a little history

Oh, where to start? I started doing graphic design way back....in the late 90's. I first fell in love with design in the mid-90's and decided to pursue a degree in this realm. I enrolled in the fine arts program at University of Oregon and pursued a BFA in Visual Design. After receiving that piece of paper from the university stating I completed my BFA, I moved to Portland, Oregon where I continued my love for design as a freelance artist.

After living in Portland for a few years, I decided to follow another dream that I had put on a back-burner for years. I re-enrolled into the university system via Portland State University and pursued another love of mine, the French language. Shortly after recommencing my studies I found myself moving to Lyon, France where I proceeded to live. This magnificent country and culture taught me things I could have never imagined. Not only did I soak up the riches of living abroad, this experience also exposed me to European design.

Due to an expiring Visa, I came back to the Portland area to attempt to recapture my existing life. However, after coming back, I realized that my previous life no longer existed. However, I am fortunate to say my new life is even better and so much more fulfilling.

some fun photos

Beau as a baby - 5.5 weeks old '01	My little couch potato - 11.5 weeks old '01
Moana and his motorcyle - Vienne '03	Après ski - French Alps '04
Julie at Parc de Tête d'Or - Lyon '04	Doug & Cindy at Parc de Tête d'Or - Lyon '04
Julie and her Beau - North Carolina '04	Guillaume, me, Walid, and Yann - Chicago '05
Drew in his Superman PJ's - Christmas '06	Beau as Drew's pillow - Christmas '06
Julie & Moana at Le Moule - Guadeloupe '06	Moana & Julie in Pointe-a-Pitre - Guadeloupe '07

fleur de lys

Legend

The English translation of "fleur-de-lis" (sometimes spelled "fleur-de-lys") is "flower of the lily." This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life. Legend has it that an angel presented Clovis, the Merovingian king of the Franks, with a golden lily as a symbol of his purification upon his conversion to Christianity. Others claim that Clovis adopted the symbol when waterlilies showed him how to safely cross a river and thus succeed in battle.

Heraldry

In the twelfth century, either King Louis VI or King Louis VII (sources disagree) became the first French monarch to use the fleur-de-lis on his shield. English kings later used the symbol on their coats of arms to emphasize their claims to the throne of France. In the 14th century, the fleur-de-lis was often incorporated into the family insignia that was sewn on the knight's surcoat, which was worn over their coat of mail, thus the term, "coat of arms." The original purpose of identification in battle developed into a system of social status designations after 1483 when King Edmund IV established the Heralds' College to supervise the granting of armor insignia.

some of my more artistic photos

Castle Window - Castelnaud, France	Underlying River - Castelnaud, France
Terrace - Roque Gageac, France	Street - Paris, France
Café - Paris, France	Université de Lumière, Lyon II - Lyon, France
Gas street lamp - Sarlat, France
Beach on the Mediterrean - Cap d'Ail, France	Mediterrean Sea - Cap d'Ail, France
Street - Chicago, Illonois	Beach - Le Moule, Guadeloupe

design treasure chest

Below you will find a collection of designs that captured my interest.

French clothing store - Ange	French clothing store - Démon
This is just odd. Grocery store ad that I no longer remember the purpose.	A shoe ad I saw in Denmark. Nice lines.

Julie, Bob, and Diana's trip to France

Julie, Bob, and Diana's trip to France. Here are some high level details:

• Maps of: our route, Loire Valley
• See all of our photos

Born April 19th, 2002 my baby Beau.