big...and small

As a young kid growing up on the western slopes of the Wasatch mountains, I loved to lie very still in the cool of the grass and gaze up at the brilliant night sky. I imagined myself not just lying down looking UP at the stars but somehow attached to the ceiling of the universe looking DOWN into limitless space. That creative twist of perspective brought with it the idea that something could go on forever, filling my mind and heart with real joy in imagining the infinite reach of the universe around me...

With that feeling came another, much harder to express, stronger yet more personal. This was a feeling about ME - that I was real, that I actually existed, and that I was, like each of heaven's creations, wonderfully unique. These two nascent feelings about the unexplored vastness of the universe and my own identity and purpose within that universe have become important touchstones in my life.

growing up...and into a creative community

Dad was a dedicated mechanical and aerospace engineer -a "pocket protector" engineer and inventor who loved to tinker and build things. He enjoyed the whole process of coming up with a new idea and bringing it to practical fruition. Mom, on the other hand, was a music and English teacher as well as a gifted and accomplished composer, and still has a sharp and intuitive sense of good literature and rich harmonies. And so, I grew up in a fertile environment that promoted art, ideas, invention, and design, always encouraged to vigorously develop my own budding creative talents. This eventually led me to attend, teach at, and graduate with distinction from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.

Following a couple of years in the illustration, design, and animation industries in California and Utah, I began work at Hallmark Cards, a satisfying and extremely successful relationship. As a Master Designer and Illustrator I've had the opportunity to illustrate and design literally thousands of social expression products and to help lead and influence Hallmark's teams and processes. In turn, I've been touched and inspired by a broad and robust spectrum of talented writers, designers, editors, illustrators, art directors, photographers, and calligraphers - creative thinkers and producers at every level!

a new beginning

Now, with a passion for exquisitely-crafted imagery paired with imaginative storytelling, I'm also thrilled to enter the world of children's illustration for picture, early reader, chapter, middle grade, and young adult books, and all associated products full-time. I look forward to bringing an enthusiastic and dedicated creativity to each new opportunity. I hope you'll enjoy the content on these pages and come back often to experience fresh updates.