PUBLICATIONS

My journalism background taught me that great editorial design is both storytelling and wayfinding. I create visual entry points that draw readers in – whether through compelling photography, dynamic typography, or layered information graphics – guiding them through narratives that inform, engage, and inspire. From deadline-driven news design to award-winning alumni magazines, I art-direct photography and collaborate closely with photographers on location to capture subjects authentically, then build editorial systems that guide readers through complex content with clarity and visual impact.

Around the Oval, Colorado State University Alumni Association magazine, biannual

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2022-Present

Challenge

Transformed Colorado State University Alumni Association's Around the Oval—a semi-annual member magazine for 4,500-5,800 households – by amplifying storytelling, elevating visual identity, and expanding editorial scope after the discontinuation of a sister publication.

Role

Art director, editorial designer, and creative lead throughout the entire editorial and production cycle, collaborating closely with writers, editors, photographers, and illustrators.

Approach

Led the magazine’s transformation from a traditional alumni publication into a dynamic, design-forward member benefit—distinct from typical institutional communications and rewarding to recipients. Rebuilt the editorial structure from the ground up, introducing recurring departments, integrating content from the discontinued sister publication, and establishing a framework for clear rhythm and hierarchy. Crafted headlines and display copy, introduced alternative story formats such as sidebars, breakout boxes, infographics, and timelines, and art directed photo shoots both on location and with freelancers. Developed mood boards, editorial calendars, and creative briefs to define the magazine’s look, feel, and narrative tone. Infused each issue with bold editorial design—pushing typography, pacing, and visual surprise to deliver a publication that felt playful, personal, and worth keeping.

Impact

The redesigned publication earned recognition at the national and regional level – winning multiple Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awards for design and editorial excellence, including:

Gold Circle of Excellence Award, 2024
Best of CASE District VI Award, 2023 – Magazine Design, Alumni/General Interest
CASE District VI Award, 2024 – Publishing Improvement

Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book, Colorado State University Avenir Museum of Design & Merchandising

2026

“I am overwhelmed by the beauty and creativity and gratitude that is all wrapped up into the beautiful Avenir 10-year retrospective books. Grateful, so grateful grateful grateful.”

— Kim Winger, Executive Director of Development, College of Health and Human Sciences

Challenge

Produce a commemorative 60-page coffee-table book honoring a visionary donor to the Avenir Museum – CSU’s historic apparel and textile collection – marking a decade of exhibitions and institutional growth.

Role

Graphic Designer & Art Director.

Approach

Collaborating with the museum’s stewardship team, director, and writer, I developed a cohesive design system from an initial creative brief, then extended it to include a custom historical timeline infographic. Working within an accelerated production schedule tied to the museum’s anniversary event and donor visit, I curated final image selections, determined format specifications, and oversaw editorial decisions throughout. Personal artifacts from the donor’s own sewing collection were incorporated as decorative elements, grounding the publication in an intimate, biographical narrative. Multiple fabric-wrapped cover prototypes were developed for review and selection; the chosen wrap was hand-produced by students. The book was printed and fulfilled through a print-on-demand publisher.

Impact

The publication was among the most enthusiastically received donor stewardship gifts and contributed to a commitment to a $12M gift from the Avenir Foundation. Its design and production quality have since prompted museum leadership to explore reprinting it as a limited-edition collector’s piece for the broader museum community.

Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book – Spring 2018.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book cover.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book cover prototypes.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book – Fall 2016.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book – Spring 2016.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book – Spring 2017.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book – Fall 2018.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book – Spring 2019.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book – Spring 2020.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book, custom infographic.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book, intro page.
Avenir Museum 10 Year Retrospective book – Summer 2023.
RDC students created custom-printed fabric with the donor’s own handwriting to wrap the Avenir books.
RDC students created custom engraved wooden object tags to accompany the Avenir books.
RDC students created custom-printed fabric with the donor’s own handwriting to wrap the Avenir books.
RDC students created custom-printed fabric with the donor’s own handwriting to wrap the Avenir books.
Custom-printed fabric tests.
The Avenir book and box.

CSU Magazine, Colorado State University magazine

2016-2017

Graphic designer/art director who elevated and innovated CSU Magazine's editorial design. Inherited an established system and pushed it forward by developing a comprehensive art direction framework for typography, color, and layout. Led photography teams and coordinated designers to create cohesive visual narratives for complex feature stories. Introduced fresh storytelling approaches that modernized the magazine's visual identity while maintaining brand consistency.

CSU Magazine Spring 2016, The Power of Purpose issue – graphic design/art direction.
CSU Magazine Spring 2016. The Power of Purpose, design & art direction for 6-feature section.
CSU Magazine Spring 2016.
CSU Magazine Spring 2016.
CSU Magazine Spring 2016.
CSU Magazine Spring 2016.
CSU Magazine Spring 2016.
CSU Magazine Spring 2016.
The Power of Purpose magazine layout and photo selection.

CSU Magazine Winter 2017, Design Thinking issue – graphic design/art direction.
CSU Magazine Winter 2017.
CSU Magazine Winter 2017.
CSU Magazine Winter 2017.
CSU Magazine Winter 2017.
CSU Magazine Winter 2017, my design thinking process for the cover.
Design Thinking magazine layout.

Food For Thought Magazine, Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences magazine

2012-2017

Designed the College of Agriculture's flagship magazine and led the visual transition following a comprehensive brand refresh. Collaborated with editors, photographers, and designers to refresh the publication and align it with the College of Agricultural Sciences' updated brand identity. Mentored designers on publication hierarchy, grid systems, and layout principles to ensure consistency across issues.

Recognition: 2012-2013 Public Relations Society of America Colorado Chapter Silver Pick award.

College of Agricultural Sciences Food for Thought magazine; 2014-2017.
College of Agricultural Sciences Food for Thought magazine.
College of Agricultural Sciences Food for Thought magazine.
College of Agricultural Sciences Food for Thought magazine.
College of Agricultural Sciences Food for Thought magazine.
College of Agricultural Sciences Food for Thought magazine.
College of Agricultural Sciences Food for Thought magazine.
College of Agricultural Sciences Food for Thought magazine.
College of Agricultural Sciences Food for Thought magazine.

Loveland Reporter-Herald, Loveland, Colorado

2006-2009

Design editor for daily newspaper serving Loveland and Northern Colorado, with a circulation of 20,000-25,000. Designed and edited editorial pages, maps, and graphics while coordinating major story packages and series with editors, reporters, and photographers. Worked under strict nightly deadlines, also contributing copy editing, headline writing, and story development.

Recognition:

Best Informational Graphic, 1st Place – Colorado Press Association, 2008
Best Informational Graphic, 3rd Place – Colorado Press Association, 2009
Best Family Life/Living Section/Pages, 3rd Place – National Newspaper Association, 2008
News Page Design, 3rd Place – Colorado Press Association, 2006

Loveland Reporter-Herald Outpost 2007.
Loveland Reporter-Herald 2008.
Loveland Reporter-Herald Outpost 2008.
Loveland Reporter-Herald Outpost 2008.
Loveland Reporter-Herald Outpost 2008.
Loveland Reporter-Herald Outpost 2008.
Loveland Reporter-Herald Outpost 2008.
Loveland Reporter-Herald 2008, Best Informational Graphic, 1st Place – Colorado Press Association..
Loveland Reporter-Herald 2007, Medical Center of the Rockies series package.
Loveland Reporter-Herald 2007, Medical Center of the Rockies series package.
Loveland Reporter-Herald 2007, Medical Center of the Rockies series package.
Loveland Reporter-Herald 2007, Medical Center of the Rockies series package.

Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona

2000-2002

Page designer for the daily metropolitan newspaper covering Tucson and Southern Arizona, with a circulation of 120,000-175,000. Art-directed photo shoots and worked with in-house photographers, artists, and reporters to design feature sections, news pages, and special editorial packages.

Recognition:

Arizona Press Club Award, non-deadline design, 2001, “Class with Glass.”
The Society for News Design, Best of Newspaper Design 2001, Award of Excellence, Inside News Page Design (50,000-174,999 circ.)

Arizona Daily Star, Oasis section 2001, Arizona Press Club Award, non-deadline design.
Arizona Daily Star Accent 2002.
Arizona Daily Star Oasis 2001.