About Me
I am an average human being with some rather wide ranging tastes and interests. I have worked in many industries throughout my almost forty years, and look forward to walking new paths and learning about new directions. I have also found that the more closely our values align with principles, the more effective we will be.
Most of my professional career has consisted of working with varied clients in an administrative capacity. However, since 1997, my life has been transitioning into more technical and creative arenas. Particularly, I have been pulled to the web design/graphic design industry.
I have worked for a wide range of small to medium sized companies - so believe me I have seen good and bad in business! I have also worked with a wide range of industries - including insurance (life and health), medical (office and hospital), marketing/advertising, legal, and even non-profit and education.
Working with both large and small companies, and with such a wide range of industries has meant that I had a hands-on introduction to what's required, but my specialization has been in setting up and creating new systems, procedures and perspectives. With my own passion for organization and efficiency, I have created a better team in each company I have been with.
I have worked with HTML and web design since 1997, but I have created and designed marketing pieces (such as business cards, letterhead and brochures) for employers and clients since 1993. The challenge of finding or creating just the right identity pieces for each employer has been exhilarating.
My husband and I moved to Minneapolis, MN in 1999, and we have found it to be a far different society than Milwaukee, WI. While creativity is more prized up here in the North, I have found that innovation and adaptability are sometimes scary to some employers in the area. However, these same qualities are bread-and-butter to a self-employed worker.
Having always wanted to own my own business, that's what I've done. My full-time job is "the net" and I am building slowly and deliberately. I'm not going away - I like it too much. I don't do a nine-to-five job, though I would consider one if offered to me. I am not playing at this in my spare time and I do make money. Not millions, but I do consider myself to be successful and "qualified" to help you learn what works and what doesn't.
My business background is proving to be a good grounding, but I also do a lot of research into the additional tools and skills needed in this new arena. Nobody, but nobody, is THE expert on the 'Net, but I do have a pretty good handle on the culture and if I don't know the answer to a question myself, I usually know where to get it.
I am constantly teaching myself new technologies, and keeping track of the trends of the net. I don't subscribe to the 'bleeding edge' of web design, since the purpose of a website is to be read and consumed by as many visitors as possible. However, I do attempt to keep up with my colleagues - and am always willing to share what I know, as well as learn new items from others.
In fact, as of 2008, I have graduated from Brown College (in Mendota Heights, MN) and will be continuing to study to achieve a Master's of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University. Continued education in this modern day is a necessity, and I pride myself in continuing to learn every day!
For more information about me, please download my resume, view my portfolio, or you can read some of my articles.