Welcome to my blog & portfolio!
My Personal Life
I wanted to share with you a little about myself. I completed my Associate’s Degree in Commercial Art with honors almost 10 years ago and later a Bachelor of Science in Management & Commercial Design. I have used my technical knowledge to pursue my true love for many years, which is art. My aspirations are to build on a decade of work experience in the art field by pursuing (and completing) my Master of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design from SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design).Education & Employment
Following earning my degree, I began working for the advertising agency Teasdale Enterprises of Arts and Media as their Art Director. My responsibilities included training and supervising a graphic design staff of six employees. The agency setting is highly deadline-driven, which explains why I was drawn to it. I thrive under pressure, guiding my creative teams to develop effective and innovative advertising campaigns that exceeded client expectations fulfills me. In addition to the creative aspects of concept, design, copy writing, and layout of print and media campaigns, I was also the decision maker for choice of photographers, models, commercial productions, and more. The work was thrilling and exciting, but I soon desired more for myself. I wanted to be self-employed, to achieve something solely for self-gratification and justification, and I deserved that chance to shine. I spent an entire year saving and planning my business and marketing strategy. Prepared and a bit nervous, I launched my graphic design company, Fishhead Design Studio. I continue to work on a contract basis with a variety of clients at their company location and occasionally from my home office. I prepare marketing plans, advertising design, Internet media, and print brokering. Self-employment has been a tough but extremely rewarding endeavor. My daily interaction with the local Chamber of Commerce has also taught me a large amount in the way of local small business marketing and development. However, the current economy is certainly taking its toll.
Personal Insights
Raising kids and trying to support us is a tough task. I want to be an excellent role model. The only way I know how to invoke in them a desire to shine in life, is by setting the example in my own. An important lesson I am learning is that giving back to the community is a great teaching tool. Together we buy meals and gifts for families in need, and we wrap and deliver these items. Each Tuesday I take them to a retirement home that I also do contract work for and we deliver cookies, smiles, and hugs. This is a simple joy that engulfs my heart.
My experience in corporate creative training has been a rewarding endeavor. I believe the knowledge and insights gained with a graduate degree will improve my creative processes. Life has a decidedly funny way of working itself out. I have traversed the roller coaster of my life and somehow managed to survive as a stronger, smarter, and braver individual. The one steady aspect through it all has been my enduring love and attraction to all things art. As witnessed through my choice of careers, I am also a people person to the core. I simply cannot fathom a future for myself that does not intertwine my passion for the arts and my inherent ability to thrive in areas of human interaction. I believe Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” My destination is to the top!
