What do you do and where do you do it?
I’m a designer working at Humongo located in Danbury.
What inspired you to choose this profession, and what makes you stay in it?
I knew when I fell in love with drawing around age 7 that I wanted to have a job where I could be creative in any way or form. It was the one area that came naturally to me growing up.
I stay in this field because I find it incredibly rewarding to make a living by being creative. No matter how tough of a day I might have, I always remind myself that I’m part of a small percentage of people who love their job.
What is your single favorite piece in your portfolio?
Hmmm, that’s a tough question. I think if I had to only show one piece of work to someone, it would be the website design for Plaid Nation 2009. Plaid Nation (now Humongo Nation) is our annual summer tour celebrating innovation and creativity. It’s kinda like a rock band on tour but instead of rock stars, there are creative agency folk.
We took a lot of time strategizing this site and loaded it up with the latest and greatest social media tools that we felt were important for users to watch and interact with us as the tour made it’s way through the South. Additionally the site look and feel is fun which made it a pleasure to work on.
What/Where do you want to be in 10 years?
I hope to be doing what I’m doing now, going to work every day and getting to be über creative. Oh, and I hope to have a dog, too.
Who/What are your biggest influences?
My influences seem to range from which ever medium I’m working in. I have always admired Alexander Isley’s well thought out approach to print and identity work. When it comes to interactive work, I find Chris Spooner and Megan Fisher inspiring because of the amount of detail they bring into their projects.
What do you wish you did better?
I wish I was better at receiving feedback. I’m guilty of shutting down a bit if a critique gets away from me, but it’s all part of the process. I usually get right back at it after a proper sulk.
Why Connecticut?
I was born and raised in the Hartford area and after spending my first few years of college in New York, I realized I prefer to visit the city, not live in it. I also have been a big fan of the different agencies located in the state so I always knew the opportunity to do some great work was always here in Connecticut.
Who are the best creatives you’ve worked with?
Hands down, the team at Humongo. All of our designers have such different approaches and styles that it’s helped me grow as a designer. Every day, whether we’re brainstorming, strategizing or designing, we’re constantly trying new things, which is awesome!
What are your loves/passions outside of this field?
I’m an avid musician so love any opportunity I get to make/record my own music.
I’ve recently started enjoying writing. I’ve had the opportunity do some guest writing on some design blogs including Six Revisions and Brandflakes for Breakfast, which is kind of funny because the last thing I ever wanted in school was to take on additional writing projects, but doing so is quickly becoming a near and dear hobby.
What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
I’ve rapidly learned how incredibly social this profession is, especially within the state of Connecticut. Just using social media tools, I’ve been able to talk with other Connecticut creatives. There are a lot of friendships to be made, and a lot of the times it’s who you know. So reach out to people!
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