I am a designer. It is the one part of me that influences everything else that I am: A husband, a father, a son, a brother, a grandson, a god-father, a dog owner, a skier, a mtn biker, an avid outdoorsman, a die-hard Minnesotan, and someone who lives and dies for this company we started to help influence the world of design.
30+ years experience:
I consider myself having over 30 years experience in design. I say this tongue in cheek considering I am just over 30 years old. . . but I have been around great design my entire life. I have known exactly what I wanted to do with my life forever. (Although I admit moving west and being a ski bum has always been a close 2nd. . . minus the "bum" part.)
I can remember going to my dad's office, crayons in hand, with visions of creating the next Duffy masterpiece. It was so inspirational being there and being around so many talented creative people. I remember begging my dad to take me to the office with him. I have always thought of work as being fun and it is so unfortunate that so many people experience the exact opposite. Going to work excited to work is a rare pleasure that I cherish every day.
The Fine Print:
I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, MN in 1999. There I gained invaluable experience from several professionals that were currently working at various design shops in the twin cities, including Duffy.
After graduation, I spent 4+ years working @ Fallon Advertising in their art production and interactive design departments. I worked on a variety of accounts; BMW USA, Timex, EDS, The Islands of The Bahamas, and Purina. At this time I was also fortunate to be able to help out on design projects when Duffy needed additional design help.
When Duffy decided to split from Fallon in 2004, I was the lone "non-Duffy" employee to jump ship and follow the family name. The opportunity to help start a "20 year old start up" was one that I couldn't pass up and it was a defining moment in my career. I knew I was a part of something really special.
My Inspiration:
Today I live in Plymouth, MN with my wife Regan, my daughters Finley and Mia, and my Weimaraner Steely, who is by far the most work of them all! (Regan would agree!)
When I’m not in the office, I try to retreat to our family cabin in northern Wisconsin for some good old R&R. Time stands still up there and it is a great place to rejuvenate as well as find inspiration for my next project that is surely waiting on my desk back in the city.