I'm a creative marketing and design specialist with extensive experience in managing brands and developing creative communication solutions.  I have an in-depth knowledge of design and content and have put my award-winning skills to work with a wide variety of brands ranging from large to small. My focus is on helping non-profit organizations and my passion lies with animal welfare. I’ve served on the board of directors with a local rescue group for 10 years and have been involved with animal rescue my whole life.

EXPERIENCE

DESIGNER + MARKETER

Independent, 2014 – Present
I work with a variety of great companies on an ongoing independent and contract basis. From graphic design to marketing strategy, from social media to websites and print, I offer a wide range of expertise to help these companies communicate. While I’ve worked with organizations of all sizes, small start ups and non-profits are my focus! GiveMN, Open Arms of Minnesota, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities, Chargeback Gurus, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, Skyline Exhibits, Immedia Retail, Scales Advertising, K9+Kin Dog Training, Valley Oak SPCA, Sidewalk Dog, Minneapolis Performing Arts Academy, Dog House Pet Care and more.

BRAND MANAGER + Graphic DESIGNER

Split Rock Studios, 2017 – Present
Split Rock Studios designs and builds award-winning exhibits for museums, nature and cultural centers, zoos, sports teams and more. As the graphic designer I create stunning layouts for the graphic components of these exhibits by pulling the story content into layouts that engage visitors through an immersive exhibit experience. I also manage the small marketing efforts of the company with website maintenance, social media content, sales brochures and HR/company culture materials.

Director of Marketing + Creative

UBM Catersource, 2005 – 2014
I lead a small creative team who was responsible for the concept and production of all aspects of the company’s marketing, sales and promotional materials. From print to websites, merchandise to exhibit graphics, I offered not only leadership, creative direction and brand management but hands-on completion of a very large workload. In this role I had to be deadline driven, resourceful and able to go from big picture strategy to detailed production all in the same work day. EXAMPLES + MORE

Director of Creative Services

Sesame Street Live, 2000 – 2005
I managed all promotional and advertising materials for the touring production of Sesame Street Live. My young team of graphic designers looked to me for direction in the creation and organization of hundreds of materials to support three different tours in 42 cities per year. We were responsible for managing the brand and meeting licensed guidelines in design, web presence, writing, educational materials and merchandise.

BACKGROUND

My design and marketing background allows me to see and plan creative solutions based on the goal of the piece. What do we want to accomplish:
• Promote brand awareness?
• Make a sale?
• Promote services?
• Drive attendance?
• Educate?
The end result will be dictated by and support the communication goal for the most effective results possible!

Years of experience in varied industries has made me a jack of all trades. I have the ability to take on the task at hand and the resourcefulness to adapt, learn new things and continue to bring more to the table.

Design and production skills
Writing and editing
Photography
Budgeting and planning
Publication management
Event theme, promotion and execution
Large format trade shows and retail POP
Illustration
Interior design and space planning
Web design
Social media
Photo direction and styling
Promotional products and merchandise
Package design
Campaigns and strategy
Staff motivation and management
Content and storytelling
Analytics

Education
BA in Communications & Graphic Design
Minor in Photography
University of North Dakota

Skills
My technical skills are where you'd expect them to be for someone with the experience I have. I've made myself an expert in industry standard software and the tools needed to get the job done. I'm highly self-sufficient and adding new skills to my toolbox every day. In the areas where I lack hands-on expertise, I know the lingo and can easily talk shop with coders, videographers and more.

Recognition
Minnesota Magazine and Publishing Association, Excellence Award Winner

• Event Theme Design

• Best Website

• Best Enewsletter

• Overall Design

• Overall Excellence

• Best Media Kit

International Association for Exhibits & Events

• First Place: Show Promotion Website

• First Place: Signage Design

American Association of State and Local History, Leadership in History

• 2020 Award of Excellence Hoċokata Ti / Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake.

National Association for Interpretation

• Conservation Action Center, Zoo Miami

• Ozark Highlands Nature Center, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

Member
HeARTs Speak, a global network of photographers, artists, writers, designers, and advocates working to save homeless animals.

PERSONAL

My personal life includes photography, biking, kayaking, interior design and home reno, gardening, camping, baking and volunteer work that I happily share with my husband, Todd, and two rescued pit bulls, Winnie and Jay. Learn more about me →

Exceptional references available on request.