Engaging users.

I've had the great fortune of doing the work I love for twenty years now. Of course, it's bobbed and weaved with the times (all healthy jobs do), but at its core, the principle work has remained the same.

Reflecting on this recently, I came to the realization that all this time I was providing more than just information and entertainment to clients and customers. When a person sits in front of their computer to read their favorite blog, drills through their daily emails, or receives a surprise e-card, it's been my responsibility to help create an environment that makes this experience not only simple but pleasant as well. And that not only brings in customers, but helps keep them.

Engaging users, that's what it's all about.

Engaging users with smart choices.

With experience that mirrors the rise of multimedia and the Internet from the early 1990's you can rest assured that I not only offer interactive solutions that have stood the test of time but are the latest technologies available to you.

Every client's needs are unique, from the vast array of choices in open-source software to the maturing of Rich Internet-based application technology, I'll be right there with you to help you make the right choice. And as a practicing multimedia instructor, you'll be presented those choices using straight talk that's in plain English, with only your return on investment as the primary motivator.

Engaging users with the right tools.

Illustration: Traditional Media (ink and paint) and Digital Illustration (Photoshop and Illustrator), Three-dimensional Illustration, Spot Illustrations, Graphs and Diagrams, Application and Product Icons

Interactive Design: Standards-based Web Design, Email Campaigns, Open-source Template Design, Media Presentations, Usability Assessment and Design

Animation: Flash-based Banners and Ads, eCard Presentations, Animated Shorts and Cartoons

Instruction and Training: Standards-based Web Design, Presentation Design, Flash Basics and Animation Principles

Two Decades of Experience

1989: Started freelance illustration career after graduating college. Initial clients include Apple, Inc.

1990: Computer Curriculum Corporation (absorbed into Pearson Education). Started as staff illustrator/animator and promoted to position of Multimedia art director and finally senior animator. First experience with handcoding HTML for websites in 1994 and animating with precursor to Adobe Flash in 1996.

1997: Dataware Technologies (no longer in business). Designed multimedia presentations for multiple platform deliveries via CD-ROM and the Internet. Experience with early forms of streaming video (QuickTime, Real Networks, and Windows Media Player). Honed user interface skills while designing a variety of database front ends.

1998: While working full-time, embarked on a secondary career as adjunct animation and multimedia instructor for the newly formed Art Institute of Portland.

2000: Creative Director for @Once (now part of YesMail). Staffed, managed, and worked alongside a talented team of web designers producing HTML-based email campaigns for Fortune 500 corporations. Learned the complex intricacies of email design during it's early development and the concerns surrounding privacy.

2001: Senior Art Director for Rosen/Brown Direct (marketing guru and author, Richard Rosen's in-house direct mail company). Discovered the importance of convergence marketing and the integration of interactive design with traditional print campaigns.

2002: Returned to freelance work for a variety of clients from non-profits like Mercy Corps to Fortune 500 companies such as Warner Home Video.

2005: Began to teach a variety of courses (Flash, Illustrator and web design) at Clark College.

2007: Accepted a position as Creative Director for OCP (Oregon Catholic Press). Managed print designers and worked with web developers to launch large-scale Drupal-powered web sites.

2009: Freelancing once more, working with a diverse range of established clients, unique startups and exciting small businesses.