My graphic design career began in newspapers. My journey started at VillageSoup on the coast of Maine before I spent several years with the Chicago Sun-Times, where I worked across advertising, page layout, pre-press, and print production, gaining experience on both the creative and technical sides of publishing. Later, I joined the Chicago Tribune, creating layouts for its suburban publications and Prime Time, one of the Tribune's most popular special sections.

Working in newspapers taught me to think quickly, communicate clearly, and thrive under demanding deadlines where accuracy was essential. It shaped the work ethic, attention to detail, and sense of accountability I bring to every project today.