In April of 2003, my boyfriend (now husband) and I moved to Maui. When we arrived, there were no graphic design jobs available. So, I accepted a customer service position with a local print house.

Press persons, sales people, pre-press technicians, publishers, and customers offered valuable knowledge that helped me hone my skills as a professional designer—technically and creatively.

It wasn't long before I discovered there was a market opportunity for a professional designer with reasonable rates, practical philosophies, unique styles and attention to detail. So my "vision" to run a small design firm "someday" came to fruition—Valley Vision Design was born in September of 2003 on the Island of Maui, a.k.a. The Valley Isle.

In September of 2005, just after we were married, Alan and I moved ourselves and Valley Vision "back home" to Wisconsin due to an illness in the family.

I will always be grateful to my husband for his amazing support and patience. And of course, Mak, the dog is the best company mascot I could hope for!

The following lists my industry experience after earning a Designer-Technologies degree and prior to becoming a freelance artist and entrepreneur:

• 1995-2001: Graphic Designer for a signature golf resort in Southeast Wisconsin

• 2001-2003: Graphic Designer for Communications Resource and sister company, Microlink Graphics, in Bensenville, Il.

• 2003-2004: Full time Customer Service Representative and Pre-Press "pinch-hitter" for Ace Printing Company in Wailuku, HI.

• 2004-2005: Pre-Press Technician and Visitor Magazine production artist for SpectraColor Printing and sister company Art-to-Print Hawaii in Wailuku, HI.