Are you currently employed?

Yes, I work as a remote contract designer for several companies including Central National Gottesman, a global paper equipment and supply company, and Reckitt, producer of health, hygiene and home products.

How has your background prepared you for an in-house creative role?

I have worked as a contract designer for multiple companies, managing multiple projects, from a home office for twenty years. I succeed in this diversified work environment through a highly organized approach of thorough communication and concise scheduling.

Do you prefer to work independently or as a team?

Every project requires team execution between the designer and originator at some level. The designer needs direction, content, and feedback to complete successful projects that meet goals. 

Have you ever had to juggle multiple tasks? How do you stay organized?

Yes. I always launch projects with a reply email summarizing the initial discussion, what I expect to produce, and a schedule. This email prompts a review and response with any adjustments. Each project schedule is tracked in a calendar and assigned a unique ID used in all communication and file naming. This approach creates searchable tracking for all relevant content in even the most basic environments. 

How do you handle negative feedback?

I am always open to somebody else's insight, especially when they are experts in the project subject. If the feedback forces change to a design that will significantly weaken messaging or even cause it to fail, I will provide an alternative solution and points supporting it.

List some graphic design tools that you use.

I use the entire Adobe Creative Cloud design suite daily for static and motion content. I have produced 3D models and animation using Blender. I use PowerPoint to deliver final presentations. I have used online design tools, including Canva, Figma, Bee, MailChimp, and WordPress.

What are your greatest strengths, and how can you use them to help you succeed as a designer?

Communication. It's critical for producing an end product that satisfies the request and performs a desired outcome. My design experience and broad skillset allow me to create superior design solutions efficiently and on time. 

What's your favorite project?

The first project I did for Crane Merchandising was a user interface (UI) solution with graphics for a vending machine on the cusp of launch. User testing revealed a struggle with the purchase process. I met with engineers and product specialists to identify issues and form a solution. The final testing revealed 100% success and put my design on screen as the final UI for launch. This project was extremely satisfying because it combined design and process to achieve the goal. Design must work to be successful.

How did you make sure you hit the deadline?

I manage everything in a calendar with alerts to ensure it remains on track with sufficient time to meet deadlines. I review the initial deadline to make sure it is achievable. If not, the next step is adjusting the deadline or content to meet the original deadline. 

Tell me about your experience working remotely.

I have worked remotely for over 20 years with local and international associates. I have completed projects with as little as a single email, a phone call, a video call, a road trip, or a flight. I have always managed my equipment and have a dedicated home office space. 

How do you handle constructive criticism about your web development projects? Provide an example.

I would consider constructive criticism credible feedback from somebody in "the know," an expert. That feedback is likely critical to message accuracy and deserves addressing in the design.

I designed a corporate website and was informed that the CEO should appear alone without any other executives visible in the employee line-up scroller. I explained that this was contrary to the team messaging since the first employee page impression would only present the CEO. I was told it was understood, but the CEO wanted to appear solo. The change was made.

Walk us through your design process.

Considering the request details, project scope, and deadlines, I develop a schedule and proceed with rough ideas. I use references for accuracy, brand alignment, and market positioning. I  provide a preliminary design sketch for review to ensure it's on target and make adjustments as needed. Next, I provide a completed design PDF for review, then make adjustments based on feedback. I offer a final review PDF for approval to produce the final production file(s).