2008-present
Mshel & O Double R
Freelance Designer
As a freelance designer, I enjoy being able to collaborate directly with clients, the variety of projects and flexibility of “work hours”. It’s not unusual to find me at my computer before 7 a.m. or if needed, late into the night. With the rebranding to O Double R, I still have the same dedication to great results and can now offer more services to my clients.
1987-1989
Par Microsystems
Secretary
Yep, Secretary. I pursued this position with Par Microsystems because part of the responsibilities of this position were going to involve creating instruction manuals and materials on an “Apple”!, SE+. I knew if I wanted to try to break into the design field that experience on an Apple (Mac) was crucial. So this is where it all started for me.
My job was eliminated when the Wichita office was merged with the Dallas office.
1989-1995
Colorations
Output Specialist
I took an assignment with Colorations as an Olsten Temp. The assignment was to last two weeks with possible employment. I was there less than 8 hours and knew that I was going to turn down the secretary job offer I'd have on my answering machine when I got home. Colorations could give me valuable experience and helped me continue on my journey to break into the design field. It was worth the risk. In the time there I gained experience with the programs used by designers. I was also able to learn how to properly create files and avoid things that might alter the desired output. Since many agencies used Colorations to produce their 4-color film, I was exposed to work from designers from all over Wichita.
1996-2008
Associated Advertising Agency
Production Artist/Art Director
When Colorations laid off the majority of it’s staff, it put calls out to their clients, letting them know of the valuable employees that might be an asset to them. My last day at Colorations was on a Friday ... my first day at Associated was the following Tuesday (Monday was a holiday). My time at Associated was invaluable. I worked my way up from production artist to art director and learned all the skills that enable me to be a successful freelance artist today. I will always be thankful to the team at Associated that took a chance on someone without a college degree.
2016-2017
Biztopia Partners
Owner/Visual Communications Engineer
Helped start BizTopia Partners, a small advertising & marketing agency. This business was a partnership. Partnerships don’t always work and we decided to part ways. But hey, I gave it a shot and I learned a lot from it.