Connect and Create

view my work

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Through my gifts, I am working to emphasize the importance of trusting the creative process, embracing imperfection, and recognizing the value of each individual’s unique expression. I believe in the power of love, connection, and creating a new perspective.

As an advocate for creative expression and personal growth, I encourage others to embrace their uniqueness, trust their intuition, and be a witness for beauty in the journey of life. My hope in sharing my story is to honor all who came before me by using my voice and speaking of the value of intuitive understanding and sensitivity. By connecting within and noticing the miracles and wonder around us, our lives become gifts and our presence becomes a source of healing and inspiration.

We are not machines, you have something authentic within to offer the world. Together we can become leaders of our own lives, have discernment, live with intention and create more love. Our hearts are powerful when we connect with creativity.

I have hosted in person workshops for children (Create After School) and adults (Connect With Creativity)  and desire to share my healing journey and creations with others through my blog, online workshops and social media platforms.

Daidra inspired/ Self Development and Mindfulness Journals/ Workshops  channel/visionary/creator   
• Designed Nature Speaks Journal, Tend to the Garden of Your Heart and Inner Warrior Project
• Created Illustrations, Instagram graphics and watercolor paintings for journals and self development projects
• Designed and wrote Wild Side a children’s book about connecting with nature
• Teacher in a two-year old classroom
• Introduced outdoor art and mindfulness projects (Art Garden)incorporating recycling crafts and nature based creativity
• Hosted an after school program called (Create After School) to inspire children to use what they have to create something new
• Developed a Workshop (Connect With Creativity) to share stories and experiences of moments when creativity enriched our lives

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Alarm.com  SENIOR Designer   AUGUST 2012 ~ January 2015
• Worked closely with the Marketing Director, developers and multiple departments to redesign and launch the company website
• Created icons, graphic and infographics for use in all materials
• Developed sales collateral for dealers and partners
• Conceptualized landing pages and promotions for consumers
• Designed brochures, sales sheets, advertisements and informational pieces
• Updated the Alarm.com app, assets and materials to reflect changes in technology and devices
• Executed the design of the Partner Summit event, creating invitations, menus, giveaways, signage, programs and focused collateral

Online Resources Corporation  CREATIVE Manager / Designer   June 2008 ~ AUGUST 2012
• Team Lead for Creative Services, providing artistic and design leadership on corporate and consumer marketing projects
• Conceptualized quarterly promotions including online marketing, custom campaigns & print materials reaching over 3,000,000 end users
• Developed Sales collateral used during the pre and post sales process
• Generated animated web banners, greeting pages and email marketing
• Rebranded the company logo, colors and marketing materials in conjunction with a new division launch in India
• Determined color palettes for office interiors, upcoming graphics and icons for the US facilities
• Implemented deadlines and protocols in a timely manner; reacts confidently in emergency situations
• Developed marketing concepts extending to over 300 FIs quarterly & equivalent to over $3,200,000 in marketing revenue annually
• Created materials for our annual client conference focused on lead generation and product knowledge
• Managed all vendors to coordinate the production processes


Northern Virginia Magazine Designer April 2006 ~ June 2008
• Conceptualized, designed and managed the timelines of monthly features
• Developed photography concepts, hired photographers, coordinated meetings with subjects and managed schedules
• Redesigned and launched regional monthly magazine sections
• Managed the food section providing visual concepts and graphics
• Went on press checks to ensure the quality of the printing and color correction for the cover and features
• Reviewed and edited the design of the entire magazine prior to printing
• Managed all aspects of the Advertising department
• Developed Marketing and signage for use at events, media kits for ad sales and PR materials
• Provided web updates to the IT department for the company website

Communications by Design  Designer August 2005 ~ March 2006
• Conducted client meetings to outline project specifications
• Developed Photoshop based web layouts
• Updated, managed, and designed web content with the use of Dreamweaver
• Team Lead on the Accountability Report for The U.S. Small Business Administration
• Designed three-dimensional trade show displays
• Conceived corporate logos, brochures, newsletters, annual reports and direct mail pieces

Shop • Vac Corporation   Designer November 2004 ~ July 2005
• Conceptualized point-of-purchase displays and signage for Lowes Home Improvement
• Created packaging for national and international vacuum cleaners
• Designed an advertisement for The Track Record, a nationally published magazine
• Illustrated people and various types of equipment for use in advertising
• Performed various production related projects including templates for die-cuts, labels and accessories
• Managed the design process through all stages with various vendors and team members

Brodart Company Designer   June 2001 ~ October 2004
• Redesigned, developed and created quarterly publications with nationwide circulation
• Managed outsourced printing projects
• Produced national and international tradeshow display materials
• Instituted cost-reducing elements in direct mail campaigns
• Developed various customer installation materials

AWARDS
• 2007 VPA Award for Design and Presentation
• 2007 VPA Award for Excellence of Cover Design
• 2007 VPA Award for Excellence of  Page Design
• 2008 VPA Award for Informational Graphic Design
• 2009 Online Resources Elite Award Recognition