Abbey Press Trade Marketing is a wholesale marketer of inspirational products that help consumers recognize and celebrate seasons and everyday occasions in a special, spiritual way. Nowhere else can consumers find such a wide selection of products that engage emotions and enhance relationships through words and symbols that are compelling and differentiated.

Duties as senior art manager included developing and coordinating concepts for Abbey Press products in the gift and home decor industries; directing, commissioning, and completing sketches and final art; collaborating with key accounts such as TJ Maxx and LTD Commodities; assuring design and quality timeliness through all phases of production; staying attuned to competitors, trends, and fashion directions; making product development design decisions. Tasks included art direction, illustration, and product design. Attended design seminars and conferences, trade shows, and gift shows.

Snail's Pace Paper was a division of Abbey Press. Snail's Pace specialized in the paper product industry, offering a full line of greeting cards, gift wrap, stationery, journals and more.

Every step in the Snail’s Pace production process was designed to be as environmentally responsible as possible, and we strove to make the most ecologically sound choices in materials. We used only FSC-certified recycled papers and soy-based inks for our products. All of our cards and wrapping paper were printed on paper made from 100% post consumer waste, and most of the paper we used in the Snail's Pace line was produced to be carbon neutral, through the purchase of Verified Emission Reduction credits and Renewable Energy Certificates that support renewable windpower. Even our packaging put the earth first—from the plant-based, compostable bags we put our cards in, to the recycled boxes, bags, packing materials and tape we used to ship orders. And all Snail's Pace products were made in the USA!

Duties as art director included developing and coordinating concepts for Snail's Pace Paper products in the gift and stationery industries; directing and completing sketches and final art; assuring design quality and timelines through all phases of production; staying attuned to competitors, trends, and fashion directions; making product development design decisions; upholding and monitoring all aspects of the Snail's Pace visual brand identity; overseeing creative review processes. Tasks included art directing, illustration, branding, design, and product design. Attended design seminars and conferences, trade shows, and gift shows.

I attended the Columbus College of Art and Design during the three remaining years of my higher education experience. I can't say enough about the valuable skills I learned there. Courses of study include: foundation studies, Advertising & Graphic Design, Electronic Illustration Techniques, Color Concepts, Illustration Techniques & Methods, Illustration Style & Concepts, Illustration Workshop, Childrens Book Illustration, Humorous Illustration, Black & White Illustration, Botanical & Zoological Illustration, Illustration Seminar, 2D Design, and Typography.

I attended the School of Visual Arts during the first year of my higher education experience, where I learned valuable skills in their introductory courses. The vibrant art world of New York City was incredibly inspiring.

I attended the Herron School of Art Honors Art and Design program, where I soaked in additional experience in preparation for a career in illustration and design. This is a rigorous two-week summer institute designed for goal-driven high school juniors and seniors.