My career history includes extensive experience with brochure, newsletter, ad and other graphic design work for print and digital output, as well as copy writing and editing for newspaper, magazine, newsletter and online articles.
In addition, I am an artist who creates meticulously drawn fine art work in graphite and Nero pencils. My commission work is most often of horses but I also enjoy drawing dogs for their owners. To see my artwork, click here.
Creative Design Experience
Karis Studio Fine Art and Graphic Design
Graphic Designer, Writer and Fine Artist
- Design and produce a variety of marketing materials for print and digital use
- Write and edit copy for press releases, newsletters, letters and web content
- Create original and commissioned fine art work in pencil
Virginia Equine Artists Association
Founding Association member, Marketing and Publicity Coordinator, former Secretary
- Design, write, edit and produce the organization’s biannual newsletters
- Developed cooperative marketing program and currently design and produce cooperative advertisements featuring members for national and international magazines
Virginia Horse Center
Graphic Designer and Marketing Coordinator, Equestrian Special Coverage Editor
- Designed, wrote and produced a variety of marketing materials including the Center's quarterly newsletter
- Researched and wrote event news releases and feature articles
- Wrote feature articles and photographed events for the Saddle Up page of The News-Gazette
- Designed and produced the first Virginia Equine Artists Fall Exhibit and Sale held at the Center that featured 70 Virginia artists and 180 pieces of artwork
Virginia’s Explore Park, Roanoke, Virginia
Retail Sales Manager, Assistant Director of Education
- Planned, opened and managed all facets of the Park’s museum store
- Planned, opened and managed second Park retail operation, a Virginia-made gift shop in the Park’s welcome center on the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Managed Park’s advertising and marketing efforts
Karis \k(a)-ris\ Of Greek origin with the meaning of "grace", the name of my fine art and design studio is pronounced KARE-iss. Chosen in memory of my first endurance horse, a purebred Arabian named "Karis Conquest", Karis is the perfect name for my art studio as much of my fine artwork features the most graceful of animals, the horse. Synonymous with grace, refinement characterizes my designs so that my work is always professional and finely detailed.