Education

Loyola University Chicago, Certificate in Graphic Design – 2017

Madison Area Technical College, Associate Degree, Paramedicine – 1996

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bachelor of Arts, English, with Creative Writing emphasis, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy – 1990

 

Experience

Thirst –  May 2017–August 2017

Photography, layout, and editing for Heartbreak, a book on the Moving Design initiative in response to Chicago gun violence

Designed multiple websites, letterhead, print and promotional materials for the Nonprofit Anthropocene Alliance

Worked on catalog index for high-end furniture designer

Directed installation of the Fallen gun violence memorial at Swift Elementary Specialty School

 

Freelance Graphic Design – 2007–present

Heartbreak, a Moving Design Initiative in response to Chicago gun violence led by designer Rick Valicenti 2017

Chicago Rowing Foundation – Logo design ROWtoberfest Regatta 2016, apparel logo design 2017 season

DePaul University Crew Team – Logo design 2016

Edgewater CrossFit – Logo design 2014-present

 

RIDE BACKWARDS – Owner/Designer, Chicago, Illinois – 2007–2014

Founded a first-in-class brand of athletic wear for firefighters, acted as lead artist and designer for all apparel

Product management, including procurement, inventory & fulfillment

Created product mockups, branding, and marketing strategies

Maintained strong social media presence on various platforms

Fostered active Facebook community of over 17,000 RB fans

Retouched customer-submitted product & lifestyle images for social media

Devised & managed Team RB, a community of competitive firefighter athletes and brand ambassadors

Coordinated firefighter fundraisers and charity outreach

 

Kollege Town Sports – Sales, Windsor, Wisconsin – 2012–2014

Designed logos and provided branded apparel for teams, races and events

Created corporate logos and work apparel collections

Consulted groups on seasonal materials, colors and latest apparel trends

Made design recommendations based on logo complexity and project budget

Provided customer service and order follow-up to meet event deadlines

Consistently met sales goals and maintained position in top 10% of sales reps

 

Freelance Artist & Muralist – 1990–present

Edgewater CrossFit – Painted mural installation 2015–2016

Mallatt’s Pharmacy & Costume – Painted mural installation 2015

Painted murals at multiple Madison Fire Department fire stations, local restaurants, travel agencies, dance studios, and private homes

Created commissioned original hand drawings

 

City of Madison Fire Department – Firefighter Paramedic – 1999–2010

American Heart Association CPR Instructor – 2000–2002

 

Honors and Activities

STA 100 Winner, Chicago Gun Violence Zines, and Memorial Tubes, 2017

AIGA Chicago M.A.D. Student Design Award recipient, 2017

Fine Arts Mellon Award Third Place, Loyola University Chicago, 2016-2017

Photograph selected for Loyola University’s Student Juried Exhibition, 2017

Wrote, illustrated, and published children’s book, The Good Rookie, 2008

Chicago Rowing Foundation Masters Competitive Team, 2015–present

AIGA Member, 2015–present

Published short story in University of Wisconsin Undergraduate Literary Magazine, Canvas, 1991

Prize-winning short story award, University of Wisconsin Undergraduate Literary Contest, 1990