​​EXPERIENCE
 

Insa :: Senior Graphic Designer :: 2022 – Present

Insa is one of the leading cannabis brands in Massachusetts. I was brought on to the team to help translate the brand to other states with different regulations and requirements. I create campaigns for new product launches, promotions and events for Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Florida. I work within the wholesale group to create B2B solutions to foster brand partnerships, and I design and update packaging systems for our numerous products.

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Puppet Pelts :: Owner :: 2013 – 2023

Puppet Pelts is an e-commerce site selling hard-to-find textiles and supplies to professional puppet builders. I started the company in my small apartment and grew it to a 6,000 studio before selling the brand in 2023. Not only did I run the day-to-day of the business, I designed and maintained the website, social media and advertising efforts. A large part of the Puppet Pelts inventory is hand-dyed textiles which I custom dyed to specific Pantone colors for my clients. My clients ranged from theme parks, movie studios, puppet studios, and smaller puppet shops.

b&p :: Art Director :: 2012 – 2018

As an Art Director, it was my role to concept new ideas for ad campaigns across multiple platforms. Once a concept was established, I took it through final production either managing a television or photo shoot, or designing print or interactive solutions. I worked with my team to create stories and brand preference for our clients which included: Bellagio, Aria, Treasure Island, Artistocrat Gaming, UMC Medical Center, Southwest Medical, University of Nevada Las Vegas, and Nevada State Bank. Often these clients need unusual or unique solutions to build brand loyalty. On any given day I would be designing a pop-up invitation for a high-end poker tournament, or creating zombie showgirls for a promotional campaign for The Walking Dead Slot Game. 

 

Art Institute :: Adjunct Professor :: 2013 – 2017

Do you know how entertaining you need to be to hold the attention of twenty college students? I think my job title should be “stand-up comedian.” Besides being captivating, I created lesson plans, grade assignments, offer encouragement and guidance, and tried to get my students to think globally instead of locally. (Most of them have never been outside of Las Vegas.) Courses I have taught include: Portfolio Prep, Graphic Symbolism, Experimental and Expressive Typography, Corporate Identity, Advertising Design and Art Direction. 

 

Station Casinos :: Designer :: 2011– 2012 

Station Casinos owns 19 gaming properties in the Las Vegas area. They range from high-end to neighborhood gambling halls. I produced print collateral including advertisements, environmental signage, outdoor boards, posters and direct mail. I created brands for Pasta Cucina, Slices Pizzeria, and Ovation Theatre in addition to re-branding the Feast Buffet. Around the office, I have organized our stock and logo libraries and have set up a job tracking system to ensure that no jobs fall through the cracks. 



American Casino & Entertainment Properties :: Designer :: 2010 – 2011

ACEP is the company umbrella for multiple casino properties in Nevada including the Stratosphere. I worked on design, advertisements, digital media, promotions, direct mail, and installations. 

 

ATOMdesign :: Art Director :: 2008 – 2009

ATOMdesign is product development company that does everything from design of the product, packaging, identity to advertising. In addition to creating award winning design pieces, I was the liaison between the clients and the company. I also oversaw print production and worked as a project manager. That all translates to: This was a small shop where I was the only designer. I had to meet with clients and walk them through the design process, as well as create schedules and budgets. 



RR Partners :: Art Director :: 2007– 2008

Clients include: Cox Communications, Valley Metro, YMCA, National Bank of Arizona, Arizona Town Hall, and Cigna Medical Group. I was a hands-on Art Director and made many mock ups, models, and sketches. The most memorable project I worked on was creating a life-size Starbucks mermaid tail that was in a shipping crate. Why? Well, to send to It’s a Grind Coffee to get their attention and their business. 



Walt Disney Entertainment :: Parade Lead :: 2006 – 2007
Oversaw the Parade Performers in Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams, High School Musical Pep Rally, and A Christmas Fantasy Parade. I ensured the safety of the performers and the guests, managed rehearsals, kept the performers on schedule, and dealt with disciplinary issues. 



Walt Disney Entertainment :: Performer :: 2001 – 2006

I portrayed classic Disney characters in Disney's Electrical Parade and Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams. (I’ll tell you which ones if you bring me in for an interview.) I also drove floats, kept track of props, and maintained guest safety. Ask me about the epic bouncy ball incident of 2001. 

 

Deutsch Inc. Los Angeles :: Creative Intern :: 2006

I helped the creative department on numerous design pieces for clients including: Old Navy, California Cheese, Chevy, Cicis Pizza and United Healthcare



Young & Rubicam :: Creative Intern :: 2006
I helped incorporate the YR brand in their office by creating wall murals and installation art.



EDUCATION

Otis College of Art and Design
Los Angeles, CA
BFA Advertising Design
May 2006



La Scuola de Leonardo da Vinci
Florence, Italy
Fall 2002



 

​COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficient in: Adobe Indesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Microsoft Office, Shopify



​HAND SKILLS
Concepting, Storyboarding, Photography, Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Puppet Making

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AWARDS

2017- Gold ADDY - Sales & Marketing Direct Mail
2011- Gold ADDY- District 15
2011- Special Judge's Award- AAF Las Vegas
2011- Gold ADDY- Self Promotion
2009- Silver ADDY- Identity System
2009- Silver ADDY- Poster Campaign
2008- Gold ADDY- Logo Design

2008- Buzz Award- Best seamless integration of a brand into a sitcom or drama