I am committed to creating compelling designs that articulate meaning; meaning should dictate form. I value the beauty of integrity in design and the inestimable power of teamwork.

I am a seasoned art director and graphic designer. I am currently working as a freelance graphic designer in Washington, D.C. and Ohio.

Using my passion for conceptualizing, developing, and executing a project, I have created dynamic graphics and branding for large scale events, individuals, small businesses, educational programs, and public services. 

My communication design skills have been enhanced by working with people from all walks of life including curators, educators, scientists, artists, creative teams, national agencies such as NASA, international governments, small business owners, and individuals. I know the importance of listening attentively.

• Experienced taking design projects from conception to completion
• Sophisticated use of typography
• Communications design for print and web
• Illustration and photography
• Copywriting and editing
• Print production management and press inspection
• Mastery of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop 
• Working knowledge of Dreamweaver, Flash and QuarkXpress


Freelance­—2011–Present

National Humanities Alliance
National Communication Association 
Statzer Health Care Consulting
Haiti Cultural Recovery Project


Art Director—Smithsonian Folklife Festival, CFCH. 2006–2011

Successfully hired and led a design team to conceptualize, develop, and produce dynamic and culturally sensitive graphics for the Smithsonian Institution. Collaborated with people from all walks of life including curators, educators, scientists, artists, creative teams, national agencies such as NASA, international governments, and small business owners. Used prior business management experience to keep the design team smiling while meeting the most exacting deadlines within a stringent budget. Solicited design projects and created successful collaborations between different units within the Smithsonian to supplement the income of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Implemented innovative systems to ensure a positive work atmosphere was maintained and production was not compromised by the expanded agenda. Designed national and international fund-raising literature for print and digital use. Worked with technical crews to develop innovative installation methods for graphics and 3D presentations. Assisted in introducing a Data Management System for researching and controlling the use of images. Being cognizant of a stringent budget, substantially reduced the cost of production by seeking new vendors, printing methods, and substrates. Introduced and utilized environmentally-friendly printing techniques. 


Graphic Designer—Smithsonian Folklife Festival. 2003–2005

Played a vital, catalyzing role in presenting multiple cultures graphically on the National Mall. Researched graphic content to ensure authenticity and guarantee acceptance of design. Presented concepts electronically, in print, and in three-dimensional models. Created and established extensive and detailed printing specifications to eliminate confusion for installers and printers negotiating government bids. Organized a production schedule to ensure all elements were completed and delivered in a timely manner. Monitored and tightly controlled a budget, being sensitive to fluctuations in production requirements and the inevitable last minute demands. Solicited bids and wrote government purchase requests for individual projects, plus prepared extensive submissions for the Smithsonian Office of Contracts for multiple-year contracts. Reviewed final invoices and authorized release of payment. Archived files.


Office Administrator, Fred Farahi, D.D.S., McLean, VA. 1997 – 2002	 

Managed an elite dental practice specializing in comprehensive cosmetic dentistry. Restructured the practice from a busy, insurance driven office to a slower paced environment promoting exemplary cosmetic dentistry. Used internal and external marketing to transform the patient base, attracting desirable new patients while maintaining patients of record. Implemented creative treatment plan presentation using the latest technology to ensure the highest level of care, coordinating efforts with specialists practicing with a similar philosophy. Designed simple business management systems to achieve and maintain record production and collection rates. Created a pleasant, stress-free working environment by training and motivating staff.


Office Administrator, Ikars V. Lans, D.D.S., Ashburn, VA. 1991 – 1997	 

Transformed a failing, single-family dental office into a viable, profitable business with three locations practicing cosmetic, orthodontic, and periodontal dentistry. Initially employed as an untrained front desk assistant, but the practice grew rapidly. Employed detailed demographic studies for successful marketing campaigns, stressing the importance of individual patients and customer service. Managed seven dentists and twenty-three supporting personnel by creating and implementing exciting incentive programs. Established business management systems to manage all areas of productivity and collections. Computerized accounts payable to prevent misappropriation of funds while controlling burgeoning costs, thereby guaranteeing net income and company viability. 


Education and Additional Skills

Northern Virginia Community College: Communication and Interactive Design
New York Academy of Art and Georgetown University: Artistic and Gross Anatomy
University of Gloucestershire: Mathematics and Economics
Mastery of Adobe CS5, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Microsoft Office; Good working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Dreamweaver, and Flash
Management training: Dale Carnegie Institute, AACD, Levin Group, Pride Institute, Linda Miles, and Paragon
Experienced oil painter and skilled graphite artist