I came out of the printing trades where I was fortunate enough to meet some wildly talented designers who became teachers and inspirations. Biggest shout out to the legendary Robert Newman who has consistently mentored, hired, and promoted women and people of color while helming the creative departments of pretty much every major mag you’ve ever heard of. I am eternally grateful. Others who were signposts include Helene Silverman, Rick Jost, Jim Christie, Mark Michaelson, Charlie Cross, Michael Grossman, Elizabeth Betts. As well as the photographers and illustrators who make it easy. None of us get here on our own.