Wow! So you want to make contact? I’m really flattered, and I’ve placed a form and email information below. But first, if you are so inclined to scroll a bit further, I’d also love to tell you a bit more about who I am and how I work.
I grew up a small-town Nebraska kid with a big love for art and a natural inclination toward creativity. I earned my undergraduate degree in Communications and Marketing from Cornell College, all while competing as a two-time All-American in women’s shot put. After a few years freelancing and working in the print industry, I decided to deepen my design skills by pursuing an MFA in Graphic Design at SCAD in Savannah, Georgia.
That graduate experience transformed my approach to design, teaching me to embrace conceptual thinking and the idea that the medium is the message. Since earning my MFA, I’ve spent over a decade at Emspace + Lovgren in Omaha, rising from junior designer to Principal Design Strategist. Along the way, I founded and led our Forge program, a mentorship initiative for emerging designers. Through that work, I was honored to be named one of the Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2019 and received the Greater Omaha Chamber’s YP Changemaker Award that same year.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to bring that same passion, leadership, and action-oriented mindset to every new challenge I take on.
Over the years, I’ve learned that how I work matters just as much as what I make. My professional approach has been shaped by real projects, real constraints, and a lot of trial and error — figuring out where creativity thrives and where it quietly breaks down.
The principles I’ve developed are choices I’ve made about how I show up as a designer: how I collaborate, how I balance originality with speed, how I use tools responsibly, and how personally invested I become in the work I take on.
If these ideas resonate, there’s a good chance we’ll work well together. They are also great conversation starters too if you would like to email or contact me.
I have a solid game plan what I call the Designer’s Paradox: “Work Fast. Be Original.” Over time, I’ve built a personal playbook that helps me keep work fresh and inventive, even on tight timelines.
By moving fluidly between creation, appropriation, evolution, and combination, I’m able to maximize creative output without sacrificing innovation. This approach gives me the freedom to stay flexible — to call an occasional audible when the work asks for it.
I believe the best ideas take shape through real conversation. Whether it’s over coffee or a quick video chat, I value open dialogue over long email threads. That back-and-forth — the ability to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and think out loud — is where clarity forms and creativity gains momentum.
I also understand the benefits of hybrid and remote work. I’m comfortable keeping communication close, clear, and intentional regardless of format. For me, it’s less about where the conversation happens and more about creating the space to speak candidly, listen well, and move the work forward together.
If something isn’t the right fit — or if I question the rationale behind a direction — I’ll say so with kindness and clarity, and I’ll do it early. I don’t like traveling too far down the wrong path, so I’ve learned the value of being honest before momentum turns into inertia.
That honesty is always rooted in respect. It’s not about being difficult — it’s about protecting the work, the goals, and the people involved. Clear conversations upfront make better outcomes possible for everyone.
One of the most effective ways I’ve found to approach advancing technology is to treat AI the way you’d treat an intern — a remarkably capable one. It can amplify my creativity and help me move faster, and it’s clearly part of the future of our profession. But like any intern, it requires guidance, context, and constant supervision.
When clients trust me with their goals, using AI tools thoughtfully isn’t optional. It’s part of being a responsible and good steward of their time, budget, and ambition.
I’m always open to learning new tools and techniques when they’re the right fit for the project. Design is an ever-evolving practice, and curiosity has always been part of how I work. I’m happy to dive deeply into new software, creative processes, or media tactics as needed — with my trusty AI pool floaties nearby to help keep me above water.
I actively seek out collaborators who are better than me — sharper thinkers, deeper specialists, people who raise the bar simply by being in the room. I don’t need to run every leg of the race. I’m perfectly comfortable jumping off the blocks, running the third leg of a relay, or handing things off if it makes the team stronger.
Working alongside people I admire keeps me learning, adapting, and improving my own craft. When the people around me are strong, the work moves faster, further, and with more purpose. The goal isn’t to be the star of the race — it’s to build momentum to capture the strongest finish.
I get genuinely excited about the projects I take on, and I don’t hide that. I put my heart into the work and become personally invested in its success. But that excitement doesn’t mean I need to be the sole idea-smith or owner of every decision.
I do my best work when that energy is shared — when ideas are challenged, shaped, and strengthened through collaboration. When a project feels truly collective, I naturally go further, stay engaged longer, and bring more to the table. Enthusiasm works best when it’s mutual.
I’m always happy to have a chat. Please feel free to reach out using the contact info above, or use the form below to contact me.