The old left brain/right brain trope. Either you’re a boring and rational left brain person or you’re a creative but flaky right brainer. Well, somehow I’ve become a very effective combination of both. Perhaps it was my years of training as a theatrical director - on one hand, you’re working with actors, designers and writers, coming up with ideas and staging, basically creating the entire theatre-going experience. And on the other hand, you’re wrangling the actors, staff and crew, creating schedules, timelines and budgets, basically being in charge of the whole thing actually happening.

The same was true with my experience at Site9. Not only did I design almost every web project we did, but I usually created the information architecture and user experience, wrote copy and created marketing collateral - and I project managed them as well (up to a dozen at the same time) and often acted as account executive to boot. We built many successful eCommerce sites for such clients as Storables, Bioelements, MirrorMate, Discount Quality Furniture, Handsome Smooths and Kobos Coffee. So when I work on a design for a project, I’m not just seeing it with narrow designer eyes: I’m viewing it with the whole big picture in mind, including implementation, user experience, SEO and marketing. Having worn so many hats at Site9, including holding the position of Client Services Director at the same time as being Creative Director, has given me a unique set of skills that make me an extraordinarily effective designer.

I had a very enjoyable and productive time at Site9, but in 2008 the company decided to focus on their software product ProtoShare and discontinue all web development. I designed the ProtoShare look & feel (including the product logo) and helped create the user interface. I was happy to help with the ProtoShare launch and marketing as well as with getting the customer service department off the ground, but my real passion was for design and creative development. I realized that without much need for creative work, it was time for me to seek a new opportunity.