“As an artist with ADHD, my multiple interests pull my art in different directions. One day, I’m painting with abstract, dry brush strokes, the next I?m illustrating a portrait in pastels and sharpie markers. My need for experimentation and change fuels my love of mixed media art.
Earlier works featured surreal, black and white creatures from the depths of my subconscious. My artwork today explodes with color and explores what it means to be a mother. Each day, my daughter inspires me and takes me on an adventure. Seeing the world again through her eyes brings a playfulness to my pieces.
All Twists Create Growth plays on the similarities of the growth from hair twists and from the twists and turns in life. Trauma, current or past, has a way of altering your brain chemistry and holding you hostage from yourself. It?s only when we look within and reflect that true growth happens.
This piece utilizes bright colors on a black background, making it easy for a variety of viewers to observe. The vibrant DNA hair is eye-catching and will stop anyone in their tracks. The title itself is a clever Easter egg of the DNA molecules (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine).”
EXPERIENCE
Expert Production Artist
Custom Ink | Fairfax, VA
February 2021 to December 2023
January 2016 – February 2017
Utilizes Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to recreate customer uploads
Analyzes color choices against printable blank options to ensure color subtleties are avoided
Answers LiveChat tickets on a weekly basis; duties to include analyzing customer uploads to determine the best redraw method, researching fonts, troubleshooting art file issues
Utilizes online color tools and a Pantone Swatch Book to match customer colors
Examines customer uploads to ensure copyrighted material is not being used
Presents updates within Art and Design in monthly crew meetings
Supported the Coaching Department by training new employees as well as assisting lead coaches with back-end coaching documents and reports
Supported ongoing company projects to include Inky Client (internal team art requests) and Fall/Spring InkQuinox (themed activities and content creation for team-building)
Keeps track of personal order performance on a daily basis
Expert Production Lead
Custom Ink | Fairfax, VA
January 2022 to December 2022
· Ran team reports to include performance data and feedback reports from peers
· Conducted 1 on 1 meetings with team members to discuss performance and work/life balance
· Assisted team members with complex order questions
· Utilized Lead Time to complete various LinkedIn Learning courses
Pre-Press Graphic Artist
Mark Trece | Fallston, MD
July 2018 to February 2021
· Recreates customer logos, copy, and packaging die lines with Adobe Illustrator while adhering to each customer?s printer specifications
· Ensures raster images are adjusted for best print using Adobe Photoshop
· Utilizes a Pantone Swatch Book to match customer colors
· Adjusts art per color separations in order to achieve an optimal print
· Sets manual color traps and print registration marks to the art file to prepare for plate mounting
· Utilizes laser and large format printers to create and review proofs
Center Consultant
FedEx Office | Richmond, VA
October 2014 to December 2015
Front Desk Receptionist
VCU Police Department | Richmond, VA
March 2012 to January 2015
PR Manager Internship
The Black Sheep | Richmond, VA
August 2013 to June 2014
Manages the public relations staff
Organizes a strategic promotion plan for weekly street teams to build brand awareness
Assists the Campus Manager in conducting interviews for public relations staff applicants
Plan and execute monthly events by collaborating with campus clubs and local businesses
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
June 2010 to December 2015
Advanced Diploma
Justice High School
Falls Church, VA
August 2006 to June 2010
SKILLS
Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Canva, Figma, Customer Service, Spanish (Intermediate), Amharic (Intermediate)
