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.

A lot of my creative inspiration comes from my love of problem solving. I view Graphic Design as a problem for me so solve visually which gives me lots of creative energy to work with. I also find myself being inspired by art history and the work of other designers. I often find myself admiring their use of color, pattern, typography, or form and it influences my own work. One inspiring creative thought leads to another, and all of the sudden my creative energy is bouncing off the walls.

Graphic Design, Web Design, Programming, Knowledge of Computer Hardware and Software

Working for a small company lets you really get to know the people you work with. It creates a personal, comfortable atmosphere that allows for creativity to flow.

I would love to be able to say that I’ve visited every continent in the world, including Antarctica! I think it would be really interested to get a taste of the whole world in which we live. I also would like to visit each of the fifty states.

Both, I love animals! I generally prefer cats, but I love dogs too. Someday I may turn into a crazy animal lady with like twenty different pets.

I’m a really big geek. My favorite TV channels to watch include the Discovery and National Geographic. I am also a Computer Science major and really enjoy programming. I get way excited about new technology and love to read Science articles. I was even once on the Iowa State 4-H Technology Team!

Honestly, everywhere. Lately, I’ve been turning to design Web sites and blogs. Before that it was magazines, phonebooks, greeting cards or anything else I could get my hands on. There is so much we can learn from others, designers or not.

Flash Design, Graphic Design, Programming, Printing and Website Design.

I think the best thing about working for a small company is the people within. We are able to work in a creative, yet professional environment. We are also able to learn from each other in work- and non-work-related ways.

I want to run a marathon. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I also know that not everything in life is. I’m going to do it anyway.

I love both, but prefer dogs.

I love the Today Show. I embarrassingly make references to it on a daily basis. All kidding aside, I like news. I like knowing who and what makes up this world we live in. Lastly, as cheesy as it sounds, I hope to some day make an appearance on the Today Show for doing something great.

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.