Art Director
Brief info
What do you do in your role at The Next Step?
As an Art Director, I add the creative flair to most projects whether it’s literature, trade shows, signage, packaging or simply giving a very dry spec sheet some branding panache. My goal is to listen to clients, clarify their expectations, and always follow through till they are happy with the results.
How/when did you first become interested in this type of work?
Having always been creative as a lad, there wasn’t a time when I wasn’t drawing treasure maps or building forts out of cardboard boxes. That imagination led me to college where I majored in Graphic Design, minored in Packaging, and ultimately allowed me to work for various companies that let my creativity loose.
What aspect of your job brings you the most satisfaction?
My satisfaction stems from the challenges different projects present and the opportunity to team with the client, creating something new.
What unusual, non-work-related skills do you possess?
In the past, I built furniture in my spare time. My love of woodworking led to various do-it-yourself projects around the house like refurbishing a deck, putting in new flooring, or ripping down a wall, all while keeping my fingers intact.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Following the same vein as do-it-yourself projects, currently, I have been into refurbishing antiques, mainly items that remind me of my childhood and can be passed on to my kids, giving them a glimpse of what it was like long ago.
Credentials and Certifications
- University of Wisconsin - Stout, BS – Graphic Design, Minor in Packaging
- Member of Minnesota Institute of Art, American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), The Graphic Artist Guild, and Dieline (Sustainable Consumer Packaging Advocate)
Homebase: Plymouth, MN USA
Languages: English