Creating empathetic, honest, and informed designs using observation and reflection.

INTERESTS
If I’m not designing, I’m playing the ukulele, listening to podcasts (This American Life and 99% Invisible are my favorites), or eating spicy food. I’m interested in learning how other creatives, like stand-up comedians and chefs, create work and solve problems. The best examples I’ve found include Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, Bon Appétit’s Gourmet Makes, and Chef’s Table.

BOOKSHELF 
I think being familiar with great stories helps you tell great stories. Here are a few books that I always return to for inspiration and advice in life and design. 

FAVORITE QUOTES
“The best work goes beyond simple mastery. Its power lies in one’s understanding of the human heart and the ways of the world, in telling a great story.” Patricia O’Connor

“The actor can learn from the painter about the emotive power of facial expressions. The painter from the designer, about the potential of juxtaposing images and words. And the designer from the poet, who can create warmth through the sparseness of a carefully chosen, well-placed word.” Frank Chimero

“Words are at once the designer’s raw materials and reason for being, simultaneiously a means to an end and the end itself.” Michael Bierut

“Good designers know work extends beyond the glamoerous parts.” Eric Karjaluoto 

“A good designer finds an elegant way to put everything you need on a page. A great designer convinces you half of it’s unnecessary.” Mike Monterio