Who am I?

I own and operate Studio3b graphic design and creative services located in Des Moines, Iowa. I have been in the design industry for 15 years and have owned Studio3b for the past seven years. The greatest challenge was making the decision to leave my full-time career to start my own design business. It has certainly been the most rewarding decision, but not always easy. I enjoy working with clients and engaging them in the design process. I believe that everyone has the ability to be creative and imaginative.

I have the skills and training to put creativity to pen and paper and eventually transform ideas digitally to the computer. I have expertise in the software programs that are the industry standard for graphic arts. Mainly, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash, Acrobat), Quark and the Microsoft Office programs. I have worked to develop relationships with the vendors that I use for printing and screen printing. These relationships that I have cultivated are essential to how I run my business and beneficial to the clients I serve.

I also have the ability to communicate to clients in layman's terms. I read and understand technical aspects to the graphic design industry, but can translate so my clients understand how I work and what work I am performing for them. I am straight-forward in my pricing and usually discuss my fees in the first meeting. I don't like to waste time, my own or my client's, so I get right to the point. I can also be blunt in my opinions about the design industry and don't like working with agencies that think they are always right. High and mighty doesn't work for me and doesn't work for most clients. I prefer working with an open mind to meet my client's specific needs.

I take my business seriously and try to live my life as honestly as possible. I lead by example and believe that in doing the right thing, profits will follow. Too many businesses are lead by money and do unethical things to get it. I also believe in community and the need for us to work together to make certain that humanity is taken care of and has at least the basic essentials to live.

I am a member of Business Networking International (BNI), The Greater Des Moines Partnership, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).