THE LONG STORY SHORT
The legend started at a very young age. Pencil, paper, and an open mind. The illustrations in my comic books and Dungeons & Dragons manuals viewed as a child captivated me. I also loved the logos on all the football and baseball helmets. I'll never forget all the hours I spent admiring art and graphic design as a child. Somehow it took until the age of 37 to get into the field. Funny how life works. I graduated high school with aspirations of going to college at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. I had good grades and also had won several high school art awards. I got accepted to the school and was elated. When the tuition fee schedule showed up my father said I should get a job and save up to go to college, get some responsibility under my belt before going to school. Good lesson but.... life then took off in many directions. Soon I had a family going and did not get back to school until the age of 34!
For 16 years I worked in the paperboard and packaging industries. I spent 6 years in a paper mill which shut it's doors due to downsizing. The next 10 years were spent in paperboard packaging plants where I held many different positions. At some point I decided I had to go back to school and try to get art back into my life. I worked and went to school full time for 2 years to get an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Design/Computer Graphics from the Art Institute of Cincinnati. I really enjoyed college and considering I went each morning after working third shift I knew this what the right thing for me. So after a long road traveled I am finally designing as a career. My advice to anyone is never give up on your dreams.
