Design background

I got my design career started as an interactive designer at Primo Angeli Inc. in San Francisco, where I designed and maintained the Primo Angeli Inc. web site from 1996-1998. I was also involved in design for interactive projects such as CD-ROMs, online presentations and websites. In the late 1990s, I left to become a freelance designer and entrepreneur. From 1998-2001, I owned and operated a three-person interactive design studio in downtown San Francisco. My small firm designed corporate identity, promotional materials, and web sites for clients including Real Skateboards, Future Farmer Recordings, and Baywell Technologies.

Teaching activities

I currently teach at the Academy of Art University (San Francisco, California), in the Graduate Computer Arts/New Media department. I teach two studio classes. The first is Typography for Digital Masters, an interactive design class with an emphasis on typography for navigation, legibility and usability. The second is Topics in Motion Graphics, a basic motion graphics design course with an emphasis in Adobe After Effects. I also teach design workshops, group directed studies for design, and advise students in independent study. I am a committee member for midpoint and final thesis reviews, and have spoken on panels for the Academy of Art University educational seminars in 2007 and 2008.

Fine art activities

I have two ongoing fine art series which combine computer graphics and conventional art techniques. The Future Imperfect series, incorporates 3-D designs built in the software program Maya with screen printing and textural paint techniques to create medium scale works on canvas. The Past Imperfect series are small-scale collages with screen printing, digital graphics and drawing, applied to panel and finished with resin. My fine art is influenced by my early experiments in cartooning and graffiti, and my current occupation as a graphic designer, and instructor.

Overcoming RSI

In 1999, I developed a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) directly related to overuse of the computer. Because of this injury, I had to step away from art and design for a period of time after 2001. After many cycles of recovery and re-injury, I have learned to modify my work habits in order to maintain my health. Voice-activated software for e-mail, and ergonomic modifications to my work set up, have allowed me to continue my career as an artist and designer.