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Work Background
Image Printing & GraphicsProduction Artist
Mar. 2023Circle Pines, Minnesota, United StatesAs the Production Artist at Image Printing & Graphics, my role is multifaceted, combining technical precision with creative design. I ensure that all incoming client files are correctly prepared for printing, meticulously checking for accuracy and readiness to avoid any production delays or quality issues. Beyond file management, I engage directly with clients to design custom products tailored to their needs, blending creativity with their vision to deliver unique print solutions. In addition to handling client designs, I manage the print shop's marketing efforts, both digitally and physically. From crafting engaging social media content that showcases our work to developing print advertisements that capture attention, I help drive awareness and business growth. My technical expertise extends to operating a range of advanced equipment, including a flatbed board printer, wide-format poster printer, large-format vinyl cutter, and direct-to-transfer printer. These tools allow us to offer a diverse range of printed products, from large-scale posters to detailed vinyl designs. I also have the opportunity to contribute creatively to a sister store, The Paper Closet Collection, where I design unique stationery products that align with our brand's fun, yet professional identity. This role allows me to merge my technical skills with my passion for design, ensuring that every product we create meets the highest standards of quality and creativity.
Blue Phoenix EventsCo-Founder
Sep. 2020 - Aug. 2023Minneapolis, Minnesota, United StatesAs the Owner and Event Planner at Blue Phoenix Events, I brought a blend of creativity, precision, and passion to each event, ensuring every detail reflects the vision of my clients. My role encompassed every aspect of event planning, from initial consultations and concept development to seamless day-of execution. I worked closely with clients to understand their goals, preferences, and unique styles, tailoring each event to deliver memorable experiences. I oversaw logistics, vendor coordination, and venue selection, ensuring that everything from décor and catering to entertainment aligned with the client's expectations. I also managed budgeting, timelines, and contingency planning, making sure that every event ran smoothly and on time. Whether it was a corporate event, wedding, or special celebration, I aimed to exceed expectations by creating events that leave lasting impressions. My experience in event planning has helped me build strong relationships with trusted vendors and venues, enabling me to provide high-quality services and negotiate favorable terms for my clients. Additionally, I stayed up-to-date with industry trends and incorporate innovative ideas to make each event unique. As the owner, I also managed the business side of Blue Phoenix Events, including marketing, client acquisition, and business development. I was committed to delivering excellent customer service and creating personalized, unforgettable events that reflect the personalities and visions of my clients.
Northcountry Cooperative FoundationFreelance Designer, Marketing Consultant
Dec. 2014 - Jul. 2016Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul AreaAs the Marketing Consultant, I was responsible for a wide range of creative and strategic tasks, playing a pivotal role in shaping the visual and digital presence of the organization. My expertise spans across multiple areas, including graphic design, website management, social media, and digital content creation, all tailored to meet the organization's goals. On the design front, I worked on diverse projects such as annual reports, ensuring they are visually compelling and aligned with brand guidelines, as well as digital designs that bring the organization’s online presence to life. Whether it's a new social media campaign, an e-newsletter, or a website update, I focused on delivering consistent and engaging visuals that captured attention and communicated effectively with the target audience. In managing the organization's social media accounts, I took on the responsibility of curating content, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers to build a robust online community. I analyzed performance metrics to provide insightful reports to various teams, helping to shape future strategies based on data-driven results. Additionally, I coordinated blog content, e-newsletters (using tools like MailChimp), and other online efforts to ensure cohesive communication across all platforms. With a focus on both creative execution and strategic thinking, I collaborated closely with different departments to maintain a consistent brand voice across all digital channels. My role also involved staying current on industry trends and best practices, ensuring that the organization remains competitive and relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape. Through a mix of design expertise and marketing insight, I strived to enhance the organization’s visibility, engagement, and overall digital presence.
Merrill CorporationSr. Enhanced Desktop Specialist
Jul. 2006 - Oct. 2018St. Paul, MNAs a subject matter expert collaborating with a talented team of specialists, project managers, and developers both locally and abroad, I: • Masterfully corrected layouts and typesetting for financial documents, ensuring they met strict compliance standards without missing a beat.
• Produced polished, high-impact documents using QuarkXpress, InDesign, and customized Quark XTensions, delivering print-ready and SEC-filed (HTML and ASCII) versions to clients with precision.
• Developed and maintained client-specific styles across multiple platforms, including Quark, InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, keeping everything consistent and on-brand.
• Conducted rigorous quality checks on 508-remediated PDFs for accessibility, utilizing Acrobat and the CommonLook plug-in to ensure every document was accessible to all.
• Evaluated and piloted new workflows, policies, and procedures, and created comprehensive training materials to share expertise with peers and other departments.
• Investigated errors, offering proactive solutions and guiding the department on how to future-proof processes, ensuring smooth sailing in the future.
Best BuyFreelance Designer
Jan. 2005 - Dec. 2006Richfield, Minnesota, United StatesIn my role with the B2B group, I was responsible for designing and laying out their quarterly B2B newsletter, which served as an essential communication tool for employees across the country. This newsletter was distributed to B2B employees in stores nationwide, providing them with the latest updates, important company news, and insights on employee achievements. My main task was to create a visually engaging and easy-to-read layout that effectively conveyed a wealth of information in a concise and organized format. The newsletter featured key sections such as industry trends, upcoming initiatives, product highlights, and internal employee recognition. I collaborated closely with different departments to gather content, ensuring that all information was up-to-date and relevant to the B2B workforce. In addition to designing the layout, I played a critical role in ensuring the newsletter aligned with the company’s branding and messaging guidelines. This involved maintaining a consistent visual identity, ensuring that the tone and design elements reflected the professionalism and innovation of the B2B division. I incorporated strong visuals, such as employee photos and infographics, to enhance the readability and appeal of the content. The quarterly newsletter not only kept employees informed but also helped foster a sense of community within the B2B group, highlighting individual achievements and reinforcing company values. Through my work on this project, I ensured that each issue was delivered on time and with the highest level of quality, contributing to the overall engagement and productivity of the B2B team nationwide.
AquentGraphic Designer
Jan. 2003 - Dec. 2007Minnesota, United StatesIn my role as a freelance graphic designer, I worked with a variety of clients on a temporary basis, delivering high-quality design solutions tailored to their specific needs. This experience allowed me to work across multiple industries, applying my creative skills to diverse projects while ensuring each client's brand identity and design standards were maintained. At Best Buy, I was responsible for creating their seasonal "playbooks"—comprehensive instructional manuals used by store teams to prepare for upcoming promotions, sales, and highlighted products. This involved working within tight deadlines to ensure that every detail of the layout was clear and easy to follow. I collaborated with various departments to ensure that product information, promotional visuals, and store setup instructions were accurately represented, enhancing the overall efficiency of the retail teams. For Wells Fargo, I created a range of print ads in various sizes for their banking, financial, and real estate divisions. These ads had to be designed in strict adherence to Wells Fargo's established brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and professionalism across all marketing materials. I focused on delivering clean, engaging designs that communicated complex financial products in a visually appealing and straightforward manner. At 5th Street Designs, my work involved preparing photographic artwork for compositing and creating intricate clipping paths for complex graphics. This required a high level of precision and attention to detail, as many of the images were used in high-profile projects that demanded flawless presentation. My ability to manage technical aspects of photo editing, while maintaining the creative integrity of the artwork, ensured that the final visuals were polished and ready for use. Through these experiences, I honed my skills in project management, collaboration, and client communication, ensuring that I consistently delivered on-brand, high-quality designs.
Bert Jones Portrait & Design StudioOwner/Designer
Jan. 2001Minnesota, United StatesAs the Owner and Lead Designer of BJPDS, I wear many hats while steering the creative direction of the company and ensuring that each project reflects the vision and standards of our clients. My role combines the artistry of graphic design with the strategic aspects of running a successful business, allowing me to work closely with clients to bring their ideas to life. I manage the full spectrum of creative services, from initial concept development to final execution, ensuring that each design is not only visually appealing but also aligned with the client’s brand and goals. On the design side, I specialize in creating customized graphic solutions, including logos, marketing materials, and print collateral such as posters, brochures, and business cards. With each project, I focus on delivering a clear and consistent message that enhances the brand’s identity and resonates with its target audience. Additionally, I oversee the accessibility remediation services we offer, making sure that digital documents are compliant with ADA standards, a crucial element for organizations committed to inclusivity. As the owner of BJPDS, I also manage client relationships, business operations, and strategy. From small local businesses to larger non-profits, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of clients, developing unique solutions tailored to their specific needs. My goal is always to provide creative, functional, and accessible design solutions that make an impact.
AlphaGraphicsProduction Artist
Jan. 2001 - Dec. 2003Plymouth, MinnesotaIn my role as a Production Artist, I collaborated closely with the customer service team, sales associates, project managers, and the bindery team to ensure that all client files were prepared and executed flawlessly for a variety of print projects. My primary responsibility was to prep all incoming client files for output on various printers and presses, which included producing everything from books, brochures, and flyers to posters, cards, and vinyl projects. Each job required a meticulous eye for detail, as I ensured that all files were print-ready and adhered to technical specifications for high-quality results. In addition, I regularly updated past client files with new information, ensuring that recurring jobs had the most up-to-date content and were aligned with the latest client needs. This involved revising and fine-tuning designs to keep everything consistent while meeting the specific requests of each client. Another aspect was assisting the sales and customer service teams with project estimates. I worked with them to break down the tasks and time required for incoming projects, ensuring that timelines were realistic and aligned with client expectations. My collaboration in this area helped streamline the workflow and provided valuable insight during the quoting process. I also collaborated with sales associates on the design of direct mail and promotional materials. This included conceptualizing and creating visually engaging pieces that aligned with our brand identity and marketing goals. I also provided backup support for the bindery team, where I performed various tasks such as collating, binding, folding, and cutting. My involvement in the bindery process allowed me to understand the full production cycle and ensure that every project, from design to completion, was delivered with precision and care. This hands-on approach not only strengthened my skills but also reinforced my commitment to producing high-quality, client-focused results.
PIMMS/GAGE Merchandising Credit Card Administrator/Internal Auditor
Jan. 1999 - Dec. 2001Plymouth, MinnesotaAs a Credit Card Administrator and Internal Auditor in the Auditing department, I managed crucial financial processes and ensured compliance across multiple levels. As Credit Card Administrator, I reconciled over 100 field manager credit cards and 35+ "ghost" travel credit cards. My responsibilities included running reports, identifying and correcting erroneous charges, and processing repayments from employee expense accounts. I ensured that all charges were properly documented, resolved discrepancies, and maintained accurate financial records, which kept credit card usage transparent and compliant with company policies. In my role as Internal Auditor, I processed employee and independent contractor expenses and reimbursements, working to verify and approve claims efficiently. I ran reports for the department and Human Resources, ensuring expenses were categorized correctly and aligned with company guidelines. By collaborating with Payroll, I made sure all qualified expenses were reimbursed in a timely manner. Additionally, I provided backup support for data entry personnel, accurately entering expenses and reimbursements into our Microsoft Access database to keep records current and accessible for future auditing needs. Beyond these financial duties, I served as the backup receptionist, stepping in when needed to manage incoming calls, greet visitors, and handle general administrative tasks. This flexibility allowed me to engage in cross-departmental roles, contributing to office efficiency. Through these diverse responsibilities, I enhanced my skills in financial analysis, auditing, and problem-solving, ensuring accuracy and compliance across all areas I managed. My attention to detail, organizational abilities, and capacity to collaborate with other departments made me a key resource in maintaining the integrity of financial processes while supporting the overall success of the auditing team.
OfficeMaxAdministrative Assistant
Jan. 1996 - Dec. 1999Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul AreaI began at OfficeMax in the Roseville, MN location as a Cashier, where I quickly advanced to the role of Customer Service Associate. My strong focus on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency led me to transition into the CopyMax Digital Operator role when the company remodeled its locations to include CopyMax services. Here, I gained hands-on experience in handling digital printing, managing customer orders, and ensuring the smooth operation of the copy center. I then transferred to the St. Paul store, where I was promoted to CopyMax Supervisor. I managed the copy center's day-to-day operations, overseeing staff, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that customer projects were completed accurately and on time. I worked closely with my team to improve workflow efficiency, troubleshoot technical issues, and provide high-quality service to clients ranging from small business owners to corporate clients with complex printing needs. Following my success in the CopyMax department, I was promoted to Administrative Assistant to the Store Manager. In this position, I handled a variety of administrative tasks to support store operations. I was responsible for running weekly reports for the store manager, tracking store performance metrics, and providing key insights to improve operations. I also managed the weekly schedule, ensuring optimal staffing levels for all departments and adjusting as needed to accommodate busy periods and employee availability. Additionally, I oversaw HR paperwork for all store employees, including new hires, ensuring compliance with company policies and maintaining organized records. Throughout my time at OfficeMax, I demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to growth, taking on new challenges and excelling in each role. My experience across multiple departments gave me a well-rounded understanding of store operations, from customer service and technical digital printing to team management and administrative support.
Brennen MedicalProduction Worker
Jun. 1995 - Mar. 1997White Bear Township, MNI worked closely with the production team on the skin graft product lines, taking on various responsibilities that contributed to the creation and packaging of sterile medical products. My role involved a range of tasks, each requiring precision, attention to detail, and adherence to strict safety and quality standards. One of my key duties was creating and applying labels for product packaging. This involved ensuring that all labels were accurate, legible, and properly applied to meet regulatory requirements. Labeling was a crucial step in maintaining clear identification and traceability of products throughout the production process and distribution. I also took part in mixing solutions for the different product lines, carefully following detailed instructions to ensure the correct formulation of each solution. This required a thorough understanding of the production process, as the quality and consistency of these solutions were vital to the efficacy of the final product. Additionally, I worked in a clean-room environment to package the final, sterile product. Operating in this controlled environment required following strict protocols to ensure the sterility and safety of the skin graft products. I was responsible for handling materials with care and precision, ensuring that the products were safely packaged and ready for distribution. Part of my role also included autoclaving supplies and materials, an essential step in the sterilization process. This task required a strong understanding of how to operate autoclave machinery to ensure that all tools, materials, and components used in production were thoroughly sterilized and free of contaminants before use. My ability to manage multiple tasks, work in a regulated environment, and maintain the sterility and integrity of the products was essential to the overall success of the production team.
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