Born and raised in northwest Iowa, I pursued my design career at Iowa Lakes College, earning my degree in Graphic Design. Soon after graduation I found my way out west to southern California.
I quickly found a job as a graphic designer and project manager at MYX, Inc, a product development company which specializes in home decor products. I worked directly with the owner / art director to identify market trends, develop new concepts and products, select color ways, process, and materials, photograph products and create marketing materials including packaging and end cap displays. I use Illustrator and Photoshop to conceptualize new piece types, create artwork according to trends, apply artwork to different products, and create a technical art, calling out fabrics, process and Pantones to upload to the factory.
I played many roles as it was a small team yet we had many large accounts including Michaels Craft Stores; which we were the #1 supplier for scrapbooks and photo albums. With each vendor we would develop their marketing materials and packaging accordingly. We also worked with Aaron Brothers, Costco, Pier 1 Imports, HomeGoods, TJX, Ross and more.
In 2016 I decided to take my work with me on the road and embark on an adventure of over 8 months traveling through Europe and the UK. I travelled with only my bicycle and whatever I could carry. As I enjoyed life’s simplicity and living in the moment, I gained clarity and insight - no matter what, I wanted to pursue my passion for art, and share that love with others. Upon my return I started my fine art career.
My art is available in the form of art prints at Minted, greeting cards at Target and Pottery Barn Kids and photography at West Elm. I show original paintings in galleries throughout San Diego, large custom pieces in businesses, and a range of work in my online store. My artwork has been featured on HGTV, Desert Flippers.
In 2019 I started working for a distributor and retailer for commercial dispensing and refrigeration products including kegerators, wine refrigerators, and home brew equipment. In my current position I manage all the advertising and sale graphics, email marketing, and website content including rebranding and redesign of current website. I also create catalogs and other mailings. We offer in house screen printing and vinyl applications which I create mock ups for the client and prep the art for print. I also assist with social media and facebook advertising. I work with freelance clients as well offering marketing, graphic and UI design services.
In my free time I love to either be in my art studio creating, outdoors enjoying the beautiful island of Oahu, getting in a Crossfit workout, or grabbing a beer with friends at a local brewery.