Artist | Illustrator | Designer
ABOUT ME
Award-winning, results-oriented project manager with extensive experience creating and implementingmarket-specific product messages that integrate advertising, publishing and communications to build brand awareness. I'm an Illustrator, graphic designer and painter.
- Hands-on leader who inspires employees to consistently exceed expectations under tight deadlines.
- Helping businesses elevate their communication and visual presence.
Creative Professional
With over 25+ years of experience as a project manager and art director at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), I am a creative leader and visual strategist who delivers high-impact marketing materials, brand identities, and strategic plans.
I manage all elements of the branding and visualization program, including writing, designing, and interpreting FAA programs and policies. I also create and maintain project plans and lead ad hoc team meetings to track progress and ensure quality.
Expertise
- Project Management
- Art Direction
- Creative Design Marketing Strategies
- Brand Management
- Concept Development
- Corporate Communications
- Editorial Direction
- Problem Resolution
- Team Leadership
- Client Relations
- Illustration
- Information Design and Interactive Design
- Strategic Communications
- Data Design
- Storytelling
Skills
- Branding
- Data Visualization
- Illustration
- Information Graphics
- Layout/Print
- Storyboarding
- Visual Communication
- UX/Usability
- Information Architecture
- Interaction Design
- Prototyping & Wireframing
- Usability Testing
- User Research
- Web Analytics
- AI Automation - Learn How I use AI
Tools
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Adobe Firefly
- Airtable
- Drupal
- Figma
- Google Data Studio
- GovDelivery
- Huddle
- InVision
- Microsoft 365/SharePoint
- Miro
- Trello
Portfolio
Illustrations
Traditional Illustrations and Visual Storytelling - Hand-drawn/painted artwork.
Brand Identity & Strategy
Logos, visual systems, tone of voice, and brand positioning for products and services across industries.
Digital Product Design
Publications, and typography work across mediums.
Public Sector & Government
Graphic Design, data visualization, internal comms, civic digital.
Digital Art
Digital Illustrations and Digital Compositing*
* not AI, old schoold photoshop!
Presentation Design
Movie/TV Show Posters Re-Imagined
Digital Illustrations and Photo Manipulations.
Tee Shirts Designs - Shop Now
Check out my standard tee provided by Next Level. 100% cotton and tri-blend. Tank tops and additional women’s sizes are usually provided by Bella+Canvas. Kids tees are provided by LAT Apparel and Gildan. They’re all soft and breathable, eco-friendly — You can’t go wrong!
Paintings
Traditional Illustration. Watercolor, Acrylic, Ink, Pastel, Woodblock Prints and Silkscreens, and more.
Clients and Brands
Brands I've worked with along the way.
Federal Aviation Administration
Aviation and Aerospace
Our continuing mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.
Roles:
Art Director, Designer, Program Analyst, Project Manager, Manager
Northrop Grumman
Defense & Space
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company. We are expanding the boundaries of what’s possible by providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned, cybersecurity, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.
Roles:
Art Director, Designer, Project Manager
Ernst and Young
Accounting
EY is a global leader in Assurance, Tax, Transaction and Advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a bette working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
Roles:
Designer, Illustrator
eFORCE Global
Information Technology and Services
eFORCE Global, Inc. is a multinational information technology services company.
Roles:
Art Director
ELA Interiorismo
Interior Design Firm
Santiago de Compostela's leading interior design firm. ELA designs elegant interiors for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Roles:
Freelance Designer, Illustrator
THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Committed Conservation and Research
In addition to the marine mammals research activities of the BDRI, the institute also undertakes a rigorous educational programme throughout the year. It is actively involved with volunteers, colleges and universities – providing work experience opportunities, internship positions and university project placements for Bachelors and Masters students throughout the year.
Roles:
Freelance Designer, Illustrator
The National Propane Gas Association
With a membership of approximately 2,800 companies in all 50 states, 38 affiliated state or regional associations, and members in 19 foreign countries, NPGA represents every segment of the propane industry.
The national trade association representing the U.S. propane industry. Our membership includes small businesses and large corporations engaged in the retail marketing of propane gas and appliances; producers and wholesalers of propane equipment; manufacturers and distributors of propane gas appliances and equipment; fabricators of propane gas cylinders and tanks; and propane transporters.
Roles:
Freelance Designer, Illustrator
Lakeside Homes LLC
Virginia Deluxe Homebuilder
Craftsman style home plans with all the features you would expect from a quality homebuilder. Stone front foundations, columns and large front porches add character and charm.
Roles:
Freelance Designer, Illustrator
Rush Holt | Congressman
Scientist, a teacher, an expert on monitoring nuclear weapons – and a five-time Jeopardy! winner who beat IBM’s computer Watson
Rush Holt also is an effective congressman and tough campaigner who wins elections by appealing to New Jersey voters who still believe in an American Dream built on fairness and opportunity for all.
Roles:
Freelance Designer, Illustrator
BDM International, Inc.
Multinational Information Technology Company
Technical services firm founded in 1959 in New York City. Its founders were Dr. Joseph V. Braddock, Dr. Bernard J. Dunn, and Dr. Daniel F. McDonald, who each received a PhD from Fordham University in the Bronx, New York.
Roles:
Designer, Illustrator
TRW
Automotive and Aerospace
TRW Inc. was an American corporation involved in a variety of businesses, mainly aerospace, and automotive.
Roles:
Designer, Illustrator
Liverpool Public Library
The Liverpool Public Library is where the community connects to discover, learn, and grow.
Community members will utilize library services and resources for enlightenment and entertainment. They will find free, diverse, accessible and up-to-date materials and resources, including electronic technologies.
Roles:
Designer, Illustrator, Desktop Publishing Clerk
Community Oriented Policing Services
A commitment to building trust and mutual respect between police and communities.
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation's state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources.
Roles:
Designer, Illustrator
The Administration for Community Living
The Administration on Aging (AOA)
Principal agency of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services designated to carry out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA), as amended (42 U.S.C.A. § 3001 et seq.). The OAA promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities.
Roles:
Designer, Illustrator
Rob Reiner
Tobacco Issues
California Proposition 10 (1998) is an initiative state constitutional amendment that appeared in the 1998 California General Election. The official name of this amendment is “The Children and Families First Act.” This amendment put a $.50 tax on cigarettes, and up to $1 on other tobacco products such as chewing tobacco and cigars. The revenue from this tax would go to funding early childhood education in California. The tax went into effect January 1, 1999.
Roles:
Freelance Designer
Case Studies
Helping clients to tell their stories.
ELA Interiorismo
Is an interior design studio focusing on make great spaces for a wide variety of businesses. It's fresh approach to modern design is showcased throughout its work.
Products Designed:
Logo, Business Card, Holiday CardsChallenge: I knew the true challenge was going to be serving customers who hadn't any experience in choosing an interior design studio. The logo look had to be clean and professional just like the space in which ELA creates. The logo is form from a name and a word. "Ela" means "she." in galego. I also wanted to play on the CEO's Eva López Fernandez first name "Eva" so in the logo you can see both ELA and EVA.
Lakeside Homes LLC
Is a new home building company with a long term focus. They are committed to country-style living.
Products Designed:
Website, Site Work Illustrations, and Home Exterior Model Illustrations
Challenge: They challenge here was to create a web site that fit its personality. The design highlights clean design elements and fresh colors. other project work includes home renderings and site work illustrations for lot layouts.
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI)
BDRI is an independent marine science center dedicated to research, education, and conservation of marine biodiversity. They study marine biodiversity and educate scientists, students, decision-makers, and the public thanks to the cooperation with multiple partners. BDRI’s reputation and success rests solidly on its ability to publish multiple scientific studies in prestigious scientific journals.
Products Designed:
Logo/brand
Challenge: The logo look had to be simple yet effective for its mission. It was designed to convey movement. The continuous line forms the shape of the dolphin and represents motion in not only in its dolphins, but in BDRI's research.
Artist Statement
Art is Risky. Generous. Provocative.
Experimenting with watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media.
I create primarily in watercolor, acrylic and mixed medias. I'm a graduate of Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, and hold a BFA in Illustration. I have studied under the tutelage of Murray Tinkleman, Bob Dacey, John Thompson, Roger DeMuth, and Jerome Witkin.
I am drawn to exploring bold ideas and expressing myself through form and color. In my work I strive to push the boundaries of traditional techniques and find new ways to capture emotion and expression.
Whether working with delicate watercolors or bold acrylics, I am always searching for ways to bring my vision to life on the paper/canvas.
Through my art, I hope to inspire others to explore their own creativity and to see the world in new and exciting ways!
My "Art Gods" are Degas, Duchamp, Dali, Ernst, Kandinsky, Rockwell, Klimt, Schiele, Pike, Homer, Matisse and Chagall.
Areas of Expertise
- Color
- Composition
- Drawing
- Storytelling
Painting Style and Technique
I usually work flat, as I like to stand to paint. I do tilt the paper to better control larger washes, runs and pooling.
PaperI use a variety of papers, boards, watercolor blocks, but lately I been using "Arches 140 lb | 300 g/m2 | Cold Pressed (Grain Fin) 12x16 in, 100% cotton." I tend to work on several paintings at once, typically 3-5.
Color
I plan my color almost entirely by memory and stick to what is on my palette. I rarely change it up, but I also introduce inks and pre-mixed colors right into the painting. I also use a variety of household cleaning products, coffee grounds, salt, rice, and anything that adds to the work.
Value Distribution
I stick to three basic values, black, middle-tone, and light.
Planning
A vast majority of my paintings are not planned. And when they are, I start with a very light sketch and work the details with masking fluid, tape, and sheets of scrap paper. Unplanned paintings take a life of their own, and I work the problem when it is called for. I would say I spend 5% planning and 95% painting.
A typically landscape painting, 12 x 16 takes me about 3 hours, start to finish. I like to work quick, and if I can do a painting under an hour, it is usually a stronger painting. Paintings that are over-worked seem forced. (varies on subject)
My Watercolor Palette
I have been using this layout since my university days. I used everything from old butcher trays to cheap mixing palettes to individual mixing containers for more complex spills and controlled pours.
Currently, I'm going back to my old school palette, the John Pike Palette. The "Pike" palette is by far the best one I have used and gives me a good range of mixing areas.
The cover also is used for a mixing area and can be propped up for draining paint to the lower area. I double-up Thalo Green and Payne's Gray and leave an empty compartment under Burnt Umber. The free mix area is where the real color experiments happen — this is always changing and shifting.
Past Exhibitions
Galleries, Wineries and More
"Old and New Works - Watercolors, Acrylic, and Multimedia"
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm, Gainesville, Virginia
2023: March 1 – December 1 2023
This art show features a curated collection of modernist paintings from Flatlands in landscapes, showcasing a unique blend of watercolor, acrylic, and multimedia works. With a theme of "Old and New Works", viewers will experience an exciting mix of both traditional and contemporary art.
"Watercolors"
ARTfactory, Manasas Virginia
2019: April 24th – April 25th
Historic Manassas, Inc. 9431 West St, Old Town Manassas, VA. From Visitmanassas.org: One Love: Art & Music Festival is a 2-day event that connects artists and the community through performances, workshops and exhibits.
"Elusive Horizons"
Barrel Oak Winery, Delaplane Virginia
2019: March 11th – May 8th
This art show showcases modernism in landscapes through watercolor paintings that explore the theme of "Elusive Horizons". Immerse yourself in the dreamy, while also reflecting on the beauty of nature. Each piece is a unique exploration of emotion and imagination, creating an unforgettable experience.
"Traversing Virginia"
Narmada Winery, Amissville Virginia
2018: April 28th – May 8th
This art show, "Traversing Virginia", features modernist watercolor paintings that capture the beauty of Virginia from the ocean to the mountains. Each painting captures the unique landscapes and experiences of the state, ranging from the coastline to rolling hills, rivers, and forests. Paintings are both representational and abstract, reflecting the diversity of the state's people, history, and culture. The show celebrates the beauty of Virginia and brings together a diverse array of styles, techniques, and perspectives.
Sorry you missed these shows. I'm in the studio creating new art. Stay tuned for upcoming shows.
"Inhibitions of Mindless Accumulation of Subjects"
By Jeff BruzdzinskiCurrently housed at the Taube Museum of Art - Mission: Enriching Lives Through the Visual Arts
