“You read a page before you read a single word.”
My early career in computer programming determined who I was to become as a graphic designer. When I discovered book work in design school, I realized that I could be part of the solution for those horrible, impossible-to-use computer manuals. People had to interact with these documents, and they—we—deserved better. Creating more comfortable, intuitive, accessible, clear, and useable pages of all kinds became my core passion as a designer and visual communications strategist.
This commitment to accessibility, coupled with my experience as a designer and strategist, led me to develop Page Architecture™. It is an approach to document design that integrates the underlying structure of the page with all its various elements, including the visual aspect of the text. Because the characteristics of documents become the perceived characteristics of the author, the team and often of the organization itself, this is of particular importance for leaders.
Professional Experience
I started my professional career as a bank teller, but quickly moved on to keypunching and data processing. I rapidly progressed to computer programmer-analyst where I eventually managed, controlled, and maintained a nationwide computer network and helped manage its redesign and conversion. I also wrote, tested, and documented computer programs, trained users, and wrote, designed, and maintained user and system documentation. I spent my personal time following my love of the creative process, drawing, painting, and designing jewelry, all of which I‘d been doing since childhood.
When I discovered there was something called graphic design, that combined my love of structure, problem solving, and strategy with the artistic creative process, I returned to school and earned my BA in Graphic Design with distinction at the California College of the Arts (formerly CCAC). While in design school I studied book design as well as branding, and other design disciplines.
My design career started as a book designer, and expanded into branding, identity and collateral systems design, art direction, consultation, coaching, and long-term strategy. I’ve owned my own design business for over 25 years, earning an Addy identity system award along the way. For more than 15 years I’ve also taught and trained professionals and business people the principles of visual communication so they can communicate more effectively when creating their own print and electronic documents.
Clients and Extra-curricular Activities
I’ve worked with wide range of clients—from large (inter)national corporations like Adobe Systems, Apple, IBM, and Qvidian, to publishers like UC Press, Chronicle Books, and Heyday Press, and local businesses and startups.
For the past 10 years I’ve taught the Strategy and the Branding & Marketing Materials units in the National Speakers Association year-long Speakers Academy program. I’ve delivered presentations to local and national conferences nationwide, and conduct Graphics Clinics for small committed groups of professionals and business people.
The Visual Communication module of the Leadership Presence training program is the culmination of my professional work, marrying my corporate and individual work, and incorporating all of my design, strategy, and teaching experience.
Professional Memberships
- American Institute of Graphic Arts
- Association of Proposal Management Professionals
- Graphic Artists Guild
- National Speakers Association
Let’s Talk
Contact us directly to discuss your needs:
415.686.2389 or Email
