About Suzanne
I'm a writer and a graphic artist. I am also a wife, and a work-at-home mom to two wonderful little girls; ages 6 and 3. For over 12 years I used my skills by working outside of the home. The last few years worth of which I dragged my sleepy little girls to day care every morning - secretly wishing to become a full-time freelancer; able to do the type of work I loved and be more available for my girls (while they were actually awake!) A surprise lay-off from the corporation I'd been working at, for over 10 years, turned out to be just the opportunity I needed to launch my freelance career. Within a month I was working on projects for my first clients as a full-time freelancer. It's been a busy and rewarding experience ever since.
I know there are those that will not find it PC of me to say this, but I am also a Christian. I bring this up, because one of the other things God has inspired in me is the desire to focus my business primarily on helping those who have a small marketing budget - yet still need professional and impactful printed materials in order to help others in need (mentally, medically or spiritually.) Because of this, religious organizations, other non-profits, Christian authors, and local small businesses are at the core of my customer base. I cut corners where I can - to reduce any drain on my clients' budgets - but I never skimp on providing quality writing and design!
Take a moment to check out my portfolio of past work and writing samples. If you like what you see, I hope you will contact me to get a personalized quote.
I look forward to hearing from you!
- Suzanne
Professional Work History:
Freelancing full-time since May of 2009.
Sony DADC – Marketing Coordinator June 2004 - Apr. 2009
In this position I wore many hats, including that of a copywriter, editor, graphic artist, brand manager and event coordinator (among others). I loved the challenge and diversity of this job.
Sony DADC – Graphic Artist Sept. 1998 – June 2004
Minimal amount of in-house design and a daily performance of pre-press preparation of customer supplied files for both screen and offset printing. Majority of files were for disc labels and various disc-packaging options, such as: booklets, jackets, sleeves, o-cards and more.
Graphics Team Leader – Maryland Community Church 1999-2005
Coordinated a small group of design volunteers to meet the design needs of the church. Slide designs matching the sermon topics of the week were needed for two different services each week. I oversaw scheduling, submissions prior to weekly deadlines, and when needed I also trained interested volunteers on graphics software and basic design principles. We also provided logos and posters on occasion for different events.
High Ground Digital – Graphic Artist May 1996 – Sep. 1998
Began as a graphics intern my senior year of college. After graduation I was hired full-time. Created both spot color and CMYK yellow-page directory advertisements of all sizes.
Education
Apr. 2009 2-year/50-lesson Writing Apprenticeship – Christian Writer’s Guild (Mentored by author and speaker Eva Marie Everson)
Dec. 1996 BS degree from Indiana State University, with a double major in English-Liberal Art & Fine Art-Graphic Design
Trained & experienced using the following software:
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Photoshop
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Quark Xpress - though I do NOT have this program.
(Currently using Adobe Creative Suite 5.5)
