Approach​
I believe brands that have longevity start with a solid foundation from which to build up holistically. All the parts combine to create a complete picture that not only captures attention, but connects on an emotional level that inspires people to action. Branding is not just what you look like visually, it is also a perception in people's minds about the who, what, why of your business gained through interaction with your product, service, or space at every point of contact. Done mindfully, you can guide this narrative.
Knowing your story and establishing a strong identity that is expressed consistently and cohesively across all customer touch points is the start to creating recognition and in turn, establishing trust and loyalty. Be reliable. Walk your talk. A brand does not exist without people. Make sure you are tailoring your communications to speak the language of your audience. Are you carving out the right experiences for attracting and building a tribe? 
The most successful brands become a way of life.​
​Process
As my client, you bring to the table a ton of ideas and dreams. I listen, dig through the noise, connect dots, and provide guidance that makes it easy for you to move forward. Together, we identify business problems, goals, audience, and align expectations. With a clear vision, the creative team researches and strategizes, developing solutions aimed at facilitating positive changes.
All ideation starts on paper.
Once a direction is approved, we create deliverables that are both thoughtful and beautiful; gathering your input at critical stages throughout. I work both intuitively and methodically. When ideas nag at me, I explore obsessively to determine its potential, in search of the best for my clients. I dig for the most unique aspects of each brand and elevate. Following launch of new programs. We observe results and gather feedback from clients and their customers. With this information, we are able to improve and refine for the future.
Experience 
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / FOUNDER
Left of Sunset
Independent Creative Studio
Portland, Oregon

​​--

Vertical Divider
2005 - Present
+ ​Left of Sunset is a one woman-led, independent, brand strategy and design studio.

+ Maintain long-term client relationships; ranging from 3 to over 10 years.
​
+ Work includes brand refresh, logo and identity systems, advertising, weband marketing/sales print collateral design, placemaking graphics for built environments, signage and wayfinding programs.

​+ Deliver creative solutions that meet or exceed Client expectations for projects with short or long-term timelines.

+ Source, recruit, hire, and manage vendors on behalf of Clients.

+ Build collaborative project teams based on the needs of the project.

+ Other Services: planning, budgeting, naming, tagline development, content guidance
BEER / CIDER / WINE / SPIRITS
Artisanal Imports
Authentic Beverage Management
Wild Badger Management
-
Aspall Cyder
Cuvée des Jacobins
Brasserie de Bastogne
Dogwood Distilling
McBeth Vineyards
Novo Brazil Brewing Co.
Spencer Creek Cellars
Tripel Karmeliet
Vertical Divider
FOOD / BEVERAGE
Berggren Demonstration Farm
Seven Virtues Coffee
South Fork Catering

WELLNESS / BEAUTY / STYLE
Living Proof Hair
Washizu Body Wellness

LIVING
Helen & Hazel Home Couture
Tufenkian Artisan Carpets
Vertical Divider
BUILDING / CONSTRUCTION
deChase Miksis Development
ICE Co. Electric
Lone Wolf Investments

SIGNAGE / WAYFINDING
The Janey Apartments (now Oakwood)
Parking Structure (consultant)
City District Branding (consultant)
Washougal Town Square, Office-Retail
SENIOR DESIGNER / DESIGN LEAD
Ambrosini Design Ltd.
Creative Agency
Portland, Oregon

​​--
Washington State University, Salmon Run Industrial Park, dma Property, ​The Columbian Newspaper, Water Tower Place, Development Management Associates, The Vue Apartments, Residences at 900, Park City Center, McMinnville City Park
Vertical Divider
2010 - 2012
​+ Branding for architectural environments and art direction of placemaking graphics, signage and wayfinding, included storytelling through visual theme and pattern development, identity design, and cohesive application to print collateral. Project-based.
2006 - 2008
​+ Concept to completion of various corporate / retail signage and wayfinding design projects, including planning, programming, construction documentation and production.

+ Responsible for art direction and creating identity and print collateral projects. Gained knowledge of various design materials and fabrication processes. Sourced, recruited and managed both local and out-of-state contractors to insure quality and timely project completion. Full-Time.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Columbia Distributing
Beverage Distributor
Eugene-Springfield Branch

​​--
Deschutes, Full Sail, Bridgeport, New Belgium, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates​, King Estate Winery, Miller Coors, Corona, Pacifico
Vertical Divider
2008 - 2010
+ Managed the daily tasks of the Graphics Department, Eugene Branch; working closely with branch VP, Brand Managers, Sales Reps, and Suppliers to meet deadlines.

​+ Implemented organization systems to streamline P.O.S. requests, track orders, and decrease turnaround time. ​Documentation and billing of P.O.S.

+ Responsible for design and production of point-of-sale, advertising, and print collateral for an 80+ sales team, servicing major grocery retailers, C-stores, and restaurant-bars in the Willamette Valley and Southern Oregon Coast area.

+ Created original illustration and design, as well as, implemented camera-ready art for banners, posters, display signs, table tents, menus, and invitations.
+ Gained pre-press knowledge, managed in-house large-format printing, maintained equipment, and ordered supplies.

+ Raised the bar on visual communications standards with internal staff (management, sales and design-production teams) as well as external customer accounts. Gained the trust of brand suppliers with knowledge and understanding of brand cohesion and implementation.

+ Accepted and delivered design requests beyond the daily tasks of the job from suppliers, sales managers and human resources (Portland corporate office) on projects that included print advertising, promotional marketing campaigns,event collateral, community outreach programs and identity design.
DESIGNER
Sucha Design
Creative Agency
Portland, Oregon

​--
Northwest Children's Theater and School, Visionpoint Training Solutions, WestCoast Papers/WCP Solutions, Portland Children's Museum​
Vertical Divider
2004 - 2006
+ Art direction, design and production for various print and web projects, including monthly newsletters, brochures, catalogs, educational guides, weekly advertising and logos.

+ Successfully managed the visual communications for a few key Clients both corporate and non-profit, working closely with Creative Director.

+ Participated in team collaboration and brainstorming sessions, critique and feedback of work in progress. Contract.
ADVERTISING ASSISTANT
Oregon Daily Emerald
News Publication
Eugene, Oregon

--
​
Vertical Divider
1998-2002
+ Responsible for layout of ad pages for daily newspaper and supplements; working closely with Ad Director, Editors, Account Executives and Production to meet publishing deadlines. 

+ Established and maintained relationships with national accounts to coordinate ad schedules. 

+ Design and copywriting of promotional flyers for special issues.

​+ Organized media kits. Pulled daily tearsheets for advertisers and maintained filing for end-of-month billing. Part-Time.
Education 
Pacific Northwest College of Art
BFA, Communication Design | 2005
University of Oregon
BS, Psychology and Fine Arts | 2002