I was most recently the Director of User Experience at Zoosk, previously the Senior UX Manager, a product designer before that, and prior to that, an art director and graphic designer. I focus on supporting my team of designers to reach their maximum potential in creating and shipping great design that performs, ranging from graphic, visual, to interactive. I work on creating supportive processes with VPs at Zoosk and manage, lead, and create wholistic experiences that demonstrate the unique product and brand identity of a business to its users and visitors in 27 languages in 70+ countries. I organize and manage UX debt and scalability and sometimes design necessary components related to web, mobile, print or physical structures to accomplish the organization's goals. My current objective is expanding my repertoire of experiences in creating and ensuring cohesive customer journeys or working with developers to design new product features.
WORK HISTORY
Zoosk - Director of User Experience, etc. Jan 2013 - Sept 2018
Began as a UI designer redesigning and/or designing new features with the goal of optimizing both the users’ experience and the business’s bottom line. After a couple of promotions, from UI Designer to Lead UI Designer, to UX Manager, to Senior UX Manager, I now work closely with not just UI devs, and product managers, but lead 5+ direct reports of the UX team with skills including: branding, animation, interaction, prototyping, user research, UI and UX design. I regularly meet with the SVP of Product as well as present to the CEO.
Fort Mason Center - Art Director Mar 2009 - Jan 2013
Re-branded Fort Mason Center’s identity from the ground up. Art directed, designed and project managed all visual communication in both print and digital media including: Website, mobile devices, invitations, publications, exhibits, signage, and ads, all using original photography and illustrations. Produced multiple site-specific art, and public programming and visitor experiences.
California Academy of Sciences - Senior Graphic Designer Sep 2005 - Feb 2009
Supported the mission and identity of the California Academy of Sciences through visual and graphic communication. Designed and project managed print and digital collateral including web graphics and ads, digital illustrations, brochures, invitations, maps, print ads, exhibits, signage, uniforms and store products. Presented to internal clients and departments, and managed production with printers and representatives of production facilities. Worked with Pentagram Design Firm for identity elements and Hot Studio for integrating branded elements on new website.
SF Weekly - Assistant Production Manager 2003 - 2005
Designed web and print ads, tangible marketing collateral, managed and coordinated workflow between production artists, ad designers and sales departments. Maintained digital archives, facilitated production of weekly print, and managed press checks.
Peking Handicrafts Inc. - Graphic Designer / Package Designer 2002 - 2003
Designed catalogs, ads for trade magazines, and packaging for bedding. Art directed and styled photo shoots, and created blueprints/technical drawings for overseas manufacturers. Managed press checks and liaised with art departments from out-of-house accounts such as Mervyn's, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Macy’s.
SKILLS
I often pick up new skills to be more effective at whatever I need to produce. Some include:
Sketch for UI and asset production
Invision and other prototyping tools for interaction design validation
Usertesting.com for user research testing and recording
Adobe Creative Cloud: Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects
Final Cut for making short artist documentaries
10+ YEARS OF DESIGN EXPERIENCE
Attentive to the purpose of any design project; always considerate of the mission and goals as a primary inspiration
Fluent in product design–UI/UX, graphic design, typography, illustration, and photography
Able to conceptualize, design, project manage and deliver a finished product on schedule and on budget in any media, at any scale
Enjoys working in teams, collaborating, participating in constructive criticism, and building relationships, yet also embraces autonomy
Aided or lead the process of re-branding for 3 institutions
EDUCATION
2002 - San Francisco State University
Graphic Communications focus from the Design and Industry Department Summer
2001 - Wolff Olins
Paid internship with international branding consultancy
2000 - Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
Contract production work with creative ad agency
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Public speaking appearances include:
• 2018: How to Land Your First Job in UX Design - General Assembly
• 2018: Participation in "Mentor Night" at SF meetup
• 2016: One of four panelists for AIGA’s live discussion: “Designing Products: Designing for the On-Demand Economy”
Listed as one of the inventors of Lively - an adjunct Zoosk product
Photography has appeared in TIME Magazine and Bioscience Magazine
MAINTAINING CREATIVITY
I support those who champion the future of my community through education by volunteering design skills at 826 Valencia Tenderloin
I sporadically provide illustrations for food and lifestyle site: Salt & Wind
Ceramics at my local studio keeps me rooted in my community of makers
Personal projects further allow me to discover new skills and support friends
Dribbble is where you can see some of the flashier, trendier graphics