Frequently Asked Questions

I offer a variety of graphic design services for print and digital media. My scope of work includes logos, branding, brochures, stationery, invitations, posters, advertising, annual reports, magazines, books, newsletters, signage, forms, price/sales catalogs, promotions, product packaging, point-of-purchase tools, vehicle graphics, website design, social media ads, and outreach strategies. If it can be seen in print or digitally on a screen, I can design it.

When it comes to custom design, every project has its own timeline. My basic workflow is Goal > Scheduling > Research > Design > Production > Delivery. I work closely with clients to ensure a timely process and always meet deadlines. 

As a freelance graphic designer, I have low overhead which helps keep your costs down. I generally charge by the hour and the final cost varies depending on the project scope and complexity. Please contact me to discuss your project and budget. We can determine if a flat rate or hourly fee is best for your project.

As a business woman, I lead with commitment and integrity bringing those values to every professional collaboration. With me as your designer, you'll gain someone who is accomplished in all aspects of design, marketing, and communications. I am passionate about helping organizations and companies succeed and always give 100% for the success of my clients. My creativity, fresh ideas, excellent communication skills, and ability to look at projects from a 360° perspective make collaborating with me a positive experience. I focus on brands and brand messaging to ensure every project helps my client succeed. Check out my Case Studies page to read about how my proven ROI helped a local orchid society and about a $19,678 grant awarded for my design of a wetlands public awareness campaign. I've received design awards from Print, Ad Club of San Diego, San Diego Communication Arts Group, San Diego Press Club, Society for Environmental Graphic Design, and Printing Industries of America, Inc. I served two terms on the board of American Institute of Graphic Arts/San Diego and participated in a Pantone color focus group.

Through my freelance work and in-house at design firms—most notably at Carol Kerr Graphic Design—I've produced work for a diverse clientele.  BUSINESS  Established companies and startups big and small include American Healthcare Systems, Great American Bank, Green Rock Cleaners, Matrix Direct Life Insurance, National Association of Science Writers, NTD Architecture, NTD Stichler, Nyecon Incorporated, Red Boudreau Trial Lawyers Dinner, Swanson Bookkeeping, The Country Mansion, and Val Pearson, Ph.D.  NON-PROFIT  I have produced materials for Elementary Institute of Science, San Diego Girls Scouts, Printing Industries Association of San Diego, Salk Institute, Salk Swiftwater, San Diego County Orchid Society, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, San Diego Rescue Mission, and Senior Peer Counseling of El Dorado County.  RETAIL  Products, packaging, and marketing materials for Arlen’s Botanics, The Great American Pokerboard game, HSP Nature Toys, Shooska Scented Car Jewelry, and Tatsuo Sasaki music CD.  COLLABORATIONS  I work well with others, so I collaborated on projects for Beyond Bridge (with Eve Morris), San Diego Padres (with Franklin & Associates), and San Diego North Park revitalization, UC San Diego Medical Center, and University of California, San Diego (with Wieber Nelson Design and Harmon Nelson Design).

Special projects for individuals and small groups are among my favorite projects, in part because they are especially meaningful to the client. Working with individuals who have written their memoirs, my designs for AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL BOOKS use typography, illustrations, photographs, news clippings, and thoughtful pagination to preserve their stories in hardcover gift books. I've had the honor of designing and copywriting custom pieces for deeply personal moments including wedding and party INVITATIONS, and IN MEMORIAM booklets and obituaries that honor their loved ones. BANNERS have been designed and produced banners for sports teams, schools, and San Diego Girl Scouts. Among my clients for custom GRAPHIC APPAREL projects are schools, charities, and YMCA of San Diego. I am an ace when it comes to developing creative concepts and designs of unique HOLIDAY CARDS.

Be professional and think outside the box. I'm very serious about design and purposeful creativity. In most contexts "Purposeful Creativity" relates to ice breaker activities. For me, it is about doing intentional design where each element of a project—visuals, text, color, messaging, media platform—attracts and informs the target market. At the beginning of a project, I want to know the goal and desired outcome of the piece, then I use that information to guide my project recommendations and design decisions. I also have a sense of humor and I'm not afraid to use it. I once parodied drug ads for a holiday card featuring the faux drug “Frewtcayxium (say ‘Fruit-Cakes-E-ummm’)” guaranteed to wipe out seasonal pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. It detailed the benefits and horrifying side effects that typically appear in actual drug ads. Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but my text was hilarious, and the feedback was incredible.