A little about me.
(I’m a school-loving nerd)
Hello–
I am a seasoned, award-winning executive creative director and strategist with a passion for bringing brands to life through compelling visuals grounded in data-driven insights. Throughout my career, I have led cross-functional teams for Fortune 500 clients such as Amazon, IBM, Starbucks, and Target, as well as arts organizations such as the New York City Ballet and The Art Institute of Chicago.
As former faculty at Michigan State University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I bring a blend of academic rigor and real-world insight. This infuses my work ethos with a depth and perspective that resonates with clients and team-members alike.
I am recognized for my clear, decisive leadership style, characterized by empathy and strategic thinking. My ability to drive measurable results while maintaining a human-centered approach sets me apart.
I continue to push the boundaries that shape the landscape of brand expression, I remain dedicated to helping brands forge meaningful connections with their audiences in an ever-evolving digital world. For me, effective branding is more than just visuals; it's about distilling a company's essence – its history, values, and aspirations – into a narrative that inspires and engages. This philosophy underpins my approach to every project I undertake.
I’m currently a Creative Director in Seattle. As a 200hr certified yoga instructor and Boston qualified marathoner I’m typically designing, reading, running, sleeping or eating. But mostly eating.
Education
Rhode Island School of Design - MFA Graphic Design
University of Illinois - BFA Graphic Design
University of Illinois - BFA Art History with emphasis in French Language and Literature
University of Washington - Certificate in Creative Writing
Awards & Competitions
Cannes Bronze Medal in Design
One Show Design, Brand Identity / Logo Design Silver
One Show Design, Design Does / Brand Transformation Gold
OBIE Silver / Multi-Format Campaign
Livestrong The Big C Competition Promising Project winner
Rent the Runway Foundation and UBS Project Entrepreneur inaugural intensive invitee
Exhibits & Publications
Published in “Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team” 4th Edition, Alina Wheeler
Icons of Progress exhibited as part of THINK presented by IBM in INNOVENTIONS at The Chicago Museum of Science Industry
Icons of Progress exhibited as part of THINK presented by IBM in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® Walt Disney World® Resort
CHGO DSGN Recent Object and Graphic Design: a major exhibition of Recent Object and Graphic Design by 100 of the city’s leading designers
The Chicago Design Museum: inaugural exhibition
Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Webinar on brand and brand voice for the USOPC (U.S. Olympic and ParaOlympic Committee) to 70 representatives from each NGB (National Governing Body) for summer and winter Olympic sports as part of a Deloitte sponsored series
Keynote speaker for the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business annual student AMA dinner.
Women Lead event series with AIGA in collaboration with Deloitte Digital
Advisor at SAIC (School of the Art Institute at Chicago) for the Society of Typography student group
Mentor for Michigan State University research and arts forum for graduate students
