am a graphic designer turned UI/UX designer based in Charleston, SC. My educational background includes a BA in Psychology from Bucknell University, an AAS in Graphic Design and certificate in UX/UI design from Parsons School of Design. My designs have a clean and lively aesthetic with experience ranging from E-commerce, consumer brands, healthcare, and small businesses.
I am a multifaceted designer and lifelong creative with a diverse design skill set and an adaptive mindset. I adapt quickly to new environments and take inspiration from all of my experiences. Common adjectives people have used to describe me are: resourceful, open-minded, independent, straightforward, ambitious, quick-witted, and curious.
Researcher: Before my career in design, I originally went into research. While studying psychology at Bucknell University, I worked as a research assistant for the United Way. I surveyed and interviewed participants for social and economic research. I finished my senior year in Northern Ireland focusing on ethnography studies and peace/conflict resolution. I also spent two years working in a spinal cord and traumatic brain injury research unit. My responsibilities included interviewing patients in person, collecting and organizing data, and reporting my findings to the medical director.
Professional Athlete: I rode horses competitively and performed internationally for ten years. I competed in the Junior Olympics twice and brought home a silver and bronze medal. The horses I competed were owned by numerous high profile stakeholders. I started my own business managing, competing, and teaching. I also worked as a private contractor for private clubs.
Business Owner: From 2014-2019 I founded One Horse Threads as a sole proprietor and product developed equestrian themed apparel and gifts. These products retailed worldwide in stores and online. I held all creative duties from product development to package and catalog design. I also managed wholesale accounts and attended trade shows including Dallas Market, AETA, and Atlanta Market.
Be Consistently Unique
When interfaces have similar operations and visible elements it creates a faster and better experience. I like to create interactions that are intentional and effortless, but bring a captive experience.
Design with Authenticity
Design has to be authentic and visually pleasing to stand out, but also simple to communicate well.
Be Unbreakable
Anything can happen when using a product, so the design must be flexible. Make sure to design for starting, stopping, losing connectivity. If something happens, the design has to respond quickly to interruptions. Interruptions can’t distract from the performance. I think this helps to build the user’s confidence in the product.
Design is Personal
I am a big believer in personalization. The design should make a connection to the user. Whether its using their location, name, etc. Allow the user to express an element of themselves.
Design Tools: Adobe (AI/PS/ID/XD) | Figma | Invision | Sketch | Lucid Chart | Miro
Platforms: Shopify | Web Flow | Squarespace | Google Analytics | Hotjar
Skills: Graphic Design | Visual Design | Product Development | UX research | U/UX design | Wireframing | Prototyping | Usability Testing | Heuristic Analysis
I love horses, dogs, and all things animals. I would stand a good chance at winning Jeopardy if all the questions were based on dog breeds. I have two dogs named Otto and Salty, that make excellent remote coworkers. I like to make bagels, watch Sci-fi movies, and spend weekends out on my boat. I am passionate about the South Carolina Lowcountry and you can even catch my on my own episode of Island Life on HGTV.
I am a graphic designer turned UI/UX designer with degrees in psychology and graphic design. I combine business strategy, empathy, and design to create exceptional user experiences.
