Design
Ever since I got my first taste having something published at the age of seven - a drawing of Transformers in the local newspaper - I have enjoyed creating visuals for a purpose. Because I am also a writer and a strategist, I can take many projects from concept to completion.
A good example of my capability in this respect is the creation of the N.C. Education Lottery's FY15 Annual Report. I developed the style for the entire publication, designed the cover and provided guidance to the design team on page layout. I also wrote most of the features and took most of the photographs.
I can lead a project, work as part of a team or take direction in a production role. Tap or click on any thumbnail below to see a larger image.
UNC Basketball
Since 2004 I have worked with Tar Heel Sports Properties to design the Men's Basketball Calendar for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is a collaborative process working with their office to satisfy their goals and meet the expectations of the UNC Athletic Department. This is a special poster commemorating the 2017 national championship team.
Honest Biscuits
My first creative project for a Seattle-based client was this postcard and promotional poster for Honest Biscuits, located in the new MarketFront of Pike Place Market. After learning about the owner's objectives, I proposed a postcard that would prompt fun, genuine engagement with customers and also promote the business.
Trails End Bikes
I assisted these small business owners with a logo design for their start-up independent bike shop in Raleigh. Besides the design, which they have used to create all their signage and print materials, I have coached them on how to get the most out of their Facebook page by looking for cultural intersections to insert their business into social conversations.
Who's Bad
I started working with Who's Bad in 2004 by designing their tour posters and other promotional materials. More than a decade later, they are the world's #1 tribute to the King of Pop. I still support the enterprise with design. But I now also serve as their social media coordinator, creating written and graphic content.
White Collar Crime
From 2004 to 2006, I contracted with this bar located in Raleigh to be their promotions manager. I booked the bands and DJ's and created the print and digital design to support it. Besides nights like Tequila Tuesday, I scheduled bands on Wednesday nights that helped make it one of the most consistently busy bars in the city.
MoJoe's Burger Joint
Since 2004 I have designed the MoJoe's menu. In addition to periodically updating the design at the owner's request, I have proposed signature names for menu items, such as MoJoe's Next Level Nachos (worth putting to the test if you're ever in Raleigh).
Signal Music Festival
In 2008 my contacts in the Triangle area music scene hired me to design a poster and t-shirt for the Signal Music Festival.
Five Star Restaurant
Now primarily a Chinese restaurant, this venue once transformed into a nightclub after dinner. The best Raleigh-based DJ's - and many world-class artists - have played records at Five Star. I helped promote many events there, including their New Years Eve parties.
Ruckus Pizza Logo
Back in 2003 I first designed the Ruckus palm tree for their original location. By 2008 they were ready to begin opening more restaurants so we worked together to update the logo. Happily, Ruckus now has five locations in Raleigh and the surrounding area with more in the works.
Ruckus Pizza Promo
Ruckus was my first freelance client. From frequent eater cards and menu displays to table tents, promo posters, door hangers and banners, I truly cut my teeth figuring out how to deliver for Ruckus. Metal Mondays was a concept the bar wanted to try so I composed some verbiage and imagery to sell it.
Against the Tide
I was hired by the director of this documentary to create DVD packaging and posters in support of his project about ex-offenders facing the challenge of reentering society. I have also designed many album covers and booklets for musicians.
City Limits Saloon
The chrome belt buckle look for a t-shirt is an adaptation I created based on this country party bar's original logo. I have worked with City Limits since before they opened the doors in 2004 to help kick-start their sales. And they're still raising hell to this day.