Education: 

  • Associate Degree in Commercial Art/Marketing/Visual Design, Madison College 

  • Pastry Arts,  Madison College 
     

Industry Acknowledgments:

• Recipient of many ADDY®, Best In Class, and Certificates of Excellence from the American Advertising Federation (AAF) on local and national levels.

• Member of the Team winning a 1998 Pulitzer Prize award for coverage of the 100-year Red River Flood in Public Service.

• Chosen to work on a committee for Grand New Grand Forks marketing the revival of the City of Grand Forks, ND. The committee was formed following the devastating destruction caused by a 100-year flood and subsequent fires.

• Board member for Valley Advertising & Marketing Federation, a part of the AAF. Committee head of ADDY Awards two years running, as well as Vice President.

Work Experience:

FreshBaked Cafe & Food Truck, St. Augustine, FL
Owner/Pastry Chef •  Jan 2019 - Present

  • Created and oversaw complete business operations, including supply chain processes, inventory regulation, product acquisition, product creation, product production, and sales.

  • Order product and assist in lifting product off of delivery truck.

  • Utilized various Social Media platforms to position my baked products to new and existing customers.

  • Developed a unique brand identity through the design of signage, menus, and packaging labels.

  • Provided top-tier customer service, fostering consistent client satisfaction.

  • Created and produced aesthetically appealing and flavorful baked goods.

  • Complied with USDA/Department of Health guidelines, maintaining operational adherence.

  • Diversified menu options to incorporate a range of pastries, soups and sandwiches.

  • Built lasting business relationships with other area chefs in order to stay current with industry trends.

  • Liaised with suppliers to secure necessary business supplies, including food and cleaning products.

Freelance Design, St. Augustine, FL
Graphic Designer • Sep 2023 - Present

  • Utilized various media and graphic design software to produce various digital and print materials, consistently exceeding quality standards and deadlines.

  • Managed multiple projects within budget parameters, directing creative strategy, adhering to brand guidelines, and ensuring accurate messaging in graphic design pieces through effective execution of feedback and revisions.

Observer Media Group, Palm Coast, FL
Graphic Designer •  Jan 2017 - Sep 2019

  • Conceptualized and executed print and digital advertising collateral, aligning with the specific requirements of external clients.

  • Designed mock-up ad campaigns with a creative approach, aiding in acquiring new clients.

  • Enhanced the quality and variety of the organization’s stock resources, encompassing art, fonts, and files.

  • Design compelling social media campaigns over a variety of platforms, utilizing animation to peak interest.

  • Oversaw the generation and distribution of targeted email campaigns for readers, external customers, and sales personnel.

  • Customized digital campaigns for three unique publications.

Times-Union Media/The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville, FL
Marketing Promotions/Marketing Specialist • Jan 2011 - Jun 2017

  • Conceived and implemented engaging online competitions, resulting in a significant increase in website traffic.

  • Cultivated and managed partnerships with event promoters to acquire tickets and prizes and oversaw the timely delivery of prizes to contest winners.

  • Expanded the digital subscriber base by generating and distributing a monthly eNewsletter, resulting in growth of subscribers and raising engagement levels.

  • Devised detailed marketing strategies for special events and promotions.

  • Design and post social media campaigns over a variety of platforms.

  • Responsible for end-to-end product positioning, product management, and the marketing of the paper and all of its offerings.

  • Tasked with project evaluations at conclusions of campaigns to measure the effectiveness of marketing vehicles and targets.

  • Positioned our product as the go-to source for hyperlocal news and special reports directly affecting NE Florida.

Freelance Design, St. Augustine, FL
Graphic Designer • Jan 2010 - Sep 2011

  • Crafted print and digital materials by integrating suitable color palettes, typography, imagery and layouts to achieve aesthetically-pleasing designs.

  • Efficiently coordinated several projects within given time and budget parameters, delivering superior quality products punctually.

  • Set the artistic direction in accordance with brand guidelines, determined the tone and messaging for each design piece, and skillfully incorporated feedback for ongoing enhancement.

Presentyourpractice.com,  Jacksonville, FL
Creative Director • Jan 2008 - Nov 2010

  • Built brand guidelines for a variety of the company’s internal sub-brands

  • Directed marketing campaigns focusing on maintaining brand uniformity across all creative deliverables.

  • Implemented various projects, designing distinctive collateral materials and leveraging digital and print content to enhance reach via email marketing.

  • Created new web pages as needed 

  • Requested quotes from print vendors and worked with them to procure the best pricing for our clients. 

  • Worked directly with clients to hone messages, design marketing campaigns, and track all stages to completion. 

Palm Coast Data, Palm Coast, FL
Graphic Design Specialist • Jan 2007 - Jul 2008

  • Effectively executed marketing strategies for publication clients, which included USPS compliance pre-flighting and campaign design, resulting in a substantial acquisition of new subscribers.

  • Upheld rigorous adherence to brand guidelines across all print collateral and implemented an efficient digital file filing system, markedly improving the searchability and accessibility of the database.

Times-Union Media/The Florida Times-Union,  Jacksonville, FL
Marketing Promotions Specialist • Jan 2006 - Sep 2007

  • Devised comprehensive marketing strategies that significantly boosted visibility and reader engagement for various news pieces.

  • Implemented an educational program in local schools utilizing newspaper content, along with the creation of promotional materials to enhance departmental engagement.

Freelance Design, St. Augustine, FL
Graphic Designer • Jan 2004 - Oct 2006

  • Utilized various media and graphic design software to produce various digital and print materials, consistently exceeding quality standards and deadlines.

  • Managed multiple projects within budget parameters, directing creative strategy, adhering to brand guidelines, and ensuring accurate messaging in graphic design pieces through effective execution of feedback and revisions.

Dean Health System, Madison, WI
Communications/Marketing Specialist •  Jan 2003 - Mar 2004

  • Managed the production of a regular internal newsletter, promoting enhanced communication and active engagement within numerous departments.

  • Established collaborations with medical professionals to design strategic marketing initiatives, resulting in increased public recognition and patient acquisition.

  • Evaluated the needs of projects and coordinated outside vendors, printers, and photographers to complete projects.

The Douglas Stewart Company, Madison, WI
Senior Graphic Designer • Jan 1999 - Feb 2003

  • Developed and executed marketing strategies resulting in increased software licensing sales.

  • Managed and mentored junior designers, imparting knowledge on print and digital design and marketing.

  • Requested quotes from print vendors and worked with them to procure the best pricing for our clients. 

  • Collaborated with clients to create effective marketing strategies and impactful consumer/reseller materials.

  • Coordinated photography sessions and managed freelance designers, including handling financial negotiations and invoice payments.

  • UX design for clients as well as internal pages.

  • Created internal communication materials and assisted the HR department in the design of recruitment resources.

  • Coordinated marketing projects as well as yearly vendor showcases. 

  • Utilized Excel to create a tracking tool utilized by the entire team.

Skills/Proficiencies:

  • Brand Building and Implementation

  • Marketing Communications

  • Color Theory Expertise

  • Strong Graphic Design Skills

  • Attention to Detail

  • New Product Development 

  • Typography Expertise

  • Typing speed of 50wpm

  • Copywriting 

  • Creativity and Innovation

  • Marketing Principles

  • Problem-Solving

  • Meeting Deadlines

  • Scheduling

  • Time Management 

  • Design Concepts

  • Project Coordination Experience

  • Strong Communication Skills

  • Ability to Work in a Team

  • UX Design 

  • Application Flow for UX Design

  • Event Planning & Marketing

  • Illustration

  • Photography and Photo Manipulation

  • Use of AI Technologies within Design Tools

Technologies:

Adobe Creative Suite Design Tools

  • Photoshop

  • Lightroom

  • Illustrator

  • InDesign

  • Acrobat

  • Bridge

  • Premiere Pro

  • After Effects

Web Design

  • Figma

  • WordPress

  • SquareSpace

Microsoft Office Products

  • Word

  • Excel 

  • Powerpoint

Social Media Tools

  • Google Analytics

  • Hootsuite

Email Tools

  • Mailchimp

  • Constant Contact

  • Contactology

Collaboration Tools

  • Slack

  • Teams

  • Google Chat

  • Smartsheet