Reflections Magazine Issue #87 - Fall 2018 | Page 19

Alumni Feature
Can you tell us a little about your career
and what you’ve been doing?
“As a student, I had a dual interest in graphic
design and studio art (painting). My senior BFA
exhibit reflected that interest with half/half. I
have been fortunate to continue that – my day
job has been a graphic designer, and my studio
art (watercolor) is my night/weekend gig. I’ve
been exhibiting in art fairs since 1993 at the Ap-
pleUmpkin Festival and art galleries since 1994.
Thanks to my internships at Access in Adrian
and Spectrum Printers, I was able to get a job
before I graduated, at Spectrum Printers. My
grandma mailed me a clipped classified ad from
my hometown newspaper (remember those?!)
for a graphic design position at Online Graphics
in Plymouth, Mich. I had always really wanted
to go out west, but applied to this job anyway.
It ended up being such a great experience learn-
ing so much, and my co-workers were like fam-
ily. One of our main clients was Borders books.
My favorite part of working with this client was
the music. I had always wanted to design CD
covers, but this was the next best thing, as I de-
signed many of the music end caps and a poster
for the first Lilith Fair, which I received kudos
from Sarah McLachlan. I currently work at Uni-
versity of Michigan as a senior graphic designer
(almost 14 years). Our program funds research
in the Great Lakes. I interpret the science from
researchers into educational materials. Projects
include logos, posters, technical illustration,
photography, websites, truly a little bit of ev-
erything. It all aligns with my love of Michigan
and the Great Lakes. … During Homecoming in
October, there will be an exhibit on the nearly
25 years of graphic design exhibit promotional
materials that I have worked on for Klemm Gal-
lery. (I also) teach watercolor workshops at art
councils and clubs.”
How did you know you wanted to be
an artist?
“(I was) constantly drawing as a kid. At fam-
ily get-togethers I was hanging out with or near
the adults drawing. In high school, I wanted
to be a transportation designer. Many in my
family worked at Ford and seemed like a great
career choice. I was taking college classes as
a senior in high school at College for Creative
Studies and found out that I had reactions to the
spray paints, markers, etc. that were used in the
design phase. But that ended up being a good
thing as I had also applied to Siena and received
a scholarship with a rendering of a car (I still
have this piece).”
How did Siena Heights shape your life
and eventual career path?
“I have experienced SHU as a student, (also
a transfer student), teacher and alumni board
member. Siena has a community of professors,
staff and students that were (and are) like family.
I was at Siena my first year, but was homesick
and decided to transfer to Eastern Michigan Uni-
versity close to my hometown. I quickly learned
that wasn’t the best decision and was lucky to
finish up at Siena. The professors were chal-
lenging, yet could give me personal attention
and guidance. A professor encouraged me to try
out for theater, and had many small-to-medium
parts with Theatre Siena. I also got to know my
future wife, Kara (Janick) during the Crucible. We
started dating a while after graduation. I taught
graphic design as adjunct faculty in the early
2000s (and in) 2013 joined Alumni Association
Board of Directors. What an amazing experience,
meeting up with our talented group of alumni
four or more times a year has been such a bright
spot in my life. I would encourage anyone who is
interested in supporting our school to ask about
becoming a board member. I will never forget
my first meeting – it had so much energy, kind-
ness, stories and love for our small, but mighty,
University. I felt like I was back at school (but
without the homework load). Homecoming is my
favorite alumni event and would like to invite all
who have never been to experience this amaz-
ing event. Oh, and stop by the Art Department’s
tailgate, you won’t be disappointed.”
What would you tell current Siena
students about pursuing a career in art?
“Network with art groups and other alumni
(Linkedin, SaintsConnect) (and) stay involved
with Siena.”
Anything else you would like to add?
“My day job at Michigan Sea Grant has
many parallels with the Great Lakes. During my
residency, I was able to also do some photogra-
phy for work, which in turn influenced many of
my paintings. It was such an honor to have been
chosen as the Pictured Rocks Artist in Residence,
it is a highlight of my life so far, and I’m so
thankful that I was able to have the opportunity,
and the time to paint. I’d like to encourage any-
one who hasn’t been or has been thinking about
going to Pictured Rocks to make plans to do so.
It’s a time commitment, but well worth the drive.
It can be done in a long weekend of 3-4 days,
but a week is best.” u
Reflections Fall ’18 | 19