As a kid of the ’80s, I was immersed in a vibrant world of design, fashion, and technology that sparked my imagination. I’d spend days illustrating album covers, magazine ads, and anything with bold, graphic appeal. My bedroom walls and Trapper Keeper became galleries for my latest renditions from pop culture like Madonna, a Trans Am, or that iconic face from the Purple Rain album art. Fascinated by the design of the time, I loved dissecting logos, letterforms, and layouts to understand the fundamentals of graphic design.

Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to do now what I enjoyed so much then. My tools may have changed, the stakes are higher, and companies trust me to communicate on their behalf, but the reward is still the same. Design is still inspiring, and a “state of play” mindset keeps good design within reach. Inviting clients into that process makes the best possible outcome for their brand.