GRAPHIC DESIGN
WHy I BECAME A DESIGNER
My journey into graphic design began with a degree in journalism, but I quickly realized that visual storytelling was just as powerful as the written word. Determined to merge creativity with communication, I went back to school and earned an associate degree in advertising design. My approach to effective communication design is rooted in a deep understanding of the goal, the subject matter, and the audience. Interestingly, my copywriting skills are never far from any design project. With expertise in both fields, I develop products that inspire, engage, and deliver results in both the digital world and traditional print.
PRINT SAMPLES (Scroll for digital design)
When The Outer Banks Hospital embarked on a $6M capital campaign to complete a cancer center, I was asked to develop an appeal piece that could be used during group and one-on-one donor meetings. I edited the original copy and designed this piece to connect with potential donors and underscore the community need for a comprehensive cancer center. The campaign exceeded the $6M goal, and campaign stakeholders often commented that this appeal piece was instrumental in that effort. (View PDF)
The Outer Banks Hospital produced an annual cancer report to the community about cancer services. The publication always had a theme and in 2021 the hospital was deep into the cancer center capital campaign. So we developed the ‘CAN’ in Cancer theme to underscore the hospital’s efforts to reduce the cancer mortality rate. I took the text and broke it up in a layout that highlighted key information and allowed the readers to quickly consume key information. This piece became a leave behind after potential donor meetings. (View PDF)
I designed this passport folder and wrote the accompanying letter as part of a campaign to increase local awareness of the hospital’s pediatric services. To create an engaging experience for young patients, I developed the character “Sunny Our Sea Turtle” and collaborated with an illustrator to bring Sunny to life in various scenes. This particular piece featured a passport containing two tickets to a local aquarium, along with a personalized letter from Sunny to the pediatric patient, making their visit both memorable and comforting. (View PDF)
As a consultant with the World Bank’s International Finance Group, I designed several publications on gender equality and economic inclusion. The first is a 36-page publication addressing gender diversity and inclusion of women on boards in Nigeria. The project required strict adherence to IFC brand guidelines while producing engaging page layouts and graphics. (View PDF)
The second item is a 4-panel brochure advertising the IFC’s training program for women focused on establishing policies and implementing strategies that will lead to increased gender diversity in the private sector, civil society, and government. (View PDF)
The North Carolina Coastal Federation engaged me to create a poster and ticket design for their annual fish fry and shrimp boil fund raiser. One of their stakeholders donated a fish print and the organization wanted to incorporate it into the design. These posters were distributed and posted across Dare County, NC and the event sold out. (View PDF)
The Committee of Concerned Journalists, an organization committed to fostering thoughtful journalism and critical news judgment, approached me to design a piece for their Traveling Curriculum training program. This collateral was distributed during newsroom training sessions, providing participants with a resource to collect and retain key information. I created the portfolio design featuring a compass motif, symbolizing both the traveling nature of the program and each journalist’s journey in navigating their profession.
In 2009, I designed the DC Lottery and Charitable Games Black History Month poster, celebrating the legacy of those whose dedication and perseverance paved the way for President Obama’s historic election. Since 1986, the DC Lottery has created this annual poster as a gesture of goodwill and community engagement. Distributed free of charge, it is made available to public schools, libraries, recreation centers, and residents throughout the District. (View PDF)
For a decade, I designed the Magination Press catalog for the American Psychological Association, showcasing self-help books for children and the adults who support them. I introduced the concept of collaborating with publishers to feature one of their book illustrations on each edition of the catalog cover, and using it to create a cohesive visual theme that tied the publication together. (View PDF)
DIGITAL DESIGN
Much of the posting for Outer Banks Health involved promoting the organization’s outreach events. To align with the brand voice and visuals, I developed a suite of illustrations that did just that. I believe that an organization’s social feeds should adhere to brand guidelines and be used to contribute to the strength of the brand.
When Outer Banks Health was facing a serious labor and delivery nursing shortage, I worked with a video production company to develop messaging that targeted both new nursing graduates as well as seasoned professionals. The project involved three days of filming. We used the footage to create shorts that were used for an 18-month targeted Meta campaign. As a result, there was a significant increase in the number of L+D nursing applications and hires. Click thumbnails to view videos.