un·der·sto·ry
/ˈəndərˌstôrē/
In a forest, the understory is the layer between the ground and the canopy—dense, diverse, and quietly essential. There, a multitude of elements coexist: filtered light, moisture, and a wide range of plant life thrives. Though not the most visible part of the forest, it is often the most complex—and the most vital to the ecosystem’s health. Like the understory, strong design doesn’t happen on the surface alone. It’s built within layers—context, collaboration, environment, and detail—all working together to support something larger.
The most impactful creative work comes from understanding both the fine details and the full landscape it lives in. At Understory Art and Design, I approach each project as its own ecosystem. By carefully considering the unique conditions, needs, and story behind every client, I create work that is not only visually compelling but grounded, intentional, and built to last.
Every piece is cultivated—not just created—so it can grow, adapt, and resonate over time.
After working for most of my career as a senior-level designer at a global consumer packaged goods (CPG) company, I decided to launch my own art and design business. While my corporate experience afforded me many opportunities to learn, I found the limitations to my creativity, lack of autonomy, and absence of effective strategy to be counterproductive. Over the years, I have enjoyed collaborating with diverse clients, finding the wide range of projects both fulfilling and valuable opportunity to learn.
In addition to being an artist and designer, I am also an avid writer. My husband and I have three children, ages 10, 8, and 5. We live in a charming small town in Wisconsin in a 1904 Victorian house, which we share with a few too many rescued pets and houseplants. As a family, we spend a lot of time outdoors in nature and also love to garden. Nature is truly my muse, and I am so happy to be raising my kids with an appreciation for the natural world.
PROUDLY:
WOMAN-OWNED
Like many women, I have encountered gender discrimination throughout my career. This experience has fueled my passion for advocating for a more equitable society. I am dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion while also striving to be a strong female role model for my daughters.
SERVING CLIENTS BIG + SMALL
I work flexibly with my clients' budgets to ensure they can receive the best quality services. Whether a small start-up company with a limited amount of money for branding, or a well-established business looking to improve their consumer touch points, I offer clients of all sizes design solutions that best fit their needs.
GIVING BACK
Using my design skills for causes that matter are part of who I am as a person, and how I run my business. This includes our local food pantry Sunrise Reach, various environmental causes, animal rescues and public education. I believe that philanthropy is should be part of every business plan.