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Ever since I was able to pick up a pencil, I was drawing. A piece of paper, the walls, my clothes – well, you get the drift. I always felt the need to improve upon things and make them look better. When I was 9 yrs. Old, I would take my mother’s Avon catalog, cut it apart and revise it. I thought that they didn’t offer enough colors and that I could do a better job. I would break out my crayons and markers, scissors and paper and proceed to remake this catalog from scratch. Ditto for the JC Penny and Sears catalogs (I didn’t dare touch the Christmas catalog with the toys; certain things are sacred and I needed to be able to circle the toys that I wanted so that Santa knew what to get me). I thought that my versions were just better-hands down. I didn’t know it at the time, but I found my calling.

As a teenager, I honed in on my craft even further. I thought that it would be cool to paint clothes, specifically denim jeans and jackets. I used one of my jackets to paint an album cover on the back (can’t remember which one-probably Led Zeppelin). Everyone at school complimented me on it, and a few even asked me to paint theirs. I did a Grateful Dead jacket and an eagle on a pair of jeans-they were fabulous! However, life (homework and parties-not necessarily in that order) got in the way, and my little business died before it even saw the light of day.

I had to start thinking about college. The idea of being an art major didn’t even merit any serious thought. After all, people don’t use the term “starving artist” for nothing. I liked to eat (and shop). I thought that I would be a business major and rule the world (it was the late 1980s). It never occurred to me that there was a “graphic arts” program available at most schools. My guidance counselor at school never told me. I found out accidentally when I was going through the college catalogs. A light bulb went off in my head and I knew what had to be done. My decision was made and my vision was clear. Talking my mother into it was another matter-she equated graphics arts with fine arts (starving artist). After much persuasion (and groveling), I was off to study graphic arts and marketing.

After graduation, I got a job designing t-shirts at a silk screen print shop. I was making licensed college sweatshirts, character (Mickey Mouse, etc.), surf and patriotic themed t-shirts. It was a lot of fun, especially when I would see my designs in stores like Macys. All good things must come to an end, and the shop went out of business. Oh well, time to plan my next move.

I found a job at an advertising agency that specialized in print. I worked on ads, classified display ads, brochures, business identity, etc. Everything was on a tight deadline and I excelled at working under pressure. I loved it! I was there for a few years when the owner of the agency decided to retire and close the agency. Here we go again!

Shortly thereafter, I found a job with a non-profit religious and cultural organization as an Art Director/Production Manager. I was in charge of the layout, design and production of their bi-monthly newspaper and all ads, both house and paid. A major feather in my cap at this position was getting the production down from 8 days to 5 days. Again, I thrived off of that deadline adrenaline rush. I also designed brochures, flyers, invitations. I was also given the task of writing articles for the newspaper and composing Press Releases for outside news outlets. I helped with some of the event planning, public relations, as well as membership and donor recruitment. When you work for a non-profit organization, you learn to wear many hats. Fortunately for me, I like being everything and everywhere.

New York City was calling me, and boy, was I was listening! I left that position and went to work for a medical non-profit organization. Again, my position was to wear as many hats as possible. I was in charge of managing the redesign and marketing of their web site. I came in ahead of schedule and under budget. I also incorporated a HTML-based email marketing program, as well as new interactive features on the web site. I was also responsible for giving a new “look” to all of their printed and promotional pieces. I designed and managed their trade show booth. Under my direction, booth sales reached their all time high. I developed new products, and members of the organization reacted favorably by buying these products. I helped to plan press luncheons, black tie affairs and large-scale business meetings. I also helped with public relations, composing media kits and releases, and other duties too numerous to mention. In a nutshell, my job was to make the organization as visible as possible to the public, the members and the media.

However, after 9-11, a bad economy and Bloomberg, New York City started to lose its luster. It was time to strike out on my own, so here I am today.

I am so busy with the graphic design and marketing aspect of my career, that I'm sorry to say that I haven't picked up a paint brush or pastels in a long time. I will soon-my muse has been calling (OK shouting at me) lately and I feel the need to heed its call.