I graduated Cum Laude and received my B.A. Degree in Graphic Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. I especially enjoyed Photography (both B&W and color), Publications Layout, Techniques of Advertising, and Technical Illustrations. I received first place on my portfolio in B&W Photography.
My first job out of college was as an Assistant to the Production Manager of J.L. Printing in Loveland, CO. After a few months, I requested to be placed in production and was granted the position of Process Camera Operator. After a slow climb through production jobs – process camera, film stripping, platemaking, typesetting, I finally achieved designer status. The experience helped me fully understand the requirements needed to print my designs, and also to anticipate and adjust accordingly, possibly preventing costly mistakes down the road.
I like to visualize a design before starting. I plan how the graphics and text can be used to direct the reader’s eye according to priorities. When looking at a design piece – what is the first thing you see? What is the next? Newsletter and book design require consistency; master pages are a great way to achieve that.
I am fluent in most computer programs, but InDesign, Photoshop & Illustrator are my strong skill sets. As a freelancer I understand the need for accuracy and efficiency. Every new project is a challenge and opportunity.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
You may view my resume HERE
Dreamtree Graphics came about after 15 years of working as a full-time graphic designer. As a freelancer, I am fortunate to work with my previous full-time employer, ImageMark, and continue to design for the clients I have become so familiar with.
I was the sole Graphic Designer for ImageMark for several years. I was also expected to image the film and maintain the film processor. It was a demanding position. The first thing I would do when I came in was organize my work orders. Generally, imaging film took priority, because in the world of print, the presses should never stop. Next I would determine what proofs I could get out quickly and how soon the Sales Rep would be asking about them. So it wasn’t just a matter of stacking work orders according to delivery dates. Once I got out the small, easy corrections, I would concentrate on the larger, more time-consuming projects such as newsletters, brochures and booklets. I had four computers at my command – two PCs and two Macs. One PC was used to image the film. The other PC I used for scanning and checking email. The two Macs were the workhorses – one was a G4 with MacOS9, the other a G5 with MacOS10. The transition from OS9 to OS10 caused several problems – fonts wouldn’t work, colors wouldn’t separate correctly, text would reflow. So it was a slow process converting the older files. I created all new jobs on the G5. Changes to old files were left on the G4 unless they were frequently updated, such as newsletters and forms – these I brought over to the G5 when I had a chance.
ImageMark Business Services started in 1924 as a small printing company called Brumley Printing. In 1996 Walter Payne purchased it and has now turned it into a multi-million dollar company with state-of-the-art digital and conventional printing equipment. They offer everything from large format to variable data to bindery and mailing services; and they have the ability and know-how to create quality work in record time. Recently they teamed up with Kodak to provide a Digital Demo Center. LEARN MORE
I have really enjoyed working with you and think your designs are excellent. ~ Deedra D.
Liz is an accomplished graphic designer who consistently produces outstanding design projects for a wide variety of customers. I have used Liz for numerous design projects, some of which have won Print Industry of the Carolinas Best of Category awards. Liz works quickly, on budget and always has excellent ideas and creative solutions to design challenges. I look forward to continuing to use Liz’s talents on future projects. ~ Phil P.
You are amazing!! ~ Cora B.
Liz is great to work with and will always find solutions to any problems with graphics files. She literally blows my mind with her knowledge. She’s a great designer and is always current with the latest ideas and trends in design. You can count on her to take your project from concept to final printed or digital art! ~ Keith C.