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• Can you tell us about your first experience using a computer?

  My first experience using a computer was quite memorable. I was around eight years old, and my family had just gotten our first home computer, running on the DOS operating system. Navigating through the command prompts felt like a secret code, and I loved the challenge. I also remember the fun of using floppy disks to save and share files. I spent hours playing educational games, which were both entertaining and a great way to learn. That early exposure sparked my curiosity and laid the foundation for my passion for technology and design. It was like opening a door to a whole new world, and I've been hooked ever since!

• What is the technological evolution that has marked you most and what will be, in your eyes, a turning point in this field?

  The technological evolution that really left a mark on me has to be the rise of the internet, especially through AOL. I can still hear that iconic dial-up sound as we connected to the web for the first time. It was 1996, and I was 15, diving into the world of HTML through AOL. I built my first website using Tripod.com, one of the earliest 'build your own website' platforms. It was like opening a door to endless creativity and connection. For the first time, I could connect with people from all over the world who shared my interest in discovering new technologies. It was an incredible feeling to be part of a global community exploring this new frontier together.
  
  Around the same time, software like those offered by Adobe and QuarkXPress were transforming graphic design from hand-drawn to digital. I first got my hands on Photoshop 3 in high school, which was a game-changer for me. Being listed in 'Who's Who Among American High School Students' and showcasing my love for computer graphics paved the way for me to study Visual Communications in college. It was a pivotal moment that fueled my passion for digital design.
  
  Looking ahead, AI is reshaping my field in exciting ways. It's transforming how we approach design, making processes more efficient and opening up new creative possibilities. I recently gained my certification in AI-aided graphic design, which has been a thrilling journey. This new skill set is not only enhancing my work but also positioning me at the forefront of this technological wave. As someone who's always been excited about technology, I can't wait to see how AI continues to shape our world and my career.

• Explain your expertise, your interest in it and, more broadly, its importance in the computer world.

  My expertise lies in graphic and web design, a field I've been passionate about for over two decades. Right after high school, I pursued an AA, followed by a BA, and then a Master's degree, all focused on design and visual communications. This solid educational foundation has been crucial in shaping my skills and understanding of the field. I've also committed to ongoing education, continually updating my knowledge to stay at the forefront of industry trends.
  
  My interest in design started early, fueled by the creative possibilities I discovered through technology. I love how design combines art and technology to communicate ideas and solve problems visually. It's a dynamic field that constantly evolves, keeping me engaged and inspired.
  
  In the broader computer world, design is crucial. It's the bridge between technology and users, making complex systems accessible and engaging. Good design enhances user experience, drives engagement, and ultimately contributes to the success of digital products. As technology advances, the role of design becomes even more important, ensuring that innovations are not only functional but also user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
  
  My journey in this field has been enriched by my recent certification in AI-aided graphic design. This has expanded my toolkit, allowing me to integrate cutting-edge technology into my creative process. It's an exciting time to be in design, as AI opens up new possibilities for creativity and efficiency, further highlighting the importance of design in the tech world.

• Do so-called 'visionaries', such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg inspire you or do you have other role models?

  While I have great respect for visionaries like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg for bringing technology to people like me, my true inspiration comes from the world of art. Artists like Henri Matisse and Frida Kahlo have always captivated me. Their ability to communicate on a deeper level and tell compelling stories through their work is truly inspiring.
  
  Art has a unique power to reach people emotionally and intellectually, transcending language and cultural barriers. It's this ability to connect and communicate that fuels my passion for design. I strive to bring that same depth and storytelling into my work, using design as a medium to create meaningful experiences and connections.
  
  In my role as a designer and educator, I see myself as the artistic hands for my students and clients, helping them tell their stories through graphics and technology. It's incredibly rewarding to guide them in expressing their visions and ideas, blending artistic creativity with technological tools to create something that not only functions well but also resonates with people on a personal level.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One of my favorite memories from school was a class project inspired by my amazing teacher and mentor, Virginia Burroughs, affectionately known as 'Ms. B.' She had this incredible knack for sparking our curiosity about the intersection of old and new technologies. For this project, I decided to digitize our old family slides-those cherished memories from a slide projector-and bring them into the digital age.
  
  I spent hours in the lab, scanning each slide and bringing them into Photoshop. Watching those old images come to life on the screen was magical. I got to enhance and restore them using digital tools, which was my first real taste of visual storytelling through technology. It was all about preserving these memories in a way that could be easily shared and enjoyed by my family.
  
  This project was a real turning point for me. It showed me how powerful it can be to blend traditional and digital techniques to tell stories and preserve history. It was a valuable lesson in using technology to enhance and protect our most treasured memories, and it's a concept that continues to inspire my work in graphic design today.

• What would you say to an uncomfortable person in front of a screen who says that "IT is too complicated"?

  I totally understand how technology can feel overwhelming at times, but trust me, it's more accessible than it seems. I've had the privilege of teaching a wide range of students, from my youngest at just 7 years old, who's just beginning to tap into his creative skills, to my oldest at 93. He started scanning in old photographs of himself and his late wife as a way to stay connected with her through his grief and great love, retouching their photographs to preserve those cherished memories.
  
  What I've learned from these experiences is that technology is a tool that can be adapted to anyone's needs and abilities. It's not about mastering everything at once, but rather taking logical steps and finding joy in the process. I pride myself on helping identify those steps for each individual, using them to reach their goals on the computer. Whether it's creating something new or preserving something old, technology can be a wonderful ally in expressing yourself and connecting with others. So, don't be afraid to dive in-there's a whole world of possibilities waiting for you!

• What are your other passions, related or non-related to computers?

  Beyond my love for computers and design, I have a wide range of passions that keep me inspired and energized. Animals are a big part of my life-I've had hundreds of critters over the years, each bringing their own joy and personality into my world.
  
  Art and architectural history captivate me, especially the study of culture and the art of visual storytelling that dates back to ancient Egypt and hieroglyphics. It's amazing how these ancient forms of communication continue to influence modern design. Essential oils fit into this passion too, as I find their natural benefits both fascinating and soothing.
  
  Creative writing and poetry are close to my heart, and I've been lucky enough to have multiple publications. It's such a wonderful outlet for expressing thoughts and stories. And then there's the art of beading and jewelry making, which lets me create tangible pieces of art that can be worn and cherished.
  
  These passions, whether related or unrelated to computers, all feed into my creative spirit and make life a little more colorful and exciting.

• What makes you a Superprof in IT?

  What makes me a Superprof in IT is my genuine passion for technology and design, combined with a knack for making complex concepts accessible and fun. I've been in the field for over two decades, and during that time, I've had the pleasure of working with hundreds of students and clients. From teaching a 7-year-old the basics of creativity to helping a 93-year-old preserve cherished memories, I've learned that everyone has their own unique way of connecting with technology.
  
  I love breaking down complicated ideas into logical steps and guiding people to reach their goals on the computer. My expertise spans general tech and computer skills, including Microsoft subjects like Excel, which allows me to help each person reach their personal goals in their own way. My background in graphic and web design, along with my recent certification in AI-aided graphic design, keeps me at the cutting edge of the industry.
  
  But more than that, it's my enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and seeing others succeed that truly makes me a Superprof. Whether it's through creative projects, storytelling, or simply exploring new tools, I strive to make learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone I work with.