I didn’t start with design theory or a love of typography. I began with curiosity. In 1999, I had that curiosity and saw a world of possibilities in front of me. The web was still young, and free website-building tools had just opened the door for people like me to experiment and create.
I started by experimenting with websites for friends, school clubs, and my high school swim team. That site I created for our swimming team caught the attention of the football coach, who asked me to build one for his team. That’s when it hit me. This wasn’t just messing around anymore. I could actually help people get their ideas across in ways that made sense. Design software like Flash and Photoshop soon followed, but the vision never wavered. I wanted to turn messy ideas into things that were useful and simple.
That spark carried me to La Roche University, where I gave my curiosity structure and craft. By 2007, I delivered my first paid identity project for a Pittsburgh insurance agency, followed by a complete logo system for a local polo club, bold collateral for a bicycle cab startup, and a brand package plus website for a nursing school alumni association that still trusts me today. What became clear with each project? Local businesses and organizations needed someone to bring clarity and cohesion to their brands.
Over the years, businesses throughout Pittsburgh have come to know me as their go-to designer because I show up consistently. I’m collaborative, clear, and obsessive about the details. Volunteering with AIGA’s education committee, reviewing student portfolios, and offering pro bono work have kept me rooted in the community rather than chasing trends.
From that first high school website to today, the through-line remains unchanged. Make complex design simple and useful.
In addition to having a sharp eye for design, typography, and aesthetics, I aim to introduce new perspectives and techniques into the design process.
A motivated team produces its best work when nurtured in a collaborative and positive workplace.
By overcoming setbacks and staying motivated during challenges, teams can create memorable and effective solutions.
Life as No One Knows It: The Physics of Life’s Emergence
– Sara Imari Walker
Whether you’re seeking a creative problem-solver for your team or a freelance expert to bring visual concepts to life, my resume has all the details you need. Save it now, and we’ll already be one step ahead when the perfect project or position comes up.
