EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts, emphasis in Illustration, Department of Visual and Media Arts, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan 49401
• Graduated with an Illustration degree, specialization in concept art and storyboard art
• Recipient of the NJS Otis Art Scholarship
• Dean's List: Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Fall 2020
• Member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity
• 2017 – 2021 Laker Marching Band Color Guard, Captain 2020, 2021
• 2020 – 2021 President of Student Interest Group for Illustrators (SIGIL)
EXPERIENCE
SHOWS
2021 VENTURE, BFA Show | Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan 49401 www.gvsuillustratorsforhire.com
• Participated in a 15-member art show exploring the theme of adventure
• As a member of the exhibition book design team created a template for artists to display their work within the book, communicating with the production company for book format and production time
• As a member of the virtual gallery design team, created sketches to develop the gallery layout
2019 Festival of the Arts, Regional Arts Exhibition | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516
• Recipient of the William John Heule Memorial Award
• Participated in an annual art exhibition and competition open to all artists in the Grand Rapids area
WORK
2022-Present | Cover Illustrator, Of Vampires and Men by Kailey Alessi
• Work with the author to brainstorm ideas
• Provide a series of rough sketches before moving toward the final product
• Provide status updates and progress photos
• Deliver all resources by the deadline with proper formatting and file size
2024-Present | Optician, Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
• Fit patients with glasses that compliment their style, personality, and facial structure
• Verify and locate vision insurance coverage for patients
• Build order forms for a variety of lens types based on the individual needs per patient
• Accurately calculate costs and insurance coverage for billing purposes
• Educate patients on how to properly care for and use their new glasses
• Identify and troubleshoot issues with glasses ranging from fit, angle, measurements, and prescription errors
• Adjust and repair glasses using a variety of tools and techniques
2024-2024 | Sales Associate, LensCrafters
2023-2024 | Optometric Technician Supervisor, LensCrafters
2022-2023 | Optometric Technician, LensCrafters
• Supervise a team of optometric technicians to ensure all forms and practices are to company and state standard
• Perform a variety of tasks to assist the optometrist in eye examinations • Verify and locate insurance coverage for patients
• Scheduling appointments and processing referrals to outside providers
• Place contact lens trial orders, ensure no expired contacts, and maintain the contact lens room in a neat, orderly, and free of clutter
• Educate patients on the proper wear and care for their contact lens
• Attentive to details; review prescriptions and/or patient information carefully; identify special needs; consult with Optician, Managing Doctor, or Retail Management when necessary
• Promptly answer the telephone in a friendly and courteous manner
2018-2022 | Graphic Designer, Photographer’s Assistant, Flair Photos Studio
• Assist photographer with lighting, posing, and prop placement on photoshoots
• Retouch client images
• Edit and design client products
• Design marketing advertisements and social media posts
• Schedule clients
• Complete data entry
• Manage organization of bulk orders
• Film and edit behind the scene videos
September 2021-December 2021 | Artist, Recycling Pinball Machine Team, Grand Valley State University College of Engineering and Computing, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan 49401
• Hired as an artist for a group of student engineers in an innovative design competition
• Developed and designed a theme that fit the engineer's needs
• Worked with Engineers to develop and design a game logo
• Worked with the engineering team to build the pinball machine housing and problem-solve issues
• Designed and painted pinball machine housing, playfield, walls, and functional objects before the deadline
LEADERSHIP
• Color Guard Coach, Forest Hills Central High School – June 2023 - Present
• Assistant Coach, Caledonia Independent A Winter Guard, November 2022 – April 2022
• Grand Valley State University Winter Guard Student Director, January 2022 – April 2022, January 2024-Present
• Laker Marching Band Color Guard Captain, August 2020-December 2021, Grand Valley State University
• President of the Student Interest Group for Illustrators (SIGIL), January 2020-April 2021, Grand Valley State University
SKILLS
Traditional: Drawing, Painting (Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache), Printmaking, Storytelling
Digital: Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Lightroom, Bridge, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Procreate for iPad, Clip Studio Paint, Microsoft Word
Miscellaneous: Color Guard (Flag, Sabre), Choreographing (Flag, Sabre),
References available upon request
