My Story as a Designer, Educator, and Author

The Short Version

I’ve been a graphic designer since 1991. I studied at The Art Institute of California – Orange County and have experience in branding, packaging, advertising, and promotional design for clients ranging from startups to large corporations. I spent the early part of my career as a Senior Designer at Experian, working on the FreeCreditReport.com product. I also co-invented the Handable phone grip with my dad.

Since 2015, I’ve taught graphic design at El Dorado High School through North Orange County ROP. I run The Design Rescue Studio, a work-based learning program where advanced students take on real client work and graduate with a professional portfolio.
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In 2024, I published The Dragon Codex, a fantasy-adventure book that teaches design concepts through storytelling. I also created The Design Rescue Show, a YouTube series that explores real-world design and the creative industry. I continue to take on freelance projects and stay active in the field.

The Slightly Longer Version

1991: My Start in Design

I got my first hands-on experience with Adobe Photoshop 2.0 while working at a mall kiosk, making custom mugs and t-shirts. That’s where I realized I wanted to build a career in design.

1996: Early Web Work

My dad and I started a small web design business. It gave me my first taste of client work, deadlines, and learning design through real projects, not just tutorials or classes.

2001-2004: Formal Training

I enrolled at The Art Institute of California in Orange County and earned a Bachelor's in Graphic Design. It was a focused, production-heavy program that helped me sharpen my technical and conceptual skills. I graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design.

2005–2010: Senior Graphic Designer with Experian

I joined Experian’s FreeCreditReport.com team as a Senior Graphic Designer and later became an Interactive Art Director in the Marketing Services group. I worked on national campaigns, direct mail, web ads, and internal branding, gaining a wide range of experience in a fast-moving corporate environment.

2010-2020: The Handable Project

My dad invented a phone grip, and I handled the branding and packaging. We developed it together over ten years. It was a functional product, and the design needed to be just as practical.
🔗 Visit the Handable YouTube Channel

2015: Embracing the Role of Educator​

I began teaching Digital Design and Visual Communications at El Dorado High School through North Orange County ROP. It didn’t take long before I knew this was a natural fit.

2018: Building a Work-Based Learning Program

I developed Design Rescue Studio, a work-based learning program where advanced students work with real clients and operate a campus pop-up shop. They gain experience with customer service, production, branding, and business logistics—things most high school programs don’t offer.
🔗 View the Design Rescue Portfolio

2023: Launched 'The Design Rescue Show' on YouTube

I created The Design Rescue Show on YouTube as a way to share what I’ve learned and bring more voices from the creative industry into the classroom. It’s a mix of interviews, critiques, and field-based design analysis.
​​🔗 ​Subscribe to The Design Rescue Show

2024: Published The Dragon Codex

I released The Dragon Codex, a fantasy-adventure novel that teaches graphic design through story. It’s designed for younger readers, educators, and creative thinkers, and is being used in classrooms and creative spaces as a bridge between imagination and design.
​​🔗 ​Learn about The Dragon Codex

Present: Freelance Design and Lifelong Growth

I split my time between teaching and freelance work. I design branding systems, packaging, websites, and print collateral for businesses that want design that’s clear, thoughtful, and built to last.

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