The Independent News (now InWeekly) was my first full-time design position, where I spent three years shaping the visual identity of a Pensacola, Florida–based publication that combined arts and culture coverage with investigative reporting on local government. I was responsible for cover design and the full layout of the 60+ page paper each week, developing a consistent, engaging visual voice that supported the paper’s editorial mission.

Early on, I expanded my skill set into photography, purchasing a dSLR and portable lighting rig to capture high-quality images, and learning photojournalism, studio, and product photography on the job. This experience not only honed my design and editorial skills but also fueled a lasting passion for photography and visual storytelling.