How did you find your signature style?

For me, I have been drawn to lettering ever since my first Typography I class in college. I’m convinced it was a weed-out class at 8:00 a.m. on Friday mornings, but I couldn’t get enough. My fascination and interest in letterforms has always been at the core of my personal style—probably the thing to which everything else is tethered. From there, I discovered and nurtured other interests such as the Victorian era, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco ornamentation, illustration, and patterns. Many elements in my work tend to be infused with a Japanese-inspired stylization or sensibility. It’s important to me that my work feels classic, yet relevant and modern at the same time.

Did you go to art school?

I have my BFA in Communication Design from the College of Visual Arts & Design at the University of North Texas in Denton. It was a rigorous program that nurtured my interest in typography and composition, and it introduced me to the work of artists like Doyald Young and Jim Sheraden of Hatch Show Print. As a student, I loved attending Dallas Society of Visual Communications events and lectures, and participating in the National Student Show & Conference. 

Who has helped you on your artistic journey?

I owe a lot to my two mentors—former professor, Meta Newhouse, and former boss, Louise Fili. I sought Meta’s guidance as one of her design students in university, and I am so grateful for the time she took to meet with me and help me improve my portfolio pieces before graduation. I felt her care and wisdom sent me out into the workforce with confidence. When she later became a professor at Montana State University, she invited me to Bozeman in 2011 for my very first public speaking gig. In an amazing turn of events, she is now the Chair of Undergraduate Communications Design at Pratt here in Brooklyn! 

In 2010, a couple years after moving to New York, I landed my dream job as a designer at Louise Fili Ltd. I had fallen in love with Louise’s vintage-inspired typography, books, and packaging years earlier, so this was the opportunity of a lifetime for me. Louise showed me what a successful career running a female-led studio looked like. Her work is heavily influenced by the past, yet remains as relevant and timeless as ever. It’s still nice to occasionally grab lunch with her in the city and catch up on all the goings on!

What was it like working for Louise Fili?

I truly learned so much from my two years at Louise Fili Ltd. Working for Louise was such an honor, especially since only two designers work with her at a time. The opportunity was a huge stepping stone in my young career. She’s built a legendary decades-long career while still pursuing passion projects and living a balanced life. Seeing that example up close was invaluable. Besides myself, Louise has mentored and helped launch the careers of so many talented designers of my generation, such as Jessica Hische, Nick Misani, John Passfiume, Kelly Thorn, and Phaedra Charles. A fun fact is that at the beginning of Louise’s career, she worked for design & typography legend Herb Lubalin. It’s a privilege to be included in such an illustrious design lineage!