About
For me, illustration is the key to my secret garden, my golden ticket, my looking glass, my glass slipper. I draw and paint as a way to free my mind and escape into the many worlds of the written word. Whether it be for the pages of children's books, greeting cards, gifts, or decor; I incorporate children, adults, animals, fantasy creatures, and landscapes in a unique and imaginative way in order to tell the story. I work digitally to bring my characters and environments to life and transport the viewer to a place of dreams.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Sep 2003 – Present, Whippany Park High School, Art Teacher
Introduction to Drawing, Technical Drawing, Graphic Design: Illustrator, Graphic Design: PhotoShop, Advanced Graphic Design, Photography
2003-2011 Scenic design and/or construction and building for the Fall Dramas and Spring Musicals
EDUCATION
2001 Hardcastle’s Gallery AwardSep 1997 – May 2001, University of Delaware, Bachelor of Fine Arts; concentration: Photography
2001 George Necito Art Award
1997 - 2001 Dean’s List
1997 - 2001 University Merit Scholarship
1997 - 2001 Calloway Humanities Scholarship
Study Abroad - New Zealand Photographic Walkabout, Winter 01
2014 MFA Illustration Spring Show
Jan 2002 – May 2003, William Paterson University, Initial Certification Program; K-12 Teacher of Art
Jun 2010 – May 2014, Academy of Art University (AAU), Master of Fine Arts; Traditional Illustration Program: Children's Book Illustration
SKILLS
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Pencil, Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic, Pastel, Charcoal
AWARDS
Runner Up, Illustration Student, 2014Creative Quarterly 37, The Journal of Art & Design
Honorable Mention, 20143x3, The Magazine of Contemporary Illustration, Annual No. 11 Student Show
Nominee for Outstanding Graphic Design, Scenic Design, and Lobby DesignPaper Mill Playhouse
Hardcastle's Gallery Award, 2001University of Delaware
ORGANIZATIONS
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Golden Key National Honor Society
International Society for Technology in Education