Teaching Philosophy
As a design professional, I believe it is my obligation to help train and foster creativity in young designers. The fields of graphic design, advertising and marketing are more complex and competitive than ever. Despite how many click-throughs, likes and multiple platforms a client demands, the business is still about creating effective ideas that connect with the audience in a meaningful way. I help train my students in design thinking, so they have the ability to create multiple solutions for the same problem. This philosophy helps students accomplish any task, no matter the professional field they ultimately pursue.
I also believe professional experience gives students the edge they need to launch their careers. For this reason, in all of the upper-level classes I teach, I have the students engage with actual clients and design professionals on real-world projects. This allows students to gain experience creating, presenting and defending their work in front of actual working professionals. Not only do students walk away from the class with solid pieces for their portfolio, but they also make invaluable industry contacts.
A successful design solution is not magic. It comes from hard work, dedication to the craft and sheer tenacity. I strive to instill these values into each student I have the opportunity to teach.
Bio
For over 20 years, I have created advertising campaigns and design pieces for a wide variety of clients including—Appleton Coated, Belmont University, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Jack Daniel Distillery, Johnston & Murphy, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., Nissan North America, Inc., Ruby Tuesday, Inc., Toshiba Consumer Products and YellaWood Brand Pressure Treated Pine.
My work has garnered numerous honors, including: National Gold ADDY® Awards, AIGA, London International Advertising Award, New York Film Festival Award, One Show, Print, Graphis and Telly Awards.
I hold a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in graphic design from Savannah College of Art & Design and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in applied art and design from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. Along with running a creative boutique I teach adjunct at the university level.
Curriculum Vitae
Professional Experience
DNA Creative Marketing, LLC | Brentwood, Tennessee
2003 – Present
Partner, Creative Director
Clients
Belmont University | Ebonite International | Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Nissan North America | Permobil, Inc. | Ruby Tuesday, Inc. | Toshiba America | YellaWood
Overview
• Developed global marketing and advertising creative for Permobil, Inc.
• Developed a company-wide signage program for YellaWood Brand Pressure Treated Pine
• Developed marketing and point-of-purchase graphics for Toshiba America
• Created custom lettering and illustrations for Ruby Tuesday menus implemented across all restaurants
• Developed, designed and produced Nissan News, a quarterly employee engagement magazine
• Concepted and produced advertising and collateral campaigns for Belmont University across all media channels
Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence | Nashville, Tennessee
1995 – 2003
Vice President, Associate Creative Director (2001 – 2003)
Vice President, Senior Art Director (1999 – 2001)
Art Director (1995 – 1999)
Clients
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum | Goodwill Industries
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey | Johnston & Murphy Footwear | NHL Nashville Predators
Overview
• Day-to-day management and creative oversight of the 10-person department
• Lead designer for the launch of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Single Barrel product
• Concepted and developed the GM Saturn welcome center in Spring Hill, Tennessee
• Lead designer/art director for the Johnston & Murphy 150-year anniversary celebration
• Created advertising and collateral materials for the launch of the National Hockey League Nashville Predators franchise
• Designed and art directed Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Squires calendars
Ericson Marketing Communications | Nashville, Tennessee
1993 – 1995
Graphic Designer
Clients
Gaylord Entertainment Company | Grand Ole Opry Group | Seaborne Conservation Corps Third National Bank | United Way of Middle Tennessee
Overview
• Designed collateral for a variety of clients and products/services
Altoon + Porter Architects | Los Angeles, California
1991
Environmental Graphic Designer
Clients
Kaahumanu Center, Maui, HI | Spring Hill Mall, West Dundee, IL
Triangle Square, Newport Beach, CA
Overview
• Developed signage and wayfinding systems for large-scale retail centers
• Created icon system for Triangle Square shopping center
Teaching Experience
Belmont University | Nashville, Tennessee
2022 – Present
Assistant Professor
Courses Taught
Design Experience | History and Philosophy of Design | Linear Design
Overview
• Work with students to help them understand the design process and the importance of keeping their target the focus of everything they create
• Help students understand the importance of the designers that came before us
• Work with students as they hone their concept development and layout skills
Belmont University | Nashville, Tennessee
2014 – 2017
Instructor – Adjunct
Courses Taught
Design Administration | Narrative & Advocacy Design | System Design
Overview
• Directed students as they concepted, pitched and produced creative work for the Nashville American Advertising Awards Student Competition
O’More College of Design | Franklin, Tennessee
2007 – 2014, 2018
Instructor – Adjunct
Courses Taught
Introduction to Graphic Design | Digital Imaging | Advertising Design I | Advertising Design II
Overview
• Directed students as they concepted and pitched creative work to the following companies and organizations:
• American Advertising Federation-Nashville Chapter
• Fruit of the Loom
• Moon Pie – Chattanooga Candy Company
• Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Nissan North America
Education
Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, Georgia
Graphic Design | M.F.A., 2015
California Polytechnic State University | San Luis Obispo, California
Applied Art & Design/Graphic Design | Bachelor of Science, 1993
Exhibits
The Conceptualizer – A Celebration of the Artist In All of Us
Belmont University Leu Center for the Visual Arts
September 2017
Industry Accolades
AIGA TennShow, Best of Show, 2010
American Advertising Federation, Local & Regional ADDY Awards, 1995-2019
National Gold ADDY Awards, 1999, 2003, 2007
Appleton Coated U B The Judge, Southeastern Division, Best of Show, 2004
Graphis Poster Annual, 2020
London International Advertising Awards, 1999
New York Film Festival, International TV Advertising, Silver Medal, 1998
One Show, Best Pharmaceutical Advertising Exhibition, 2004
Print Regional Design Annual, 1998
Telly Awards, 2005, 2006, 2009-2017
Teaching Accolades
Distinguished Faculty Award, O’More College of Design, 2014
Community Involvement
American Advertising Federation, Sanctioned Local/Regional ADDY Competition Judge
Member of Brentwood United Methodist Church
Volunteer for the Robert I. Moore Sunday School Class (75+ Age Group)
Donated Design Service
ALS Foundation
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Adventure Science Center – Nashville Children’s Museum
Donated Original Artwork
“Chair”ish the Kids Auction – Benefiting Kids on the Block to combat child abuse
The Birdhouse Thing – Benefiting W.O. Smith Music School
Cumberland Caper – Benefiting The Adventure Science Center
