Hello, I'm Jes. A creative living in Grand Forks, ND where I spend my days working as the Asssistant Director of Creative & Brand Strategy at the University of North Dakota (UND). At night and on the weekends, I still enjoy creating things. Some professional. Some personal. Some with computers. Some with power tools. 

As a designer, I have worked on projects ranging from wedding stationery to hundred page reports, and while what I create is important, I tend to think how I approach creating is more important. Passing a “looks good” test does not prove good or effective design. Creative should be rooted in strategy and strategy should be driven by a specific goal. Strategic creative that meets a goal, big or small, is what makes good design because it motivates action. Action that creates a positive outcome. Approaching projects with this mentality is how I gauge good design and it is what motivates me to keep growing as a creative.

Feel free to take a look around and see for yourself some of the things I create.

A few more things about me.

I have been a proud UND employee since 2008 (Hail to thee, O Alma Mater). Projects I work on at UND allow me to use my skills in brand management, creative development and oversight, prioritization and project management, and creative thinking. Outside of the office, I have been a graphic design adjunct lecturer at UND and done various types of freelance work. I also like to spend time working on our family home, a 1970's beauty in need of a facelift. 

In 2008, I received a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design Technology, a Certificate of Entrepreneurship, and a Bachelor of Art in Communication (with and advertising emphasis) from the University of North Dakota.

In 2013, I also earned a Master of Science in Technology with a cognate in communication. My research focused on visual perception in relation to digital publications.

Want to chat or have a question for me? Get in touch by filling out the form below.