Graphic Design Through the Years

Being in the print industry ignited my passion for learning Graphic Design. As digital files became more prevalent in every day print production, my employer relied on my existing computer knowledge to help with that transition. Working with customers is what guided my journey to know more about graphic design; typography, layout, consistency, use of whites space, the difference between RGB vs CMYK, and the answer to "Why is it so blurry?" relates to DPI. By learning this, I gained additional experience in using design software such as Publisher, Photoshop and Illustrator to name a few. Below you can see the deliverable of various graphic design projects.

Notable Design Projects

Most notable design projects I've been a part of have also been the most rewarding. It is nice to see a design that I was a part of when I go out in public. I have 3 user experience design projects, 2 of which are presented on this site along with designs for print. Three of my major print design projects are highlighted below. I have also included some of my early work. This site is always evolving so please keep an open mind. Email me if you want more info.

Sample Shipping Box

Key take-away:

A new perspective can give the push needed to move forward

Tabletop Turf Display

Key take-away: Following branding guidelines is necessary can be difficult at times.

CD Wedding Invitation Key take-away: This was more work than initially anticipated but I did what I had to do.

Business Card & Flyer Key take-away: Be adaptable. The business concept has evolved since opening and branding had to adapt.

Harold and Maude poster J trans blk let.png

First Design

Production Poster 7a Love Letters_edited.jpg

First Use of Graphics in Design

Production Poster 8 Secret Garden Final Draft.jpg

Most Complex Design

Early Graphic Design

I started with basic marketing 3 second rule. Added to that my curious nature and learned Publisher which is what I used for my early work. My first poster for Harold & Maude was greatly appreciated by the board. I designed for them for 2 years during witch I sparked learning and applied everything I could about Graphic Design. The graphic design knowledge allowed me to give better customer service to the print customers and customers started to request my design services.

Problem: The name and dates of community theatre production could only be seen close up.

Solution: Increase paper size from 11x17 to 24x36 to increase font size to better communicate the coming production and performance dates.

Impact: Prospective audience members are able to see information from a distance such as the parking lot. This gives a wider advertising reach for potential patrons.

Lessons learned over 2 years: Keep it short and to the point; Visual contrast is important for readability. The stakeholder has the final say even if you don't agree with the layout or placement. .

Marketing Material for Print

Created a variety of print marketing material; flyers, brochures, banners & business cards.

Flyer: Stakeholder requested a western theme to advertise their event.

Flyer: Stakeholder wanted to update an old flyer for a more fresh appearance.(2-sided).

Business Card: Stakeholder requested a rich look on a budget.

Flyer: Original Customizable wedding invitation design

This is your Project description.

Logo Design &

Branding Concepts

Created a few logos based on stakeholder interviews. I also created some branding guidelines for a local business.

First logo concept for a local business. Stakeholder wanted a piece of artwork to inspire the design. The logo has evolved.

This is a long banner concept. For consistency and recognition, all size concepts have the same font and color scheme.