A few words from a designer

The early part of my career was spent chasing opportunities from city to city; living in St. Louis, Louisiana, Detroit, New York City and New Jersey before coming to rest here in Chicago. As a graphic artist in the field of journalism I’ve worked for publications such as BusinessWeek and Essence magazine, St. Louis Post Dispatch, Detroit Free Press, The New York Times and Chicago Tribune.

My specialty was creating informational graphics. I was intrigued by taking complex information then simplifying by providing visual explanations through schematics, charts and diagrams. As the presence of interactivity grew online, I sought opportunities in 3D, television graphics and litigation graphics. I wanted to put art in motion.

I launched Left Brain Graphics in 2003, a graphic design studio that allowed me to work on a multitude of projects from sole proprietors to large corporations. Many projects shifted from print to online and my career transitioned from being hands-on to management.

Today, I find myself returning to the foundation of journalism by asking the questions, “Who?”, “What?”, “When”, “Where?”, “Why?” and “How?” The answers are in the data. I'm curious to who’s browsing the company's site, opening emails, what device their using, where are they clicking, when interactions occur and more.

In addition, education is very important for my individual development and growth. I received my undergraduate degree from Grambling State University and my graduate degree from Iowa State University. Whether I’m taking a formal class, attending a seminar or participating in a workshop I’m constantly looking to learn. For example, I was taught the 3D software Maya at New York University, enrolled at Harold Washington city college to learn Dreamweaver and Flash and attended a seminar on informational graphics led by Yale University professor, Edward Tufte.