I discovered my passion for design in the seventh grade in a commercial arts class at Easton Junior High. Thank you Mr. C!  I refined my trade at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School graduating in 1985.

After graduation I worked my way up through print shops and studios until I was offered the opportunity to create the first in-house commercial-art department for the 75 year old British publishing giant Basil Blackwell Ltd.

During my 21 years in academic publishing I was the liaison in two international mergers and their subsequent rebranding projects. I helped develop and manage a multi-studio, international content management system. My studio’s internship program, in partnership with Northeastern University, gave many graphic design students a chance to experience working in design for a large corporation.

So, when Simon & Schuster CEO Carolyn Reidy called 2010 the year “publishing changed irrevocably,” I couldn’t have agreed more. On October 1st 2010 I became a statistic. I was downsized, handed my severance, and cut loose. I was shocked to find my 21+ year career at Wiley and/or Blackwell had been dissolved.

Being hit with the proverbial pink slip was a tough blow, but I’ve taken this life-changing event and created an opportunity to make the life I want. I’ve explored possibilities, studied software, and made decisions about how to get to where I want to go. I’ve enjoyed the journey setting up my in-home studio and my days are now spent working on design projects, and filling Instagram with pictures of nature, family, and food.

What’s next? Contact me and let me explain how It’s My Business to Make Your Business Look Good.