Graphic Design
I have over 30 years of graphic design experience (which is strange because I don’t feel like I’m old enough for that to even be possible). My personal design strengths are in layout design; newsletters, booklets, ebooks—essentially publication design and advertising materials.
My design capabilities include but are definitely not limited to:
• Graphic Design & Production
• Advertising Design (Newspaper, Magazine & Digital)
• Publications Design
• Basic Website Design (Wix, Shopify, Message Boards, Blogs, WordPress)
• Digital Photo Restoration / Photoshop
• Email / Newsletter Blasts & List Management
• Photography, Sketchwork
• Etsy Store Set-Up & Management
Self-Publishing Services
I am experienced in all aspects of self-publishing, from editing and proofreading to obtaining an ISBN and creating a cover design. If you have a transcript and need help getting it into the final format, I can help. Self-publishing has never been easier so if you have a story idea, don’t be intimidated by all the steps it takes to get your book out there. I offer reasonable rates for first-time authors/writing hobbyists.
• Print Book & eBook Design for Self-Published Authors
• Proofreading, Editing, Beta-Reading
• Basic Transcription Services
• Cover Design
• Promotional Ad Layouts
Web Design/Development
I am experienced with basic web design and can get your personal or small business website up and running for you. (I can even host your site for a small monthly fee.) I prefer to use website design templates that allow you to take control once the design is complete, but I am also happy to make any changes for you as they are needed. I am experienced in a variety of web services, like adding an SSL certificate, Google AdWords and product listings, etc.
I have experience with the following templates, but I am happy to use any platform you’d prefer.
• WordPress (& WordPress Shopping Cart)
• YaBB Bulletin Board
• ZenCart (Shopping Cart System)
• GoDaddy Website Builder
• Wix Website Builder (& Shopping Cart System)
• Shopify (Shopping Cart System)
• Google Business
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
I am happy to use AI where it is acceptable. I do not use it in my design layouts, I rarely use it for image generation (unless specifically requested by a client); however, I do frequently use AI to help generate summaries and reports from excessive amounts of data. I also use it to double-check spelling and grammar or to research information. It is a priceless, time-saving tool that should be embraced where appropriate. It is not a replacement for human creativity (if you don’t believe me, as AI to generate a logo and see what you get), but it is an assistant to enhance it.
Printing & More
I work closely with local and online printers to get you the best pricing on printing from business cards and postcards to trifold brochures and coiled booklets. If you need a small run of yard signs at a good price, get a price estimate from me before ordering elsewhere!
Die-Cutting, Stickers & Labels
I can do in house small-scale die-cutting, including vinyl decals for car or shop windows (max 12″ in one direction), custom stickers or small batch labels for your products. Need a bigger batch? I can find you excellent pricing!
Programs & Capabilities
In summary, I know a lot about a little and a little about a lot. I love to learn new things, and the list below shows only a fraction of what I have worked on throughout my time as a graphic designer.
Graphic Design Software:
– Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver)
– Quark XPress
– Misc Design Products: Macromedia Freehand, Corel Painter, Pagemaker, ImageReady, Dimensions, Streamline
Google Office: Docs, Sheets, Business, etc.
Microsoft Office: Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Teams
Presentation Software: Microsoft Powerpoint, ProPresentor
Publishing: Scrivener, Calibre, Kindle Create, LibreOffice, Novel Writer, Vellum
Coding: BBEdit, Dreamweaver
Misc/Web: CPanel, ZenCart, WordPress, GoDaddy Site Builder, Basekit Sitebuilder
Mailing: MailChimp, Campaign Monitor
Video/Audio: Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, GarageBand
Digital File Management: DropBox, Sugarsync, Soundcloud, Vimeo, YouTube, Transmit, Fetch
Misc: Silhouette Studio, Adobe Acrobat/Distiller*