I draw creative inspiration from my surroundings, at all times. For instance, once while working on an invitation for a client I pulled a leaf off a bush while sitting at a stoplight. I scanned in the leaf, which became a prominent design element in the piece. Design elements are all around us, if you look hard enough, you can become inspired.

As the Creative Director of the firm my responsibilities include gathering client requirements, overseeing designers implementing appropriate design solutions, managing projects and providing artistic direction. As the Business Owner, I network with new and existing clients, write contracts, hire talented staff and develop and implement strategic vision.

The best thing about working for a small company is the fact that we have gotten to know each other as a family. Additionally, we can quickly make decisions pertinent to the business that truly helps us to remain a proactive company.

During my lifetime I would like to own a Ferrari. To me, a Ferrari is the truest blend of art and technology.

I prefer cats, for their independence.

If I had not become a designer, I would have chosen a profession that included water. I love to be on the water, whether it's fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, snorkeling, etc.

Procuring creative ingenuity is something that is integral to the design process, and while all designers believe they instinctively have the propensity to be great at design, creative inspiration is something we must import from various entities. For me those commodities are my everyday occurrences. Whether they are stunning events, or the normalcy of daily life; events, interactions, encounters, and my entire visible field are all aspects that I absorb to create inspiration. Regardless of whether it is a conscious or innate ability to absorb my surroundings, I find that these daily entities all have a profound impact on my creative output.

Typography | Motion Graphics | Flash Animation | Print | Graphic Design

When creating in a small firm a sense of betterment for the company, improving and impacting each other’s design skills, and partaking in a true collaborative effort are not lost or divorced from your creative agenda. In a larger setting, it is easy to fall into the trap of working because you have to, not because you want to. When one chooses to invest themselves in a smaller firm, they absolutely understand the two way street that is business in the creative field, and know that the company is counting on them just as they are equally counting on the company.

I would like to live and work in a foreign country for a number of years, preferably, one where I do not speak the native language. It would be an awesome mix of excitement and extreme frustration, but one that would also create lasting and meaningful lessons.

Dogs. Without a doubt, and not those little ‘purse’ dogs either.

I, unfortunately, drive a mini-van due to my “poor college student status.” I accordingly call this car a Mini, in the hopes that people (and myself) will actually think that it is a Mini-Cooper, however, that illusion has, and continues to fail.

I receive my inspiration from a number of odd places, many of which are quite unexpected and often overlooked. Everyday items such as drink coasters, old calendars and junk mail can be found in the ‘creative corner’ of my office along with a wide array of other truly random items.

Working at Darning Pixels, Inc. has greatly expanded my skill range in many different design areas. My range of skilled expertise includes the following areas: Print, Web, Multi-Media and User Interface Design. With the above mentioned skills, I am able to create items such as: logos, business cards, brochures, annual reports, mailers, posters, illustrations, infographics, small to large-scale websites built with html, cold fusion, php and css, small to large Flash movies and complete PowerPoint designs.

I’d have to say that the best benefit to working in a small company such as Darning Pixels, Inc. would have to be the range of design opportunities that I receive. Because we have a smaller number of designers, I am always guaranteed the chance to work on a fun, creative project that both challenges and pushes my design talents.

Well it might sound a bit crazy, but I would love the chance to go onto The Price is Right and play Plinko; my absolute favorite game of all time. It has been a dream of mine since I was a child and it still holds true for me today.

Definitely dogs. They are friendly, playful, good-natured and a blast to have around. K-9’s have also been proven to lower stress and lead a person to a happier lifestyle, which is exactly what I need after a long day of JavaScript troubleshooting. I extend special thanks to my dog Tucker in his efforts towards single-handedly saving my sanity.

I am a craft guru. I love to sew, paint, design my own clothing and jewelry, create cards of all types and decorate cakes. Simply put, Martha Stewart calls me for advice.

Everywhere! I have lived in four states now and each one has been an entirely new experience for learning and as a creative outlet. You can build your creative palette so much from experiences and different environments (atmospheres). Another form of inspiration is learning. If you continue to learn throughout life, you will always have the means to create, develop, finish dreams, and evolve as a person. For me, being creative requires continuous learning and knowledge building, this way, you are never bored.

Web Design | Flash Design | Print Design | Printing Knowledge | User Interface Design | Knowledgeable in computer software and hardware | Programming

We can truly function as a creative team. I know everyone very well and can build relationships on more of a personal level. We know how to get work done, and we know how to have a good time. We also have a great amount of creative freedom, which is very influential on the outcome of a project. I can go to anyone in the office for advice and not feel out of place!

I would like to start my own music studio as a side business. Then I could not only have my own environment to create music, but have a place to help others do the same, and of course I would have to put out my own record.

Dogs, for sure!

I have a huge passion for music. I enjoy playing, writing, listening and just thinking about it. I always need to have music on in the background.

Many places…Music, textures, fabrics, the fashion industry, film and television, paintings, cooking, on and on…and crazy as it may sound, our two-year old son. Children are extremely creative and have a wonderful way of innocently approaching life. His outlook continually furnishes me with fresh eyes for which to view our world, allowing creativity to flow more freely.

Well, I’m not one of the designers at our firm, but let’s just say without me…. Things may not run as smoothly! IE: company does not get paid + employees are not paid = unhappiness :(

I truly enjoy the fact that I know each of the employees on a personal level, in addition to professionally. This is unique in today’s business-driven society. Most people spend more time with their co-workers and colleagues than their own family, so naturally we strive for a comfortable, creative environment. The collaborative atmosphere leads to a more productive team.

Travel Abroad

Neither! Not anymore. We’ve had both a dog and two cats and as much as I do like animals, it’s just too much work anymore and TOO MUCH HAIR!! We still have one cat and I think she’s going to outlive us all!

I’ve had the same best friend since I was two years old; we’re really more like sisters.