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. 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.
