One morning a representative from the Art Institutes came to speak to my marketing class in high school. She showed us student portfolios and I witnessed some of the most creative ideas/print/animation I had seen in my life. I was hooked and the eternal spark was lit.

I attended a technology academy in high school where I learned everything from the ins and outs of programming and architectural drafting to digital visualization. Going to that school and getting my certification in Adobe Photoshop and Advertising/Design while I attended were the most important steps I ever took. The school expanded my design capabilities solidified my technological credibility.

The best thing an aspiring designer can do for their career is stay well versed in the design programs used currently in the industry. Technological savvy + Innate creative talent = Endless possibilities.

I am still very early in my career and still have so much ground to cover. However, one of the most fulfilling experiences of my design career has to be the time I spent as a designer for a small non-profit in DC called Dreaming Out Loud. It was my first professional design experience and was the first time my creative ideas positively impacted an entire community of people. I got the chance to use my talents for the greater good and touch the lives of people in ways unimaginable.