Hi there, I'm Shannon!
A Passionate Brand Designer and Digital Strategist
Over the last 18 years, I've been blending creativity with strategy, cooking up digital designs that don't just catch the eye but truly resonate. My journey has been about more than just creating pretty things; it's about crafting experiences that connect, tell a story, and drive results. From the drawing board to the final click, I dive into projects with a deep love for the craft and an unwavering commitment to bringing ideas to life.
Leading teams and shaping creative visions into reality is where I thrive. It's about fostering an environment where innovation meets execution, guiding talented individuals towards a common goal with a shared enthusiasm. If you're looking for someone to elevate your brand with a blend of artistic flair and strategic thinking, let's talk. Together, we can create something not just beautiful, but impactful and aligned with your business objectives.
ITIL® v4 Foundation
ITIL Certified
Project+
CompTIA
MTA: Software Development Fundamentals
Microsoft
Degrees of Creativity & Certificates of Mastery
Crafting My Path Through Academia
and Professional Excellence
Bachelor of Science,
Software Development
Western Governors University
From Theory to Canvas
Tracing the Journey of My Thesis into Real-World Impact
Exploring the Intersection of Design and User Experience: A Comprehensive Study
At the heart of my academic journey was a thesis that sought to unravel the complex relationship between design aesthetics and user experience. This exploration was not just about fulfilling an academic requirement; it was about diving deep into the core of what makes design truly impactful.
Objective: My thesis aimed to answer the pivotal question: How can design principles be optimized to enhance user experience? This inquiry led me through a maze of design theories, user psychology, and practical application, culminating in a set of principles that advocate for a user-centered approach in design.
Key Findings: The research illuminated the undeniable link between thoughtful design and user satisfaction. One of the standout revelations was the importance of empathy in design – understanding the user's journey, pain points, and moments of delight. This insight has since become a cornerstone of my design philosophy.
Impact on My Career: The insights gained from my thesis have profoundly shaped my approach to creative projects. They've instilled in me a user-first mindset, ensuring that every design decision is made with the user's needs and experiences in mind. This has not only enhanced the effectiveness of my designs but has also fostered a deeper connection between the brands I work with and their audiences.
Reflection
Looking back, my thesis was more than an academic exercise; it was a pivotal moment that bridged my theoretical knowledge with practical application. It has equipped me with a unique perspective that I bring to every project, blending creativity with a deep understanding of user experience to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also deeply resonant.
The Journey
So Far
Charting My Path Through Design and Strategy
Director of Digital Strategy
and Design
Ascendant Group Branding
2023 - Present
Head of Brand Strategy and Design
Fixit Construction LLC
2020-2022
Principle Designer
Apple May Designs
2006-2020
Lead Designer
Ascendant Group Branding
2022
Expertise
A Canvas of Creative Skills
Strategic Creative Leadership
Merging creative vision with strategic project management to guide projects from inception to completion, while inspiring innovation and excellence in team performance.
Brand Design and Digital Strategy
Combining brand design, web design, and digital marketing strategies to create compelling brand identities and digital platforms that resonate with target audiences and enhance user engagement.
Research-Driven Design Innovation
Utilizing market and industry research alongside user experience research and design to inform creative decisions, ensuring designs are both innovative and user-centric.
Team Cultivation and Mentorship
Fostering team development and individual growth through mentorship, promoting a culture of continuous learning and collaborative problem-solving.
Problem Solving and UX Optimization
Applying innovative problem-solving techniques to tackle design challenges, optimizing user experiences through strategic UX research and design principles.
Values in View
Blending Ethics, Empathy, and Excellence in Design
In the realm of design, my approach is shaped by a few key values that go beyond the visual to touch on the heart and purpose behind each project:
Continuous Learning
The world of design never stands still, and neither do I. Keeping up with new trends, tools, and techniques keeps my work fresh and relevant.
Bold Innovation
It's about daring to imagine and bringing those visions to life, making each project a testament to creative courage and curiosity.
Authenticity
Genuine stories resonate the most. My goal is to craft designs that reflect true brand identities, building trust and connection with audiences.
Collaboration Over Competition
I believe in the power of collective creativity. Working together brings out the best in our projects, blending diverse perspectives into something truly unique.
Integrity
I prioritize honesty and reliability, ensuring my designs and interactions are built on trust.
Hi there, I'm Shannon!
A Creative Director, Brand Designer, and Digital Strategist
Over the last 15 years, I've been blending creativity with strategy, cooking up digital designs that don't just catch the eye but truly resonate. My journey has been about more than just creating pretty things; it's about crafting experiences that connect, tell a story, and drive results. From the drawing board to the final click, I dive into projects with a deep love for the craft and an unwavering commitment to bringing ideas to life.
Leading teams and shaping creative visions into reality is where I thrive. It's about fostering an environment where innovation meets execution, guiding talented individuals towards a common goal with a shared enthusiasm. If you're looking for someone to elevate your brand with a blend of artistic flair and strategic thinking, let's talk. Together, we can create something not just beautiful, but impactful and aligned with your business objectives.
ITIL® v4 Foundation
ITIL Certified
Project+
CompTIA
MTA: Software Development Fundamentals
Microsoft
Degrees of Creativity & Certificates of Mastery
Crafting My Path Through Academia
and Professional Excellence
Bachelor of Science,
Software Development
Western Governors University
From Theory to Canvas
Tracing the Journey of My Thesis into Real-World Impact
Exploring the Intersection of Design and User Experience: A Comprehensive Study
At the heart of my academic journey was a thesis that sought to unravel the complex relationship between design aesthetics and user experience. This exploration was not just about fulfilling an academic requirement; it was about diving deep into the core of what makes design truly impactful.
Objective: My thesis aimed to answer the pivotal question: How can design principles be optimized to enhance user experience? This inquiry led me through a maze of design theories, user psychology, and practical application, culminating in a set of principles that advocate for a user-centered approach in design.
Key Findings: The research illuminated the undeniable link between thoughtful design and user satisfaction. One of the standout revelations was the importance of empathy in design – understanding the user's journey, pain points, and moments of delight. This insight has since become a cornerstone of my design philosophy.
Impact on My Career: The insights gained from my thesis have profoundly shaped my approach to creative projects. They've instilled in me a user-first mindset, ensuring that every design decision is made with the user's needs and experiences in mind. This has not only enhanced the effectiveness of my designs but has also fostered a deeper connection between the brands I work with and their audiences.
Reflection
Looking back, my thesis was more than an academic exercise; it was a pivotal moment that bridged my theoretical knowledge with practical application. It has equipped me with a unique perspective that I bring to every project, blending creativity with a deep understanding of user experience to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also deeply resonant.
The Journey
So Far
Charting My Path Through Design and Strategy
Director of Digital Strategy and Design
Ascendant Group Branding
2023 - Present
Head of Brand Strategy and Design
Fixit Construction LLC
2020-2022
Principle Designer
Apple May Designs
2006-2020
Lead Designer
Ascendant Group Branding
2022
Expertise
A Canvas of Creative Skills
Strategic Creative Leadership
Merging creative vision with strategic project management to guide projects from inception to completion, while inspiring innovation and excellence in team performance.
Brand Design and Digital Strategy
Combining brand design, web design, and digital marketing strategies to create compelling brand identities and digital platforms that resonate with target audiences and enhance user engagement.
Research-Driven Design Innovation
Utilizing market and industry research alongside user experience research and design to inform creative decisions, ensuring designs are both innovative and user-centric.
Team Cultivation and Mentorship
Fostering team development and individual growth through mentorship, promoting a culture of continuous learning and collaborative problem-solving.
Problem Solving and UX Optimization
Applying innovative problem-solving techniques to tackle design challenges, optimizing user experiences through strategic UX research and design principles.
Problem Solving and UX Optimization
Applying innovative problem-solving techniques to tackle design challenges, optimizing user experiences through strategic UX research and design principles.
Values in View
Blending Ethics, Empathy, and Excellence in Design
In the realm of design, my approach is shaped by a few key values that go beyond the visual to touch on the heart and purpose behind each project:
Continuous Learning
The world of design never stands still, and neither do I. Keeping up with new trends, tools, and techniques keeps my work fresh and relevant.
Bold Innovation
It's about daring to imagine and bringing those visions to life, making each project a testament to creative courage and curiosity.
Authenticity
Genuine stories resonate the most. My goal is to craft designs that reflect true brand identities, building trust and connection with audiences.
Collaboration Over Competition
I believe in the power of collective creativity. Working together brings out the best in our projects, blending diverse perspectives into something truly unique.
Integrity
I prioritize honesty and reliability, ensuring my designs and interactions are built on trust.