I knew I wanted to be a designer when I fell in love with the designs on the skateboards. I remember buying my first Birdhouse skateboard when I was 13. Besides the rhythmic sound of my wheels rolling against the pavement, I noticed that each skateboard brand had its own look and feel, expressed through the designs. Some had skulls, stencils, and even intricate geometric designs. For me, I saw endless opportunities for design on these unique canvases. My friends and I would compete—not just to see who could pull off the coolest tricks, but also for bragging rights for the best designed board. This was my first taste of graphic design.

A Chicago native with a love for the arts, I journeyed north to study at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Penninsula where I obtained a BFA in Electronic Imaging in 2008. On summer breaks from school I was an intern with the Chicago History Museum as an exhibit designer. I helped construct model exhibit plans, laid vinyl type for signage, and even handled one of Abraham Lincoln’s top hats! Simultaneously, I interned at a multimedia company called Fig Media, focusing on photography and videography. Some of the clients I assisted with included Taste of The Nation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Metro Chicago.

Currently, I’m a design student at the Chicago Portfolio School. In my internship, I want to be able to learn the business aspect of winning new clients and working with them one-on-one. I plan to hone my design skills and to execute work that speaks true to Hexanine and its clients. A lot of my inspiration and influence comes from graffiti, architecture, holga photography, music, and gig posters. I’m a fan of the work of James Victore, Chuck Anderson, Paula Scher, Hillman Curtis, and The Post Family. Take a look at my own work at my portfolio site.