What’s my 411?
I’m a born and raised East Coast girl and proud of it. However unlike my husband, I don’t openly admit I’m from the same town “The Office” mocks on a weekly basis (but I do love the show and they have nailed the people). As an East Coast girl, yes, I did sport high hair for many years. My justification was “the higher the hair the skinnier you looked” and “the higher the hair the closer to God”.
I’ve been in the web and graphic design field since 94, I love what I do (obviously, who would torture themselves for this many years doing something they hated) and I like working with people, enhancing or creating a look for their business or products that fits their budget.
Where has life taken me thus far?
My career has taken me cross-country. First, to the desert in Arizona, where I honed my print and web technical and production skill. Then off to the Bay Area and now in Southern California, where I focus on web site usability and branding during the day and illustration, photo enhancements/retouching, and many freelance projects at night (yes my computer is ALWAYS on).
One flaw or weakness I’ll openly admit to?
Writing and talking about myself.
First, writing was never a strong skill of mine (I guess this would be my answer to the always asked interview question “What is your weakness?”). I have always tried in the past to keep writing minimal, to keep spelling and grammar mistakes in check. With this site and my new blog, I hope to sharpen those skills by writing about new projects and my design inspirations.
Second, I’ve always been a “let my work speak for itself” kind of gal. I always thought there was a fine line between confidence and cockiness and in writing about yourself you never know how it will be taken in the end. Much like design in general, writing is open for interpretation. I found only one thing in writing that can be taken directly, if someone “WRITES IN ALL CAPS”, chances are they are yelling at you… well that, or, if you are my mom, it’s because “IT’S JUST EASIER TO READ WHEN I TYPE, HONEY” (I haven’t gotten my point across about the screen resolution options to her yet).
One of my biggest loves?
Aside from my husband and chica-chica-pumpkin-peanut, my biggest love and passion is “PAPER” (I’m kinda yelling). I love, love, love (I guess I could have just said “LOVE”) working with individuals creating their personalized stationery, announcements, invitations and holiday greeting cards.
4 valuable lessons I have learned in this industry?
One, get it in writing. This protects all parties involved.
Two, when showing clients project comps, ONLY show work you would use for yourself. 99.99% of the time the one comp you show that you are iffy about is the one that gets picked!
Three, have a thick skin or get out of this business. Design is very emotional and evokes an immediate opinion, criticism or critique (depending on how you look at feedback). Consider who is giving the feedback, breathe, take a step back, and reevaluate.
Four, under promise and over deliver with a smile. Even just delivering something a day or two early can make you a hero (cape optional).
Where is life heading?
I’m in the midst of creating an online store for all my paper product creations. Stay in the loop of the launch and check back in the “What’s New” section for upcoming information. You can always Tweet me or RSS for the latest as well.
Where did I think I’d be 23 years ago?
If asked as a 7th grader, I would be living in California. Check. Career choice at the time, something “Designery”. Check. Married to Sean Astin. Hey I was 12 and LOVED Mikey from the Goonies – still my favorite movie of all time. No Check. Two out of three isn’t bad : )
