Editorial Illustration
Flip Clock Illustration
The flip clock rendering was created in less than four hours for a print ad. The short deadline was due to the original artwork slated to be used not being approved by management. Having limited time and resources available, I quickly sketched out a clock based on some source imagery, then brought it into Photoshop for embellishments. The same illustration was later used for a corresponding Flash ad.
Web on Wheels
Almost all of my illustrations are based on sketches. The “Web on Wheels” illustration I did for Windows 2000 Magazine was no exception. After presenting the client with 7 pencil sketches, they chose an energetic 70′s style concept. Using the sketch as a template, I added colors and effects in Freehand and Photoshop to produce the final piece for the magazine.
Innovation Award Ad
The Innovation Awards help spotlight success in risk management initiatives, products, or programs. The goal of the ad was to direct people to submit their information for inclusion in the awards. The visuals begin with sparks in the imagination which quickly transform into the event’s logo. The final scene illustrates a close tie-in to the print collateral.
Superintendent Secretaries Ad
The secretaries training ad offered the opportunity to have fun with pre-existing graphical vector elements. The print collateral was broken up and used as a way to show different planes of movement – from a classroom, to a school house, to an office environment. The “You’re There” theme emphasized the importance of the secretaries and helped increase attendance.
Texas Lone Star Ad
The purpose of the Texas Lone Star ad was to encourage visitors of the website to subscribe either to the printed magazine or to view the content online. Incorporating a children’s pop-up book motif, I conveyed key benefits including news from the classroom, community, and state. Data collected from subscribers influenced the decision to enhance the online version.
Harassment DVD Ad
The ad for this educational DVD focuses on dealing with sexual harassment, bullying, and similar topics. The emphasis for the visuals was to share the emotions people feel while being harassed. Sadness, frustration, anger, shame, and isolation are all represented with an illustrative treatment of the typography. The words themselves act as the message being conveyed.
Custom Survey Reports Ad
Promoting custom job market comparison reports for districts was the focus of this HR ad. Visually, I chose to use a gritty-style graphic with interesting/textural transitions. Information about how visitors can utilize this vast repository of information is presented in a consistent maroon & beige style while highlighted keywords carry the message.
Capitol Conference Ad
The Capitol Conference ad celebrates the Governmental Relations Biennial event buy using visuals reminiscent of 1950s television broadcasts. The words, See, Hear, Learn, and others are used for emphasis while each scene is given a gritty, filmstrip like appearance. The information was used to help get the board members familiar and comfortable with working in the Capitol in a fun and unique way.
Legal Training Ad
The goal of the Legal Training ad was to promote its distance-learning service that allows trustees to complete required training at their convenience. The idea that the deadline was fast approaching was played up by the use of a countdown flip clock. The custom illustrated design provided a sense of urgency for visitors in getting their required training before it was too late.
Open Meetings Act Ad
TASB Legal Services requested an ad for their DVD video that fulfills new requirements for OMA training for trustees. Playing off of the “follow the bouncing ball” animations from the 60s and 70s, I generated visuals that connected with people looking for this specific legal training. The ad reminded members that TASB Legal Services is here to keep school districts informed and compliant.
Parent Involvement Ad
This ad was created to promote the name change of Parent Learning Network to the Parent Involvement Network. The campaign used the slogan, “Change is Good,” letting members know that not only was there a name change, but there wouldn’t be any additional changes for the service. The ad was conceived and created in four hours.
Delegate Assembly Ad
Delegate Assembly is an annual meeting for representatives from member districts to vote on TASB directors, resolutions, bylaws, etc. The ad uses a quilt motif and allows users to click and drag along the movie to see different sections of the quilt. The interactive aspect of the ad really helped sell the idea that board members should be involved in the Assembly process.
Grassroots Meetings Ad
Grassroots meetings are a series of TASB sponsored get-togethers hosted by Governmental Relation. They usher in the beginning of the legislative cycle for which board members are encouraged to attend and participate. The campaign is an outreach to Texas board members and has proven effective year after year in getting the message out.
Think TASB First Ad
The Think TASB First ad was designed to promote the entirety of TASB’s offerings. Using simple rhythmic phrases combined with eye-popping colors, I was able to create an ad that relied just as much on typography and cadence than it did on character animation. The lightbulb image takes on a life of its own as it playfully bounces, jumps, and enlightens the frame.
BoardBook Demo
The BoardBook demo was designed to simply convey the overarching concept of BoardBook’s agenda packet creation software. Resurrecting a previously used character (BoardBook Betty), I started by creating several character sketches until one was chosen. The format of the demo, a linear walkthrough with pause and skip features, illustrates the idea of saving time and money with the software.
Dynegy Ad
This animation emphasizes speed and excitement by combining type effects and a limited color palette. Most of the effects are created through the scaling of type over frames and masking. A collaboration between Fellers Advertising and Portaris, Inc., I created the file based upon storyboards provided by the client. The final animation appeared on Dynegy’s homepage.
Builder Homesite Demo
The Builder Homesite demo’s purpose was to reside on the front of refrigerators as a command central for a futuristic home. While the interface itself is based on my original design, I art directed our team of designers to integrate the functionality in this Flash kiosk. The large icons and buttons were designed for a push button screen and the post-it note metaphor on the calendar emphasizes ease-of-use.
FontFace
This simple animation was created to demonstrate some of the basic elements of Flash. The concept emphasizes the different personalities of type by allowing the user to see a matching cartoon-style sketch when a specific typeface button is pressed. The flash file incorporates the tell target and load movie commands as well as sound.
WiseHires Intro
The Wisehires intro was developed to help the founders of WiseHires pitch their concept to investors who weren’t familiar with their hiring application. The quick demo illustrates the overarching concepts within the app using simple silhouettes of business people interacting. The message is conveyed with bullet points and animated text.
EarthWise Environmental Game
The concept for the EarthWise Environmental game is to test companies for environmental preparedness in a fun and engaging way. Several options were presented, and the chosen idea (the ski resort concept) had the player take on the persona of a skier. The player moves the character throughout several themed scenarios, answering questions along the way. At the end of the game, the player is then given a score based on the questions.
Peer-to-Peer eCards
Developed as a way to say thank you to fellow co-workers for a job well done, I created three distinct designs – one that focused on a teaching theme with the tagline “You Make the Grade,” a more edgy, “You Rock!” card, and a card based on flowers with a simple “Thank you.”
Cranium Comics Ad
The Cranium Comics ad provided another avenue for the company to reach its audience outside of the comic shops. Taking imagery from the first issue, I combined text overlays, fade-in transitions, and panning to captured the mood of the comic. By creating a channel for which the content could appear, I helped the company draw traffic to the website while increasing awareness about the title and product.
Sport Clips Ad
Sport Clips wanted a way to showcase their many corporate clients by incorporating a Flash element on the main page. Being mindful of the existing brand, I was able to update the ad to reflect some of the new additions to the Sport Clips corporate team. Subsequent ads followed providing me an opportunity to maintain and update the content for them.
TASB Screen Savers
I created a series of four screen savers for TASB, all independently designed and executed. The approved example showcases a bulletin board motif, with areas for RSS feeds, a calendar, and photos. The experience was customized by a control panel style screen that allowed users to choose their options.
Celebrating Opportunities
Created as a multi-state collaboration with Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California, this mark needed to appease a variety of different audiences. My work on this logo emphasizes the idea of celebration through the use of a saturated orange color and expressive, active figures reaching out to new opportunities.
Brainwave Software
Playing off of the arching symmetrical shapes that form in the letter B and W, I used the repeating elements to make an interesting and sophisticated balance. Although the shape was conceived early in the design process, further explorations were done to determine that this was the best fit.
Combustive Identity
As a distinctive corporate icon, the Combustive logo communicates spontaneity and creativity. The playful nature of the type combined with the retro-style illustration gives the logo an approachable, friendly appearance. The mark lends itself to various visual explorations in style.
Cranium Identity
Encapsulating the essence of cranium comics started with an iconic representation of a skull. To play up the comic angle, a halftone screen patten is layered in the background. Using the vibrant orange and green colors played up the exciting and dynamic nature of comics. Finally, the subtle detail of the skull cap being bolted onto the skull creates a sense of intrigue.
First Public
I like the idea of two distinct shapes coming together to symbolize an idea. With this First Public logo prototype, the silhouette of a one is used as the backdrop to identify a three dimensional space. The dichotomy in both elements comes together when you realize First Public is about financial stability for its investors.
Marquis Bank
The logo originated by morphing typographical and architectural forms to create a strong, yet elegant, symbol of security. The logo was later implemented into the marquisbank.com site layout and be came the central focus in all corporate collateral. The use of positive/negative space in the mark provides a simplicity in form that feels comfortable and stable.
Share Your Idea
The Share Your Idea campaign came about by wanting to provide a way for the organization’s members to have direct contact with the organization in a way that was more meaningful than sending an email to a company representative. The mark explores the idea of many parts coming together as one.
TCER
The TCER logo embodies the iterative idea of research by using a nautilus shape framed by a round cornered rectangle. Like other logos that incorporate multiple metaphors, this logo also represents the document-centric nature of the division. The nautilus shape can easily be interpreted as pages of a document being flipped.
WiseHires
The WiseHires mark uses a saturated green coupled with a expressive light bulb graphic to represent the company’s progressive, dynamic approach to the hiring process. A dozen, distinct logo variations were created before the final was chosen.
Forum Dig
Playing off of the negative space in the uppercase D, I created a simple, yet effective icon that exemplifies what this forum search service does well: finding relevant topics buried deep within forums. Forumdig has proven successful in the automotive niche, where customers need an easy way to find parts, fixes, and mods to their favorite vehicles.
BoardBook
This alternate choice for the BoardBook identity is interesting in that it carries with it the idea of traditional packet creation (holding together a large number of papers with a paperclip), but also creates a “B” shape with the logo element. The juxtaposition of these two concepts creates a unique and interesting form that had many promotional possibilities.
Contrak
Contrak, TASB’s home-grown contract tracking system, needed a facelift. The original logo was a stylized Cooper Black with a black outline and a gradation, neither of which spoke to the application’s speed and ease of use. I changed the font to something more contemporary and added a repetitive element coming from the K in Contrak to denote progression.
Kickassstuff
The logo for Kickassstuff.com was an extension of the original website. Designed to be an edgy portrayal of a donkey, the illustration took it’s cues from early cartoon influences. The graphic was eventually had its own t-shirts, mugs, and other promotional material.
eGrants Logo
Combining an iconic education symbol with the letter ‘e’ was simply a no brainer for this recently reworked grants program. The more difficult challenge was getting the entire eGrants team at TEA on board with the new direction of the program. With a new identity, a new graphical user interface, and plenty of testing, we succeeded where the previous version fell short.
Portaris
The Portaris logo redesign went through many iterations with many designers working in unison. The final design was chosen for its simplicity, repetition of form, and the idea of capturing the moment of transition from point A to point B. Logo elements were later used for the website mockup as consistent elements.
Stay Active and Alive
These logos comprise several national and regional clients. By creating icons that can be easily reproduced on a variety of products, I was able to keep costs down and maintain clarity of the image. This is crucial for the specialty advertising market for which many of them were produced. Some were later embellished for other color promotional material.
LaunchPad Job Club
The LaunchPad Job Club logo originated as a contest put on by Texas Worksource for the purpose of creating a lasting mark for their growing job club. The idea of a frog “hopping” was used as a metaphor for changing careers – something that often happened through the job club. The logo was chosen as the winner and later went on to appear on portfolios, t-shirts, and other promotional material.
Earthwhys Solutions
Earthwys was a client concept for which we needed a way for the mark to work well with the letterforms. The goal for the logo was to create an icon that would reflect an earth conscience vibe, while still remaining playful and imaginative. It’s success comes from melding the idea of knowledge (the owl) and an organic feeling text treatment.
Texas Association of School Boards
This collaboration of design took the entire 6 person design team and two contractors to see through. We went through hundreds of designs which eventually led us to the final mark. My specific role was embellish the piece and make it more dynamic by adding the subtle details including the varying weight stroke in the swoosh, the rounded corners, and the type treatment.
Austin Outdoors
The sun mark for this outdoors company needed to reflect many of the words that the company expressed as desirable attributes: ruggedness, edgy, and playful. Using the “O” in outdoors, I was able to integrate the element and make it interesting.
Polar Patrol
The client wanted something that was a strong iconic representation of a polar bear. Several options were presented and the final version was chosen based on its dynamic and interesting angles. The client commented how he liked that it broke borders and presented the art in a unique way.
Technology Education Brochures
Developed in tandem, the audience for these two brochures were focused on different segments. One was targeted to physics teachers and the other was to students who would be participating in courses. Because of this, the designs reflected two distinct scientific motifs utilizing 3D shapes and scientific imagery. The project also included matching PowerPoint templates for each.
Education in Review Brochure
This 4-color annual report took very predictable, uninspired content and infused it with excitement by adding fun illustrations and playful typography. Titles flow along paths while illustrations create interesting text wraps that keep the viewer engaged. The document went out to over 1000 districts and was a huge success, garnering a TSBRA Gold Star award. The feedback received from the first run prompted a second printing of 10,000 additional pieces.
Wesson International Collateral
As an Air Traffic Control training simulation company, Wesson products are sold all over the world. Using airport blueprints screened into the background, this two color piece relays important information while adding several avionic elements. Duotones silhouetted over radar screens, ATC towers, and cockpits are just some of the many treatments.
DVD Packaging
Packaging offers us a first impression on what a piece is about. Because of this, capturing a moment is important especially when people are expecting to receive something as a gift. With the various packaging I’ve produced, I try to embody the essence of the product elegantly and powerfully. Some of the materials I’ve produced include various DVD & CD-Rom cases, Media Mailers, and even game boxes for role playing games.
K16 Development Guide
Developed on a limited budget, this Kindergarten through 12th grade Program Development guide employed the use of striking angles and lines to highlight the progressive nature of the content. This two color guide with over 140 pages set the groundwork for developmental guidance and counseling programs and is still in use today. The design brought a breath of fresh air to an otherwise stale and uninspired layout.
Communities in Schools Annual Report
Condensed into an 8.5×11 inch gate fold, the CIS Annual Report conveyed its contents in a pragmatic and concise way. Charts with layers of information were often employed to convey as much information as possible within the limited space. More importantly, it provided stakeholders with the information they need to make decisions and prospective investors a roadmap to CIS’ success.
Small Business Coach Workbook
This 48 page workbook was designed for The Small Business Coach, Inc. as a supplement to a lecture series entitled “Assess and Improve Your Company.” The 4C cover was created by layering several stock illustrations with a complementary typeface. The 2-color interior pages are organized via a simple grid to ensure placement of the content throughout the document.
Special Education / Mediation Brochures
The Special Education tri-fold and the Preparing for Mediation tri-fold relied on two designs each: one in English and one in Spanish. Working within a limited budget, I created each two-color design paying close attention to the length of the copy for each language. By having the brochures available to the public, we helped reduce the number of calls to the complaints management unit and increased overall awareness.
Mousepad Artwork
TASB was looking for some eye-catching visuals for mouse pads they would be giving away at an annual convention. Initially, the project specified one or two designs, but once the variety of designs were shown, the project was broadened to include more variety. Each was printed on-demand in house which made the tight deadline much easier to manage.
ACFE Membership Guide
The concept behind the resource guide cover was to juxtapose the ACFE logo with a globe in a sophisticated and creative way. I used the colors that would later become accent elements in the guide to generate consistency throughout the piece. The theme of “Fighting Fraud Globally” became the mantra throughout the catalog with courses, events, seminars and more covering a wide range of topics.
Deaf Education Conference Collateral
Strictly a black and white piece due to budget constraints, I had to find a way to make the Statewide conference on Education of the Deaf interesting enough that people would attend the event. I played up the Texas theme, using a boot graphic in addition to iconic symbols throughout the work to tie it together. They were run in the in-house print shop at a minimal cost.
Member Cover
This cover for the ACFE Resource Guide carries on the tradition of fighting fraud globally. Using Photoshop to create a collage of elements on the page and limiting the color palette, the idea of contemporary, cutting edge technologies that matter to members is conveyed. Key words are reinforced alongside the imagery, tying everything together.
White Paper Ad
For the ACFE’s White Paper ad, I played off of the tagline “Make the Most of Your Membership” by using imagery that depicted members engaged in activities sponsored by the Association. I was able to add a dot pattered screen behind the photos for texture and work with the typography in the phrase. Important text is emphasized in blue, while the logo remains prominent in the upper right.
ACFE Print Ad
The focus of these two half-page print ads was to convey the content in a consistent and uniform manner. Each had its own predominant color, surrounded by a photo referencing either the Fraud Examiner’s Manual or the Statement Analysis Seminar. Appearing as a series, it was important to bring together elements that could be easily recognized as related.
AMD Resources Guide
I created this internal directory while working under contract for a local ad agency. The Guide emphasizes all the different ways AMD can be contacted. The cover graphic maintains a high-tech look and feel while creating a sense of horizontal motion. The final piece was distributed to all new AMD employees.
Crossing the Line Brochure
Mimicking police “do not cross” tape on the cover, this roll-fold brochure takes the idea of crossing the line literally. Images of fingerprints, a chalk outline, and police tape are all utilized on the inside as visual reminders. Color throughout the brochure is taken from an actual police line banner.
Ethicsline Capabilities Brochure
Designed for the ACFE’s EthicsLine division, this 24 page booklet is an introduction to EthicsLine and its features. Each spread is color coded according to topic and follows a horizontal grid. Graphic elements such as the EthicsLine logo and color bars are consistent throughout the entire piece. The cover art is a montage of communication elements with horizontal lines streaking through the graphic representing connection.
Statement Analysis Ad
Focusing on the idea of movement, strong horizontal lines and shapes are used to break up the brochure’s predictability while contributing to flow of the text. Blurred keywords such as “training” and “seminars” can be seen in the background and emphasize key member benefits. The multicolored lines symbolize the fast pace of information delivery while bluish video lines blend into the shapes making a subtle reference to the Association video training programs.
Doctors’ Day Catalog
I designed the annual Doctors’ Day Catalog for Bells Advertising from 1996 through 1998. The concept for this 1998 piece is built upon the rich history that doctors across the country share. Included are historical medical images silhouetted in the background of each vertical column. The products are grouped and color coded according to function. Screened text behind the product descriptions reinforces the concept and add a subtle elegance.
JC Penny Retail Advertisement
This project involved high-end color matching using the actual Art Carved rings as a reference. The purpose of the piece was to promote Art Carved’s special back-to-school pricing through J.C. Penny Corporation. An abstract pencil image is used on the left column and screened underneath the rings.
Every Piece Counts Advertisement
Each part in a Fraud case must be orchestrated perfectly, piece by piece. To illustrate this for the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ training video and workbook, a puzzle image along with images from the actual CFE video are used to create a loose grid. The grid emphasizes the headline; “Every Piece Counts in a Fraud Trial.”
Crossing the Line Advertisement
This ad was designed to mimic a police “do not cross” tape as in the corresponding Crossing the Line brochure. Fingerprints, a chalk outline, and police tape are all utilized as visual reminders. The graphic in the background is a montage of images that represent evidence in a fraud case.
Associate Member Program
From the start, the Associate Member Program was intended to represent the modern sensibilities of the Association’s younger membership. Showcasing a design that is as much linear as it is dynamic, the roll fold brochure captures the forward thinking of the revitalized campaign while maintaining its conservative roots.
KGSR Blues T-Shirt Design
My most recent t-shirt illustration took first place in the radio station’s KGSR T-Shirt design competition a few years back. The image was created to reflect the blues in Austin, using recognizable imagery and contrasting colors. This entry was chosen over 100 others that had been submitted and contains subtle reference to the 8th annual event.
101X Psychedelic T-Shirt
Following up my award winning entry in the KGSR T-Shirt design Competition, I won the Grand Prize for this design in the 101X Psychedelic Summer T-Shirt Design Contest a year later. This funky illustration is made up of 5 spot colors and brings some of the 70′s culture into the new millennium.
KGSR Summer Nights T-Shirt
This award winning design, created for another one of KGSR’s t-shirt design contests, brings together all aspects of music in Austin. Multicultural and stylistically varied, musicians play their instruments on the rooftops as the skyline of the city dances and sways in the background.
Cranium T-Shirt
This award winning design, created for another one of KGSR’s t-shirt design contests, brings together all aspects of music in Austin. Multicultural and stylistically varied, musicians play their instruments on the rooftops as the skyline of the city dances and sways in the background.
Kickass Stuff T-Shirt
This award winning design, created for another one of KGSR’s t-shirt design contests, brings together all aspects of music in Austin. Multicultural and stylistically varied, musicians play their instruments on the rooftops as the skyline of the city dances and sways in the background.
Finding Forever Families T-Shirt
This award winning design, created for another one of KGSR’s t-shirt design contests, brings together all aspects of music in Austin. Multicultural and stylistically varied, musicians play their instruments on the rooftops as the skyline of the city dances and sways in the background.
Finding Forever Families T-Shirt
This award winning design, created for another one of KGSR’s t-shirt design contests, brings together all aspects of music in Austin. Multicultural and stylistically varied, musicians play their instruments on the rooftops as the skyline of the city dances and sways in the background.
Giant Robot T-Shirt
This award winning design, created for another one of KGSR’s t-shirt design contests, brings together all aspects of music in Austin. Multicultural and stylistically varied, musicians play their instruments on the rooftops as the skyline of the city dances and sways in the background.
Team Flatfoot T-Shirt
This award winning design, created for another one of KGSR’s t-shirt design contests, brings together all aspects of music in Austin. Multicultural and stylistically varied, musicians play their instruments on the rooftops as the skyline of the city dances and sways in the background.
Crow Study
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Painting of a Woman, Acrylic
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Painting of a Woman, Collage
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Portrait, Mixed Media
As a distinctive corporate icon, the Combustive logo communicates spontaneity and creativity. The playful nature of the type combined with the retro-style illustrations gives the logo an approachable, friendly appearance.
Something Moved Series, Pencil on Bristol
These Black & White, 8″ x 8″, charcoal drawings are a series of five works. The concept for each illustration was to add something that would lead the viewer to the final image. “Something moved at the top of the staircase,” the title for the first image, focuses on the cloak at the top of the stairs. In subsequent images, a glass skull, pitchfork, and sickle’s reflection in a mirror lead up to the final image – Death.
Triceratops, Watercolor Pencil
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Figure 1, Charcoal
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Figure 2, Charcoal
The first phase in creating Marquis Bank was to develop the company’s corporate identity. The logo originated by morphing typographical and architectural forms to create a strong, yet elegant, symbol of security. The logo was later implemented into the marquisbank.com site layout as well as all corporate collateral.
Figure 3, Charcoal
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Insurgence
I created this from a scanned thumbnail pencil sketch, then embellished it in Photoshop using my Wacom tablet. The original idea for the piece came from a magazine workshop article. The entire piece took a couple weekends (working on and off) to complete. The original is a more vertical orientation, but i’ve cropped it off to be more suitable for a desktop image.
Launching Vinnie
This full page illustration was created for a magazine devoted to human resource management. The article, “Launching VINNIE,” explains how Volkswagen Corporation began developing an intranet to distribute news and information to its employees. After 15-20 pencil sketches were presented, the final image was chosen. Colors from the final were sampled and used as graphic elements in the article.
Welcome to Roswell
Around Albuquerque Magazine was looking for a lighthearted image to accompany a special article commemorating the Roswell incident’s 50th anniversary in their summer issue. Inspired by the old sci-fi and horror movies of the 40′s and 50′s, the rendering combines a campy looking billboard illustration with a flying saucer crashing through it. The billboard’s title is visible as the ship invades the boundaries of the adjacent page.
IBM RS6000
This piece, designed for IBM, reflects communication’s infinite outreach through the nautilus’ continuing spiral. The smaller hands represent the user reaching out to other users. The larger sketchy hand in the background reaches past the image area to emphasize a connection “beyond the box.” A rough silhouette of the user can be seen in the irregular, red shapes adding a personal quality to the piece.
Around Denver
Shopping In The Mile High City combines the idea of a consumer driven cityscape where the buildings are the boxes, carts, credit cards, and shopping bags. A simple pencil sketch was scanned in, then redrawn using Freehand. The colors remain light and festive to reflect the nature of the article. This image was created for Around Denver Magazine.
Guy at Desk
This piece originated as one in a series of fun/playful mouse pad designs used to advertise TASB’s web services to its members. It started with a simple sketch, then evolved into the 4-color illustration and layout that implored members to make the most of their time by logging on and getting help.
Dog Posters
Creating Warhol-inspired dog art involved selecting iconic photos, then using line and color to bring out each pets character. The final artwork (usually given as gifts) range from 32″x48″ framed prints to 12″x18″ canvas reproductions.
The Art of Construction Poster
Based on a sculpture by Alicia Lomas, this work announces the upcoming Art of Construction exhibition. Focusing on the 3D aspect of the piece, I utilized textures, perspective, and a dynamic type arrangement to complement the angle of the metallic flower.
Out of the Box Poster
Ann Marie Lyon’s sculpture entitled “Inner Strength” provided the perfect palette for a poster advertising a sculpture exhibit at the William B. Travis Building. Capturing energy and movement with the text was important, as well as contrasting the blue/gray steel to a colorful mechanical background.
Kids First in Child Nutrition Poster
Promoting nutrition in schools was the goal of this series of posters. The vibrant, quirky style of the illustrations provided a whimsical way for kids to be reminded to eat healthy. An alternative option was also produced that reflected the same topic but from a teacher’s perspective.
Sculptor’s Point of View Poster
The Swimmer, as sculpted by Leisel Spense, is the focus of this poster. Along with the central image, I included three vector based renderings from different vantage points, giving the viewer a 360 degree sense of the work.
Speak Out Poster
The goal of the Speak Out poster was to get employees talking about ways to improve the organization. I started by creating several concept sketches. The final design was chosen because it directly communicates the idea of an organization listening to its employees.
“I’m Happy When” Posters
For its Reflections series, the “I’m Happy When” piece by Jennifer Kim was chosen as a central theme. Each work included in the gallery of student generated art complimented the central theme. Certificates and tickets were also generated that matched the poster.
Trade Poster
The Trade and Industrial Education poster spotlights one of Texas Education Agency’s professional development conferences. I drew attention to the event by using a magnifying glass to pinpoint three key takeaway themes, “Believe. Achieve. Succeed.”
Boot Camp Workshop Posters
The Boot Camp Workshop campaign played up the “getting back to work” boot camp theme. Everything from dog tags, camouflage, military-style fonts and themed giveaways were all used to get attendees excited for the upcoming Trade and Industrial Education conference.
Launching Office XP Campaign
Texas Education Agency needed a way to communicate the transition to the newer Office XP suite as there had been confusion about the release schedule. Posters were commissioned that talked about training, resources, and when the actual transition would take place.
Doctor’s Day Poster
This poster graphic is built upon several photographic layers and utilizes the historical medical wood cuts found in the Doctors’ Day Catalog for its border. Each of the images represents a period in medical history and comes together to emphasize the 1998 Doctors’ Day slogan: Honoring the Practice of Medicine.
Risk Management Fund Poster
The challenge for this Risk Management poster was that they needed it designed within just a few short hours. Undeterred, I was able to create some sketches that were brought into Photoshop, then embellished for them to meet their extremely tight press deadline.
Loss Prevention Grant Application
How applicants report their information is important. We conducted user testing, focus groups, & usability studies to understand how best to meet the needs of the client and their customers. The design reflects a simplified grant application process, a focus on an improved online forms, and easy to navigate sections.
WiseHires Application
The Wisehires web application showcases a unique, process-focused user interface, innovative features, and a fresh/bold approach to the hiring process. The design was developed iteratively in a fast-paced, quick turn environment that provided a proving ground for the company’s two founders.
SMART Application
The SMART Medicaid ticketing application was designed based on real-world feedback from Speech Pathologists, the application’s primary user. After identifying that the process contained way too many steps, I simplified the interface into essentially two. This allowed users to focus more on improving the lives of children and less on entering their Medicaid tickets.
Contrak Application
Contrak is TASB’s home-grown contract tracking system. I helped the IT department improve usability of the app by suggesting ways in which the information architecture, graphical user interface, and workflow could be improved. The design represents a departure from the programmer-centric look that previously existed.
BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing
The BuyBoard refresh project involved modernizing the main web portal to reflect a more appealing shopping experience. Featured products were identified as well as specific target audiences. The purpose of the design was to allow for more product content to percolate to the top while providing a better view of the variety of audiences that use the site.
Hyperlink Online Newsletter
With the Hyperlink, TASB’s internal company newsletter, we took the simple concept of sharing a cup of coffee and gave it its own life. The design incorporates a Flash header, iconography, and layered textural elements to add a richness to the piece. This level of detail has helped it become a major vehicle for the organization and required reading by all employees.
Wellness Online Newsletter
The Wellness Online Newsletter took the idea of employee health and gave it a bright, refreshing tone. Photos were selected that conveyed the essence of work, which spotlights healthy eating habits, exercise regimens, and an active lifestyle. Simple iconography is used to delineate sections, many of which appear as regular sections from month to month.
News & Views Online Newsletter
The News & Views evolved from wanting to convert a monthly printed newsletter to something that was more cost-effective. The online design evoked many of the elements of the website, while maintaining a similar text structure to the printed version. Going digital with it saved the department money not only in printing costs, but also provided a flexibility that the printed issue could not.
Re:Source Newsletter
The Re:Source is an internal newsletter that allows the Online Communication area of TASB showcase their latest work, convey complex concepts to its internal customers, and act as a marketing vehicle for its services. The palette was chosen to reflect a warm inviting experience, while the content was organized to spotlight a monthly theme.
The Star Member Newsletter
TASB needed a vehicle that would aggregate news worthy content and present it to their members in an attractive/appealing way. Information that had traditionally resided in silos over the years found new life through the Star. In addition to pulling from their Flagship magazine, highlights, ad other departmental sources, original content was generated that benefited members.
First Public Email Newsletter
After the redesign of the First Public site, it was determined that they needed a vehicle that would allow them regular correspondents with their investors. This email newsletter was built to be distributed through the company’s CMS and includes several custom areas for authors to easily edit and maintain content. Widgets allow for one, two, and three column layouts by selecting pulldowns in the browser.
BoardBook Minutes Online Newsletter
To accompany their recently redesigned site, BoardBook needed a direct way to communicate to members on its latest releases, success stories, and on news about their flagship board packet creation tool. The design reflected the style of the website and gave the client an additional benefit of becoming the vehicle to promote upcoming events.
BuyBoard Biz Online Newsletter
The BuyBoard Biz newsletter was created to promote the BuyBoard, TASB’s cooperative purchasing service. The newsletter is targeted to members and spotlights product news, bid proposals, new contracts and events. The design incorporates a variety of content including charts and testimonial quotes while holding true to the style of the BuyBoard.
TASB.org
Personalization & customization options, better nav structure, enhanced visibility, and enhanced access to content were all improvements slated for the new site. Continued internal and external feedback culminated in the final iteration. The results? Easier access, a visual hierarchy, fewer bailout rates, and a design that truly reflects who are members are.
Age of Gold
H.R. Brands needed a website to help promote his award-winning book, Age of Gold. I was brought into the project to help create a look that would enhance the already existing visual palette. The site leveraged the existing design from the book jacket, while expanding on the color palette.
Cranium Comics
As a follow-up to the company’s identity redesign, the website needed to reflect many of the same attributes convenyed in the brand. Focusing on industry standard elements such as the printing dot pattern for the background was obvious. Having a site that showcased multimedia, RSS feeds, and an online store made their site a hub for information relating to their publications and related news.
Clear Cube
Clearcube’s intranet needed to provide an opportunity for members to login as well as present content pertaining to their particular niche. The interface created reflects a high-tech pallete, using angles and bars to create a clean and functional look that appealed to its audience.
First Public
First Public was founded to help communities finance schools and public services. With assets of over $7 billion, the layout takes a decidedly clean, straightforward approach to presenting its content. The design incorporates a liquid interface, allowing the content to flow based on browser size.
Kathy Womack Gallery
From the initial concept sketches down to the final subpage, Kathy’s gallery site was an all encompassing project that included developing the front end look and feel, shopping cart functionality, and a customized CMS /inventory system. The site now embodies much more than the previous online brochure site.
BoardBook
The BoardBook site represented a transition from a static HTML site to something that would be maintained in the company’s CMS. Colors were chosen that were attention grabbing while BoardBooks customers were segmented into four distinct groups with different preferences.
Texas Center for Educational Research
The TCER redesign started with re-envisioning the design to reflect the forward-thinking, technology-oriented nature of the organization. In order to make the project a success, we needed to design the entire site, branding, collateral, and marketing from the ground up.
Monthly Stats
TASBs monthly stats pages were a result of not getting the appropriate layouts we needed from an off the shelf web analytics package. Customized to meet our specific needs, the pages present to the management team only the information that is relevant and important to them.
Texas Watch
Texas Watch is an advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that corporations and insurance companies are accountable to their customers. Designing the website that leveraged stability, credibility, and bipartisanship was important, especially for an organization that is involved in the legislative process by allowing individual voices to be heard.
Our Schools, Our Stars
This site focuses on good news about schools with a visual emphasis on children. As part of the Texas Education Agency, it’s aim is to spotlight the many achievements, success stories, and accomplishments in public schools. The site encompassed a variety of content consisting of the RSS feeds, statewide articles, and a weekly letter from the Commissioner of Education.
Portaris Website
When the Internet Design Firm changed its name to Portaris, they needed a new site that reflected the new marketing direction. This design reflects the the new meme with flowing curves that gradate into white space. Unique and inspired navigational structures provide a consistent user experience .
Lakes on Eldridge Website
By developing a visual relationship with the content, as illustrated by the subtle “wave” graphic on the home and subpages, I was able to create a distinctive reminder of the beautiful lakeside vistas that make up the builder’s communities. Once designed, the site was handed off to be produced. Visit www.thelakesoneldridge.com
Marquis Bank
Work for marquisbank.com included designing an entire identity as well as an online presence from scratch. The design incorporates architectural shapes – a subtle reference to strength and stability. The subpage template incorporates many of the elements of the homepage and condenses them while adding room for content.
NewHome Source
The challenge with NewHome Source was conforming to an evolving Use Case and collaborating with committee members while simultaneously meeting very tight deadlines. Technologies developed include home calculators, budgeting tools, and more. The site was completed sucessfully and handed off to the client for final site implementation.
Task Master Project Management Application
Taskmaster started out as a way for our internal team to manage smaller tasks. Developed in Flash, this quick, employee-driven system allows each person to see existing priority tasks and delegate them as needed. With a simple expand/collapse interface and a user/admin tab structure, visual clutter is kept to a minimum.
BuyBoard Vendor Newsletter
The BuyBoard Vendor Newsletter content is specifically designed to help vendors increase sales. It focuses on helpful tips, a vendor spotlight area, and a calendar of events. Images of actual vendors are used as well as a slightly altered template to make it distinct and different from the Biz newsletter without looking too unrelated. Charts and testimonial callouts are also used, but to different affect.
CommLink Member Newsletter
CommLink is TASB’s online PR subscription service that gives districts the tools they need to community outreach. It includes ready to use clip art in a variety of formats in addition to articles and templates on a variety of relevant, school related topics. The newsletter itself is a transitional piece which began as a printed newsletter. For continuity, many of the elements from the hard-copy original are incorporated into the online publication.
Asbestos Management Application
We started at the macro level, having users supply the most basic information first, then allowing them to fill in details later. We utilized our previously developed application framework, leveraging the user interface experience we gleaned from other members on other projects. The result is an application that has been a success for all districts.
eGrants Application
eGrants is the online grants management application for the Texas Education Agency. It allows the public to initiate, prepare, and submit completed grant application packages on the web. The design needed to fit within the structure of the TEA site, while still maintaining it’s own identity. We developed a header “hat” graphic that gave us the freedom to be creative while maintaining the TEA brand.
Master Teacher Initiative Application
The Master Teacher Initiative is a series of apps designed for certified reading, mathematics, and science Master Teachers. Each site designed had it’s own unique color scheme, yet included consistent navigation and options. The goal of each was to encourage teachers to become Master Teachers for their district.
BoardBook Application
The BoardBook application redesign was just one step of a multifaceted approach at re-branding the program. The look and color palette followed the recently redesigned print collateral while the graphical user interface reflected a iterative progression of choices.
TaskMaster
Taskmaster started out as a way for our internal team to manage smaller tasks. Developed in Flash, this quick, employee-driven system allows each person to see existing priority tasks and delegate them as needed. With a simple expand/collapse interface and a user/admin tab structure, visual clutter is kept to a minimum.
Physia Website
Physia is a provider of online software solutions for the healthcare community. Billed as the complete “healthcare operating system,” the challenge for this site was to adhere to a corporate look defined by the logo and color palette, while adding interest. The client supplied us with images with which to work, including a wireframe mesh background and medical related renderings.
PrismWorks Website
The Portaris team took 2nd place in the 2000 Air Austin Accessibility Ralley for our Prismworks website design. I contributed by creating the homepage and subpage design, while other team members sliced, exported, and built out the site in html. A complete collaborative effort, we accomplished our goal by making a site that is expandable, easily maintained, and accessible to people with disabilities. The entire site was completed in one day.
TASA/TASB Website
The TASA/TASB convention the state’s premier education-related convention for school board members and school administrators. The site caters to more than 6,000 public school officials and boasts such features as a personal convention scheduler, hotel and travel contacts as well as exhibit information.
Hornfischer Website
I designed the Hornfischer interface as a subcontract job. They are a literary agency specializing serious and commercial nonfiction. Their client list boasts award-winning nonfiction writers, scientists, professionals and more. The site was designed to showcase the company’s many offerings and provide information about how they can be contacted.
Kickassstuff Website
Kickassstuff began as a site devoted to movie and game reviews. We developed content to support those ends, including a simple rating system, a polling feature, and online forums.