As an artist, illustrator, designer, and creative art director with a professional foundation from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and studies in visual communication at the University of Brighton in England, my work centers on a dialogue between direct observation and imaginative interpretation. Originally from Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, my creative journey has been shaped by the diverse environments I’ve inhabited, from the historic craft traditions of Boston to the rugged, inspiring landscapes of Lake Superior's North Shore. I specialize in art and illustration for the publishing, media, and natural science sectors, where I translate complex, abstract concepts into evocative imagery. Synthesizing tangible forms with their emotional resonance, I strive to revitalize the visual connection to the environment, ensuring that projects ranging from editorial spreads to intricate scientific renderings remain engaging and visually striking.

 

My design work bridges the gap between fine art aesthetics and strategic visual solutions. My experience includes comprehensive brand design initiatives for start-ups, international companies, nonprofits, and conservation organizations, involving logo designs, detailed map redesigns, the creation of extensive iconography libraries, and the transformation of photographic archives into custom digital assets. My approach balances utility with a handcrafted sensibility, developing brand guidelines that enable a wide range of organizations to communicate their core mission through a distinct, versatile visual language across print and digital platforms.

 

Beyond my studio practice, I am a dedicated advocate for arts education and community engagement. I have served in leadership roles that oversee marketing and visitor engagement, and I bridge high-level brand strategy with hands-on mentorship. My teaching philosophy, developed through faculty roles at various fine art and craft institutions across the Midwest and East Coast, emphasizes technical mastery and experimentation to help students discover their unique visual voices. Additionally, I operate Rooted Relics, a creative venture where I apply my illustration and design expertise to custom wood carvings.