How did you become a designer/artist?

I’ve always been a magnet to all facets of design...you name it, didn't matter if it was the form of a building, the color of an eye shadow or the thread in a fabric. I loved the visual aspect and when I discovered the process getting there, that just made me hungrier for the backstage drama. 

Where are you from originally?

I'm a product of Canada, but it doesn't stop there. I've been many places and the origin of who I am, where I've been may not be so defined. I now live in Anchorage, Alaska but I have before, left and came back and plan to leave again on another adventure.

Who were your main influences growing up?

Growing up...I think, "Was I artistically influenced by anything/anyone?", of course I was, I lived life, was surrounded by a multitude of styles, cultures and people – I liked what I saw, I liked what was foreign to my everyday life...thankfully curiosity didn't kill this kitten.

Did you go to art school/college for design or are you self-taught?

I started off self-taught, learning the core programs on my own, design and layout. I went to The Art Institute of Seattle to make me "official".

Any advice or tips to novice designers?

Free your mind. Your personal taste may bring a niche to your design but never limit yourself. AND...you will fail - it happens - don’t let it bring you down, learn and grow from the failure and never think there isn’t anyone better than you. Learn and explore from all you can grasp your mind around...do not think that you are better than the production process, that is the basis of what we as designers are, without knowing the dirty work – we are nothing.

What has been the most rewarding and challenging project you have worked on?

There are two projects that I've done in the last year that have been most rewarding and I didn't get paid for either one!  They were my pages that I created for the HOWiezine...which is a project that was conceived and born from the talented & funny HOW Design forum members. Each person that participates designs 2 pages based on a theme that is voted on by the participants. It's a great creative outlet and each page is never like the other. I participated in two books and each was a huge emotional outlet for me, that's the kinda stuff that makes you love being an artist.

What is your favorite design piece? Why?

When I finish a project and have the final printed piece in my hand I look at it, am proud (think about what could be better) and then move on. I relish on a project for a couple seconds – it's the process of getting there that I crave, feed upon and am most proud of.

What are you doing now?

I am the Senior Designer at The Alaska Club, Alaska's largest fitness facilities. I just completed our monthly promotion which consists of ads in five newspapers, two magazines and direct mail. I also just recently started up SKA Studios, my vision of a design studio, to which I'm working towards becoming my main focus. On more of a personal side, I'm working on a 3'x4' painting for my best friend and ripping the carpet out of my condo to put in hard wood flooring!

What are your plans for the future?

To have SKA Studios my sole means of enjoyment. I love being an independent contractor with all the blood, sweat and tears that come with it. My other plans are to move from Anchorage, either back to Seattle, Orange County, CA, Arizona... Utah... Colorado...many factors contribute to where I'll be going.

What American artist inspires you most?

I'm horrible at names. I see, I like, when I see it again I remember the art/design but not the name of the person unless I have to say it over and over. My fellow designers inspire me. I know, through this great Web, many individuals from the HOW Design forum with a vast array of styles and a multitude of talent.

What unlocks your creativity?

Taking myself out of my everyday life and venturing to something/somewhere I wouldn't normally be found...I get a breath of fresh air and my mind starts churning. It doesn't matter if I pick up a magazine that I've never seen or go to a place I've never been – I see and experience things I never would if I just stayed on a straight path. This can be harmful though, my brain gets overloaded and I want to do everything!