Hello.

I'm valerie

I've had a lifelong curiosity with photography that started with my mom and her 1979 Canon. I still remember the first time she let me hold it in our backyard, how to focus the lens, to take my own photo.

Photography lead me to the path of graphic design, and graphic design lead me to art direction. I have yet to meet a person who grows up dreaming of being an art director. Each person's story to art direction unique. And this is mine:

After my freshman year in college, I decided that if photography is what I wanted to do, then I needed a job in the industry to know for sure. Being the early aughts, I actually opened a phone book and cold called photographers to ask if they needed a photo assistant. You only need one person to say yes. 

It was there that I discovered graphic design. It was a lightbulb moment in my life, and one that has shaped me to becoming who I am today. And throughout my career, photography and graphic design have enjoyed a happy marriage. 

As I grew into art direction and leadership positions, I discovered a joy for mentorship, and developing the confidence of young designers. My management style is collaborative with my team; to empower them to succeed while removing roadblocks. I prefer to guide instead of micromanage, so that each team member can grow and hone their strengths and interests. I believe in positive reinforcement and recognition of great work. I truly enjoy the mentorship aspect of helping people achieve their goals.