Hey, how are ya?
Thanks for finding time to make it this deep in my website. It’s good to have you here! I know you came for the art, but to those looking for the artist: look no further. Attention spans are getting shorter by the day so I’ll tell my story as quick as I can — promise.
I’d love to chalk up my entire portfolio to hard work & dedication, but I wouldn’t be telling the whole story if I didn’t mention my genetics. My grandfather, Bob Carver (or Papa Bob), is an amazing calligrapher & sketch artist — and from childhood to present day, I’ve always envied his gift. I’ve taken a couple of stabs at calligraphy throughout my life and have been humbled every time… I’ll leave that to the professional. Although she’s not a calligrapher, my mom kept the artistic genes in the family and always had the best scrapbooks in the neighborhood — decorated to perfection & designed with intention. And of course, my dad. He wouldn’t call himself an artist, so neither will I, but his attention to detail & creative eye could certainly make an argument for his case. You should see his handwriting! All that to say, I’ve adopted qualities from all three of them, and it’s no exaggeration to say I wouldn’t be doing this without them.
My career in design started long before I knew what a career was. The moment I figured out how to properly grip a pencil (extremely unorthodox, by the way), no piece of parchment was safe. My teachers gave me homework, and in return, I gave them “art”. That cycle lasted longer than I care to admit, but here we are. I had no intention of pursuing any kind of art or design in college, but a high school art teacher by the name Mary Rowe was the first person to encourage, challenge & push me in the that direction. In 2012, she encouraged me to enter a state-wide Arkansas High School Art Competition — and to my surprise, I walked away with 1st place. This was my first "maybe I can do this" moment, which gave me the confidence to pursue a degree in Graphic Design at Samford University (Birmingham, AL) and John Brown University (Siloam Springs, AR). Now, more than a decade later, I’m still kickin’!
My first job out of college was at a large-format print shop, and while I didn’t love the work, I learned skillsets that I still use today and I’m extremely grateful for that chapter. I was working 9:00-5:00 for the first time in my life, but I knew my talents as a designer weren’t being used to their fullest. I started my freelance journey [on the side] in 2017 and haven’t looked back since. My first “big-time” job was in 2019 as a Design & Marketing Specialist for The ICEE Company. I got to see what large-scale/corporate design was all about, and I quickly made my mark within an iconic brand. I met some remarkable people through The ICEE Company, which led me to my current job as Senior Graphic Designer for Design Plus Licensing. My portfolio may feel like a hodge-podge of projects & products, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love exploring new industries and contributing to the trends found in each of them.
I have a knack for all things branding, marketing, advertising & product development, but there’s rarely a project I’ll say “no” to. I have a passion for illustrations, apparel design, typography & layout — really anything that requires the right side of my brain! I have a hard time categorizing my style as it’s always evolving, but lately I’ve been drawn to the handmade, slightly imperfect designs. That could change by next week — who knows?
Okay. I think that’s everything. If you made it to the end, thanks again for being here, and if there’s anything I can help you [or your brand] with, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love a chance to work together.
God Bless.
"Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might."
Ecclesiastes 9:10
