My Background

I have a passion for providing creative solutions to design quandaries.

Since 2004 I have worked strategically with business owners of all types to establish their brands, expand their audience reach, and get their message out to the world.  My client base consists of start-ups, small business owners, entrepreneurs, content creators and creatives.  Initially my niche was focused on life and business coaches but has since evolved to include the realms of alternative health (which I also have a strong passion for), service-based businesses, artists, musicians and other creators of awesomeness!  I really enjoy working with positive people who are providing products and services that help others.

Throughout my life one of my biggest interests was art and music.  I had two very inspirational Aunts who were wonderful artists and they both advocated for me to pursue an artistic path.  I always looked forward to art class while I was in school and most days at home you’d find me either at my drawing table or holding a guitar.  I am a self-taught guitarist and currently learning the piano so that I can write and record my own music.  In my senior year of high school, I made the decision to move to Seattle, WA to attend the Art Institute (RIP).  I enjoyed my time there so much that I went for two Associates degrees.  The first in Music & Video Business and the second in Graphic Design.  I graduated with Honors both times.

After working in the video post-production industry for a number of years I ultimately decided that I wanted to start up my own business using my design degree.  In 2004 Design Formare was born!  In 2012 I switched over to become a Corporation.  Over the past 15 years I have worked with many wonderful clients, many of whom still work with me to this day!  I have been extremely fortunate in that my entire current client base was 100% referred to me.  Because of that I have not (yet) needed to market or sell my services.  Keeping my empire reasonably small is one of the reasons why I am able to offer such focused attention to each of my clients.

Working With Me

I personally believe that the best working relationships happen when there’s a good fit personality wise.  The best results are achieved when there is clear communication, trust and an overall good vibe between us.   It is also important to have a clear plan regarding your needs.  I offer a free 30-minute consultation so that we can get to know each other before agreeing to embark on a project.  During this consultation we can learn more about each other, your needs and see if it might be the right fit for us both.

I currently work with two wonderful and creative women, Susan & Alana. Most of my clients started working with me because they were turned off by working with a firm where they felt they were being passed around.  Now that I am starting to build up a team of my own, rest-assured that I will remain the main point of contact, the “face” of Design Formare Inc.

I am a firm believer in maintaining boundaries that ensure that I (and my team members) keep a healthy work/life balance.  I am personally and generally available Mon-Fri, 9am – 4pm PT and try to stick with that pretty closely.  I take the weekends off to relax and re-charge.  Emergencies sometimes arise after-hours and on weekends.  In those cases I respond as soon as I can.

View my policies and FAQ

My Design Style

I have a personal preference for the minimalist design style.  Less is more.  Form following function.  The focus should always be on the message and being able to communicate that quickly and effectively.  The goal of great design is that it is aesthetically pleasing while putting the emphasis on the content, ease of use, structure and flow.

A minimalist design strategy is one that seeks to simplify interfaces by removing unnecessary elements or content that does not support user tasks. Just because a design technique is popular doesn’t necessarily mean that it always supports a user’s needs and optimizes profitability or other business objectives.  Research suggests that while some of these design ideas can support business goals, others can hurt your profitability.

Here are some characteristics of minimalist design:

• Flat Patterns & Textures
• Limited Color Palette
• Limited Bells & Whistles
• Whitespace
• Engaging Typography
• Grid Layouts
• Balance

My team members each have their own unique style, so projects are assigned to either of them based on which would be the best fit.  In some cases I may personally work on a project or in collaboration with my team members.

My Proficiencies

• Systems I use: Windows 10, Android, iPad Pro
• Custom WordPress Websites
• Theme Frameworks: Divi, Elementor, Avada
• Theme Builders: Divi, Elementor, Beaver Builder (yuck!), Visual Composer, Fusion
• Coding Languages: HTML, CSS, PHP (basic)
• Adobe CC (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Audition, Premier, After Effects, Acrobat)
• Camtasia
• ProCreate (iPad Pro)
• Microsoft Office

I believe strongly in continuing education.  I work consistently to stay on top of the skills I already possess and expand upon them.

On the Personal Side

• I love art – sketching, painting, creating, admiring the art of others
• I love music – playing guitar, learning piano, writing music, listening to music
• I’m an avid bowler
• I’m a cat lady – I have three furbabies.  Bell’Occhio (Ochie) & Rue & Loki
• I have a passion for alternative health
• I enjoy gardening and landscaping
• I have an amazing Husband!

I appreciate your consideration of my services!

On the Personal Side

• I love art – sketching, painting, creating, admiring the art of others
• I love music – playing guitar, learning piano, writing music, listening to music
• I’m an avid bowler
• I’m a cat lady – I have three furbabies.  Bell’Occhio (Ochie) & Rue & Loki
• I have a passion for alternative health
• I enjoy gardening and landscaping
• I have an amazing Husband!

I appreciate your consideration of my services!