I am a multi-award-winning, creative, deadline-driven graphic designer and editor with more than 35 years of experience with graphic and media design and production, content planning and editing of tabloid and broadsheet print publications, as well as website creation, design and management.
My design background includes conceptualization and design of illustrations, graphic artwork, logos, print page layouts, as well as headline writing and typography. I also have extensive experience with editing / proofreading editorial copy, content planning, and an exceptional knowledge of producing daily and weekly print publications and websites from concept to final product.
I am highly proficient in multiple design, publishing and office systems: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, AfterEffects, Illustrator, Apple Keynote, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Google Docs, Google Drive, Excel, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Figma, Canva, QuarkXPress, social media platforms, Web content management system CMS software, and more.
Award highlights:
PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Best Design (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009)
Best Illustration (2013, 2012)
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (AP)
First place, 2018, Best Illustration
First place, 2016, Best Print Design
First place, 2013, Best Print Design
First place, 2012, Headline Writing
First place, 2011, Best Print Design
ILLINOIS PRESS ASSOCIATION (IPA)
First place, 2016, Best Illustration
First place, 2014, Best Illustration
First place, 2013, Best Design
First place, 2013, Best Illustration
First place, 2013, Most Innovative Project – PlanitNorthwest.com (Northern Illinois entertainment website)
First place, 2013, Best Entertainment / Lifestyle Section (design and content)
NORTHERN ILLINOIS NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION (NINA)
First place, 2013, Best Headlines
LOCAL MEDIA ASSOCIATION (national)
First place, 2013 Editorial Contest, Best Non-Page One Layout
First place, 2013 Digital Media Contest, Best Niche Site Produced by a Local Newspaper
INLAND PRESS ASSOCIATION (national)
Second place, 2013, Best Online Innovation (design and content) – PlanitNorthwest.com