Creative Services Manager and Senior Graphic Designer for Metro State University
Metro State University is a unique and diverse university located in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. I work in the Marketing department, where I manage and design advertising campaigns, photo/video shoots and the design needs for all departments in the university.
Art Director for Target
I contracted for Target for one year. I worked on the Digital Weekly Ad, where I created layouts and managed photo retouching for weekly promotions. I also worked for Target Finds, which is a part of the Target website that focuses on re-creating the in-store browsing experience online. The stories are intended to inspire and surprise shoppers with unexpected products that are available at Target. Check it out at www.target.com/finds.
Art Director for Mindware
This position was very creative – designing packaging and products for a company that develops toys and games for kids. Love! www.mindware.com
Freelance Designer + Other Positions
As it did for many of us, the pandemic ushered in a big change in my career. From April 2020-April 2021, I freelanced for various clients including Jack Link’s and IG Design Group. I branched out a bit too. I worked for Hennepin County as an Elections Assistant, and I taught after-school classes for Minneapolis Public Schools in podcasting and watercolor painting.
Senior Graphic Designer at Gartner Studios
April 2017-April 2020. At Gartner Studios in Stillwater, Minnesota, I designed and illustrated Gartner products including stationery, notebooks, list pads, greeting cards, gift bags, gift wrap, gift tags, partyware, mugs and personalized stationery. I was the lead designer for digital products and mugs.
Picturebook and Tiny Prints
In 2001, I opened a retail and design business called Picturebook, which specialized in a variety of photo-related services and custom cards and invitations.
Our focus on personalized cards led us to a partnership with Tiny Prints, an online personalized stationery company. We contributed designs for customizable cards, stationery and invitations. Since our focus had shifted to Tiny Prints, we closed our retail space in 2010.
Freelance Designer
Prior to opening Picturebook, I worked as a freelance designer. I worked on-site at Grossman Design Associates and Willis Towers Watson. I designed for many other clients as well, including Oak Street Cinema, Utne Reader and Indelible Inc.
Early Experience
In college at the University of Minnesota, I worked for the Arts & Entertainment section of the Minnesota Daily. I started as a writer, but was soon drawn to the Art Department. I held the positions of Graphic Designer, Assistant Art Director and Art Director. By the time I graduated from college with a B.A. in English, I was able to use my portfolio to begin work as a professional designer.
My first job after college was at K-tel International, where I designed CD packaging and marketing materials.
Interests
When I’m not doing the New York Times crossword puzzle, I enjoy making DIY podcasts with my friends. Recently I have been making a podcast called Designated Driver. It’s about the actor Adam Driver.