Me.

I was born in Salem, Massachusetts and grew up in the next town over…Peabody. Now, to be clear, it’s definitely pronounced Peeb’dee, and not Peebawdee. Feel free to drop the “o.” We do.

I grew up painfully shy and, admittedly, a bit of a mama’s boy. It served me well, though. I really think that my attachment to home as a kid contributed to my creativity. My mother has been a crafter and artist, and my dad always encouraged me to enjoy the things I was working on. With Mom’s creative energy and Dad’s never-ending contributions of art supplies and encouragement, I was set! I also have a big brother who helped kick start it all. He wasn’t so bad with a sketchpad, himself. I’d spend days and nights (staying up way past my bedtime) drawing. I became obsessed creating pictures. This motivation went on through high school and college and has yet to cease. This definitely lead me to graphic design. 

I have been fortunate enough in my career to work in a huge variety of environments. It has really helped me create for myself a skill set that prepared me for anything.

About five years ago, my boyfriend and I moved to New York. I’d made the leap from working at AMP Agency representing ELLEgirl Magazine to becoming the staff Promotional Art Director…the type of job I’d dreamed of for years. It was a great time. We did a lot of fantastic work atELLEgirl, and I had the time of my life there.

Things only got better from there. I loved magazines and worked with a few of them. But in 2007 I was able realize a another dream of mine. But this time, a childhood dream. I’d always wanted to “make books for Disney” as a kid. That was exactly what I did next. I spent the following years working for Disney Press and Disney Editions creating content and design. This was an amazing time.

As with most things, this had to come to an end. Like a lot of people, I fell victim to a tough economy. Sadly, my position at Disney was eliminated. But, I pressed on and quickly found myself in another great spot! I spent the following year and a half at Playbac Publishing making non-fiction and educational books for children. Sadly, the economy had not yet loosened it’s grip. Downsizing at Playbac meant the elimination almost the entire staff. This was a blessing in disguise. My relationship with Playbac continues. While I still freelance for them, I have the flexibility to enjoy the relationships I’ve forged over the years. I’m currently also freelancing for Disney Publishing Worldwide, Girl Scouts of America, Blue Apple Books, Fearless Critic, BookWorks and Bill Smith Group for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Scholastic. This has been an exciting time while I look for the right fit for my next career move. I’ve found that there’s not much out there more rewarding than being part of New York’s publishing world. And to think of how much I want to do yet and everything out there that awaits!

Something else happened during my years art directing in New York. A good friend and creative partner of mine mentored me into the world of photography. It clicked. I’ve been having the time of my life shooting lifestyle portraiture. This also helped position me as a very successful director of photography, both on set and off. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I had a ball over the years directing photo shoots for America’s Next Top Model for both print and the television show. Working with the Broadway cast of Wickedwas fantastic. So many stories…

Most importantly, I’m loving New York more than I ever thought I could. And I have the luxury of going home to Peabody often to see the folks I love.

By the way, I totally overcame my shyness.

More to come as great things continue to happen.

Peace out, Cub Scout!