Graphic Design

I began studying graphic design in 2002 when I was a junior at Clinton High School. I added Advertising and Design to my schedule simply because it sounded interesting. I immediately fell in love with graphic design. The process of starting with a blank page and turning it into something unique and beautiful was amazing to me.

After graduating I attended MVCC, a local community college in Utica, New York, majoring in Graphic Communications. I was enrolled in a variety of classes learning about color theory, digital design, digital typography, the four-step printing process, and web design. This is where my love for web design took off.

Web Design

I was sitting in my Introduction to Web Design class typing out lines of HTML and CSS and transforming a white page on the internet into something colorful and full of information. The same feeling I felt years ago came rushing back, but more intense than before. I was in love. In the summer of 2008 I enrolled in classes through IADT Online in hopes of expanding my knowledge of web design.

I graduated summa cum laude in July of 2009 while remaining on the President's List throughout my studies. I decided to continue my education at IADT enrolling in a bachelor's program focusing on web development. These classes didn't appeal to me as much as the design classes, but I tried my best and despite struggling at times I was still able to remain on the Dean's List every term, graduating magna cum laude in April of 2011.

Currently...

I'm currently employed by Professional Media Services, Inc. where I have been since January of 2013. I have finally landed my dream job. I visited Pro Media back in 2004 for my high school's career day and got to spend a few hours at the company seeing the in's and outs of how they operate. After that visit is when I really decided to pursue a career in graphic and web design. I worked my butt off attending online classes to get a bachelor's degree while working full-time. It took a couple of years of failed job interviews and missed opportunities, but my dedication, determination, and most importantly patience has finally paid off.

Now I spend my days designing brochures, one sheet advertisements, direct mail pieces, vehicle wraps, online web banners, and creating websites.

For anyone reading this, never give up on your dreams. It sounds cliche yes, but I didn't give up and look at me now. I've landed my dream job and honestly enjoy waking up and heading to work every morning. I was always told when you finally find a job you love doing it doesn't even feel like work and I can now say I completely agree with that statement. I don't work. I get paid to do something that I absolutely love.

I'm always looking for freelance work as well as any kind of opportunity to start a full-time career in the field of graphic or web design.