customers, including pricing, incentives, and commission structures.
This new management position eventually turned into being a featured speaker and instructor at approximately 3-dozen workshops and publishing seminars around the country each year. At the request of several of the sales reps I worked with, I continued as a contracted speaker and instructor on this seminar circuit for 2 years after leaving Herff Jones.
I eventually left the publishing world to try my hand as an independent freelance designer where one of my clients added me to the payroll as an Art Director. When I started at Carpediem International, I was one of six total employees for this small start-up company doing customized apparel products. Within two years Carpediem had grown into a multi-million-dollar business with over 100 employees and their own manufacturing facility. As Creative Director, I managed a department of 9 full-time designers (including two Art Directors) plus 2 full-time administrative staff. While at Carpediem I oversaw the design of licensed neckwear and other apparel collections for the NFL, NBA, MLB. NHL, Coaches vs. Cancer, the Children’s Miracle Network, Kentucky Derby, NASCAR and the nostalgic Negro Baseball League. My department also developed customized apparel and uniforms for several Fortune 500 companies.
I personally designed several apparel collections including Muhamad Ali’s signature Knock-Out Collections, Spike Lee’s Focus Apparel, and the Rush Limbaugh No Boundaries Neckwear Collection. Mr. Limbaugh’s neckwear became the best-selling retail neckwear line in the country for two years. In addition to the apparel design itself, I also presided over all the marketing design for the company which included multiple direct mail catalogs, magazine advertisements, trade-show graphics, radio and TV commercials, point-of-purchase displays, and retail sales support graphics. I directed photo-shoots complete with models, stylists, and props on location in New York City and Los Angeles. I coordinated printing of multiple catalogs and promotional materials with various printers, binderies and mail houses located throughout the country. As lead designer and Creative Director at the company I was responsible for all design and marketing graphics from product design and implementation through retail and direct mail marketing campaigns.
Unfortunately, some financial mismanagement between ownership and creditors pushed this thriving company out of business in a period of less than 90-Days, thus, sending me back into the world of an independent designer. StoryRock, Inc., founded by a former Carpediem co-worker reached out to me to help with their design and marketing needs—and that is where I still am after more than decade.
StoryRock Electronic Publishing (initially called Yearbook Interactive) is best described as an electronic publishing company that developes software applications of their own and for other companies. Their easy-to-use software applications have been used to help non-proffessionals build yearbooks, scrapbooks, and other publications. So proficient is the company’s offering, that their own scrapbook software, MyMemories Suite, quickly became the World’s best-selling scrapbook application. Along with the software UI design, I started creating scrapbook content for end-users. Turns out selling digital papers and embellishments to download can be as profitable as selling software.
From there, StoryRock developed a software application to help active military units create their own historical records. This template-based software approach helped military units build their required historical records and turn them into mini yearbooks for their unit members at the same time. It was easier and cheaper than older traditional methods, and allowed engagement of the entire unit in a more meaningful and fun project. This led to the creation of a subsidiary to StoryRock called Remember My Service, and a defense contract with the U.S. Army to provide software to active military units. This line of business led to Navy Cruise Books and eventually to a commemoration partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. Today, Remember My Service is focused completely on commemorative publishing projects for veterans. That’s how I ended up working as a scrapbook designer and book designer for the military at the same time. Crazy world.
As the Creative Director of this company I have not only create designs for diverse kinds of products, but I also created all marketing materials for the company. From websites to one-sheets, to weekly newsletters and eblasts, my fingers are in many pies. I also find myself as the company’s primary copywriter too. I switched gears from designing a “fun” collection of digital elements for scrapbookers to purchase, to making a PowerPoint presentation for a Brigadier General. My life at StoryRock can often be challenging—but never boring.■
I supported my new educational pursuits by working graveyard shifts in the graphics department of Herff Jones Yearbook Publishing in Logan, Utah. This large printing facility operated 24 hours a day for most of the year and employed over 300 full-time employees. As an entry-level employee (aka: grunt), I had the opportunity to work in several areas of the printing plant including pre-press, plate making, bindery and press. The long hours spent learning these different areas of the print process proved valuable as I was eventually promoted to the graphics department manager—and a year after that, I was promoted again to Creative Services Manager for the western region of the United States for the company. This position, with the world’s second largest yearbook publisher, was developed in tandem with the print sales division of the company based out of Indianapolis Indiana.
As the Creative Services Director, my department of 6 designers were responsible for all sales-driven graphics for 80-plus sales reps and their customers in 14 different states and the South Pacific. I was personally responsible for the design of over 400 book covers annually in addition to interior book graphics and marketing materials. I developed a program that included multiple graphic products and services available to company sales reps and customers, including pricing, incentives, and commission structures.
This new management position eventually turned into being a featured speaker and instructor at approximately 3-dozen workshops and publishing seminars around the country each year. At the request of several of the sales reps I worked with, I continued as a contracted speaker and instructor on this seminar circuit for 2 years after leaving Herff Jones.
I eventually left the publishing world to try my hand as an independent freelance designer where one of my clients added me to the payroll as an Art Director. When I started at Carpediem International, I was one of six total employees for this small start-up company doing customized apparel products. Within two years Carpediem had grown into a multi-million-dollar business with over 100 employees and their own manufacturing facility. As Creative Director, I managed a department of 9 full-time designers (including two Art Directors) plus 2 full-time administrative staff. While at Carpediem I oversaw the design of licensed neckwear and other apparel collections for the NFL, NBA, MLB. NHL, Coaches vs. Cancer, the Children’s Miracle Network, Kentucky Derby, NASCAR and the nostalgic Negro Baseball League. My department also developed customized apparel and uniforms for several Fortune 500 companies.
I personally designed several apparel collections including Muhamad Ali’s signature Knock-Out Collections, Spike Lee’s Focus Apparel, and the Rush Limbaugh No Boundaries Neckwear Collection. Mr. Limbaugh’s neckwear became the best-selling retail neckwear line in the country for two years. In addition to the apparel design itself, I also presided over all the marketing design for the company which included multiple direct mail catalogs, magazine advertisements, trade-show graphics, radio and TV commercials, point-of-purchase displays, and retail sales support graphics. I directed photo-shoots complete with models, stylists, and props on location in New York City and Los Angeles. I coordinated printing of multiple catalogs and promotional materials with various printers, binderies and mail houses located throughout the country. As lead designer and Creative Director at the company I was responsible for all design and marketing graphics from product design and implementation through retail and direct mail marketing campaigns.
Unfortunately, some financial mismanagement between ownership and creditors pushed this thriving company out of business in a period of less than 90-Days, thus, sending me back into the world of an independent designer. StoryRock, Inc., founded by a former Carpediem co-worker reached out to me to help with their design and marketing needs—and that is where I still am after more than decade.
StoryRock Electronic Publishing (initially called Yearbook Interactive) is best described as an electronic publishing company that developes software applications of their own and for other companies. Their easy-to-use software applications have been used to help non-proffessionals build yearbooks, scrapbooks, and other publications. So proficient is the company’s offering, that their own scrapbook software, MyMemories Suite, quickly became the World’s best-selling scrapbook application. Along with the software UI design, I started creating scrapbook content for end-users. Turns out selling digital papers and embellishments to download can be as profitable as selling software.
From there, StoryRock developed a software application to help active military units create their own historical records. This template-based software approach helped military units build their required historical records and turn them into mini yearbooks for their unit members at the same time. It was easier and cheaper than older traditional methods, and allowed engagement of the entire unit in a more meaningful and fun project. This led to the creation of a subsidiary to StoryRock called Remember My Service, and a defense contract with the U.S. Army to provide software to active military units. This line of business led to Navy Cruise Books and eventually to a commemoration partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. Today, Remember My Service is focused completely on commemorative publishing projects for veterans. That’s how I ended up working as a scrapbook designer and book designer for the military at the same time. Crazy world.
As the Creative Director of this company I have not only create designs for diverse kinds of products, but I also created all marketing materials for the company. From websites to one-sheets, to weekly newsletters and eblasts, my fingers are in many pies. I also find myself as the company’s primary copywriter too. I switched gears from designing a “fun” collection of digital elements for scrapbookers to purchase, to making a PowerPoint presentation for a Brigadier General. My life at StoryRock can often be challenging—but never boring.■