It all begins with a dream—a happenstance spark morphs into a plan of action and sense of direction.

That's how I've always approached my work.

I'm a designer, journalist, producer and front-end developer who wants to make magic.

I summarize this by saying I'm simply a mediaphile—if it involves creating sexy, compelling content, I can write it, produce it, design it, develop it and promote it.

I approach design like storytelling—it's about effectively telling a story and creating a memorable experience that engages the audience with the brand, product and community.

This is what I strive to achieve with every project.

Since I can remember—whether it was grade school assignments about Egyptian history or (on one slightly manic night) redesigning my entire high school newspaper—I look at the task before me and slowly (or sometimes rapidly, depending on my caffeine intake for the day) I see a vision of its potential.

Thankfully, I've learned a few tricks since then (no longer using Microsoft PowerPoint for all my work—which seemed like the height of design tools when I was 10 years old). But even as the media and tools have changed, every project begins with an igniting vision.

With a penchant for UI/UX design and creating interactive marketing experiences, I'm currently obsessed with the emerging HTML5 standard, JQuery and JavaScript/CSS-powered effects. It's really a whole new web!

If you haven't already, you can view my work here. Or contact me and let's chat over coffee.

Right now, I'm between the foggy bay of San Francisco and the winds of Chicago. I was brought to San Francisco by chance after joining a new media start-up to explore the future of journalism—unfortunately, the venture didn't pan out.

Even though I'm currently in San Francisco, Chicago has also called me. Growing up all over the country—Maine, Texas, Alabama and Indiana—and visiting cities throughout the nation, I've never felt more at home than in The Second City.

There's something about the amazing mix of fashionistas on State Street and the Magnificent Mile, the blue collar industrial workers and day traders of the Merc, all united by braving the bitter cold and snowy winters, their love for the city and Midwestern work ethic. Plus, you simply can't beat the house music, jazz, food and theatre scene of Chicago.

I am wrapping up my degree in telecommunications at Ball State University with minors in marketing and computer science.

While I finish these few remaining courses, I'm getting a jump start on my career (or at least hoping to—that's where you come in).

Starting in 2008, I worked at Fusework Studios—an internet marketing firm based in Indianapolis—as a web/graphic designer.

I learned a lot there doing all aspects of web design (e.g. determining site assets, structure, hierarchy, aesthetics, landing pages, microsites, etc.), lots of Flash projects and collateral work (e.g. designing logos, business cards, stationery, branding guides).

I worked closely under the guidance of our development team, project managers, account managers and creative director to determine project scope and to ensure every project met client objectives, deadlines, cross-compatibility needs and best practices for SEO. Working with such a talented team was an invaluable experience.

I also served as the editor-in-chief of Ball Bearings, an interactive magazine (and one of the only student-run publications of its kind in the nation) at Ball State University.

Under my leadership and design, the publication was nationally-declared "Best Web Site" in the Society of Professional Journalist's Mark of Excellence competition. Our work has also been picked up by Current TV.

Also at Ball State, I was a designer focusing mainly on UX and branding for Ball State University's iMedia program (a multidisciplinary project to explore the future of information dissemination on mobile devices, television, the web and was the runner-up to Harvard University in AT&T's Big Mobile on Campus competition).

Armed with a portfolio ranging from mobile app interface design to logo design to interactive documentaries, I'm hoping to join a talented team of hard working people who love what they do and, like me, want to change the world. Let's get in touch!