I make stuff
ThreadMeUp
Role:
pretty much everythingI threw my chips in with an infant startup, and emerged a few months later with a real brand and deep custom apparel platform.
Full Project
Dos Toros
Role:
storyteller (deal with it sagmeister)I helped two of the most passionate restaurant owners in NY take their off-the-wall culture and brand to a new level.
Full ProjectLive Site
Coolhouse
Role:
camp counselorI traveled to a ‘summer camp’ style startup accelerator as the design lead (and more) for a group of startup campers.
Full Project
HuddlePass
Role:
web/UI design & brandI designed a community platform for the fans who just can’t get enough and want to be on the inside with coaches and players.
Full ProjectAlso check out...
OMGNEW!!!
What I’ve been
up to recently
A more casual place for me to throw up a few quick looks of newer things I’ve been on, even if unorganized or unfinished.
New Projects
More stuff I’ve
done in the past
A separate place for a bunch of random older projects from over 2 years ago that I keep around because why not.
Old Projects
Shots I’ve taken
on Dribbble
Nearly everything I post is animated, often a screen recording of a crazy front-end in motion, so click in if that’s your thing.
Dribbble FeedI express myself
Identity is a powerful thing. A distinct, authentic personality that flows out of even the tiniest details of a product is what brings it to life and makes people believe in it. A “clean, usable interface” is only the bare minimum of what a designer can do.
A designer who creates a truly unique identity and applies it practically across a vast digital platform needs creative firepower, seasoned design ability, and eagerness to get their hands dirty in development. I’ve worked relentlessly to become that designer.
But there’s a couple important things to understand...
As you may have noticed...
Some of my work is a little crazy,
but always thoughtfully so.
There’s a time and place for everything. I understand where a more creative, even ‘crazy’ approach has the potential to achieve project goals in a way nothing else could. I also understand where it’s a completely pointless waste of time while something much more simple would’ve done just as well.
So no, I don’t try to do something completely outside of what people are used to with every project, in fact I still enjoy design that needs a more practical focus, and I intend to continue doing that type of work as well.
I will admit however, I certainly have a history of intentionally seeking out projects where that more creative, crazy approach is exactly what’s needed. That’s just my personal creative drive, it’s been a part of me as long as I can remember and it wakes up with me every day.
Which I can do because...
While I started as just a designer,
now I pretty much do everything.
Design was my original passion, I strived to be a designer and nothing more for a very long time. As I gained more experience and felt both the joy and heartbreak that comes with suceeding or failing in the creation of something you’ve poured your heart into, I cared less about being ‘a designer’, and more about being whatever it took to actually create the things I aspired to.
With that mindset, I’ve expanded my skillset far beyond I’d ever thought I even wanted to. Most importantly I’ve gradually honed sharp front-end development skills, without which my efforts to push design boundaries would end in miserable failure. These also contribute more than I can express to my abilities in branding, animation, and more.
I’ve done it all and I do it all, because I see myself simply as someone who creates things. It doesn’t mean I need to take over every role in a project, just that I’ve done so before and I understand the complete process, allowing me to work with teams even more effectively.
But the funny thing is that...
After working with every process
there is, I no longer really have one.
At this point I’ve worked with just about every type of design process there is to see in this field. I’ve worked with multiple acclaimed digital agencies, multiple small botique studios, a ridiculous amount of startups both large and small, and of course I’ve done a ton of solo freelance work with unlimited variety.
I’ve learned so much from everything that it’s been a while since I’ve felt like I needed to fall back on a particular process or strategy for a project. I approach every project within itself, and dynamically adjust how I approach every step based on the situation. I’ve found that this flexibility allows for greater results than a rigid process.
With that being said, on a more personal note...
I’ve always believed that...
Being passionate isn’t a cliche. It’s a dope-ass super power.
When I was 16 years-old, I dropped out of high school to go full-time with the freelance design work I was already doing. Since then, I’ve moved around the country, worked for a few different agencies, and went through the wringer in the startup world. I now live/work independently between NYC & Chicago.
Part of me lives for unique experiences. Having strangers crash at my place through couchsurfing.com, practicing public improv challenges, climbing urban structures, etc. My typical weekend involves skateboarding all over the city covered in glitter and dressed head to toe as Spider-Man, eyes open for opportunities to explore new places and meet new people.
I’m always open to hearing from anyone interested in working together, but regardless, I’d never say no to a chance to meet someone new and climb a tree together or something.
