I tell my students all of the time ‘make sure that when you write the bios for your website they get to really feel who you are through your writing.’ Oof, now I sit as the cursor flutters hearing my own words played back to me like a message on an answering machine from 1996.
So here I go. Like many designers I grew up loving to color and draw. Unlike parents in movies who GASP at the thought of their kids going into the art field, my parents were incredibly supportive. I got reallllly lucky. From clipping out ads in the paper for design contests to getting our first iMAC (because they heard they were good for artists) - they tossed me many opportunities. In high school they drove me from Northern Ontario to the DIA in Detroit to see Van Gogh and Ansel Adams, and gas is expensive! This is all reminding me to call my parents again tonight to say thank you.
Since 2005 I have been working in the design field, and in 2015 I started my dream job as an instructor at Madison College. I work with a team of faculty that has a range of talents that could fill a stadium. UX, Print Design, Illustration, Letter Press, Coding, and making paper by hand - they do it all, and I learn from them everyday.
I had a wise Creative Director once tell me that when you step into the role of teacher and director you need to be even more excited about the work that others make than you would be about your own designs. That’s how I KNEW that teaching was going to be a great fit for me. Whether you are in your first semester, graduating, or a pro with a ton of experience - I will be soooo pumped for you when you create something amazing. I will drool over gorgeous typography skills, high 5 your work ethic and drive, and celebrate with you when you’ve hit some major goals. Witnessing people follow their dreams feels like having the front row seat to your favorite show, and I am so grateful for the view.
My life day-to-day is full of love. I am the momma of Eleanor, the wife / bestie to James, daughter of Jeff and Jennifer, big sister to Sarah, and a friend to many amazing people in Madison and beyond.
#MATCProud