who is

jen?

I'm Jen, a UX designer with a background in arts, healthcare, and entertainment.

Since 2007, I've worked as an artist and graphic designer across the NY Tri-State area, collaborating with a wide range of clients and honing my ability to adapt, understand unique needs, and deliver creative solutions in dynamic environments. This includes large-scale projects like web redesign, trade show branding, industrial custom framing orders, murals, events, and creative event collaboration.

My path into UX was sparked during a cross-country road trip, where an unexpected car breakdown turned into a pivotal moment in my career. While my car was being repaired, a friend of a friend introduced me to his work in UX design. This serendipitous encounter illuminated a career path that perfectly aligned with my desire to bridge my artistic instincts and journalistic passion for research with a practical, tech-driven world.

I’ve always been a multi-disciplinary thinker—drawing, writing, researching, and exploring the intersections of diverse fields like health, political science and environmental studies. My academic journey reflects this curiosity, having studied at Stony Brook University and even traveled to China to further understand global economic trade. This broad perspective fuels my approach to design: I bring a mix of creativity, research, and clear communication to every project, ensuring that solutions are both thoughtful and impactful.

UX design enables me to merge these skills, allowing me to lead with empathy, clarity, and a commitment to solving problems that matter. I thrive on collaboration, constantly refining my work through feedback to create user experiences that are not only innovative but also intuitive and meaningful.

I hold a combined BA in Visual Design, Environmental Science, and a minor in Journalism from Stony Brook University, as well as a UX/UI Certification from Designlab UX Academy.

My Favorite Books:

The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Four Fish by Paul Greenberg

The Humans by Matt Haig

Through the years

  • Homecoming at Rocky Point High School, NY – This photo is me drawing my first live caricatures to raise funds for the art society. Little did I know this would become my livelihood for years to come.

  • My first mural gig in an ice cream shop in Shoreham, NY.

  • While living in Brooklyn, NY, I was invited to create caricatures as event favors for a graduating class of 350 fifth graders.

  • After five years of creating caricatures, I was asked if I also offered face painting. I compiled a selection of designs in a binder for clients to choose from, and it quickly became my most popular service at events.

  • My dear friend and talented environmental author, Erica Cirino, and I had the opportunity to interview marine scientists to gain deeper insights into the Southern Resident Orcas of the Pacific Northwest. The experience was truly fascinating.

  • During the COVID pandemic, I wanted to use my artwork to support my hometown's organization, the Rocky Point Historical Society — which faced funding challenges without tours. After creating a website, I successfully helped raise over $300 for the organization, which later contributed to covering flood-related expenses.

  • In 2021, Honor Thy and I embarked on a two-month road trip around the United States we called The Mercury Ruling Tour with the intention of creating a collaborating with other creators in their home states. It was an absolute blast with many twists and turns!

  • I had the privilege of serving as the premier face and body painter for Blue Point Brewery at Governor's Ball at Citi Field in Queens, NY, during the summer of 2022.

  • One of the most labor-intensive projects I’ve had the honor of undertaking to date was painting an entire pizzeria in a 2D style, complete with historical references and branded signage. The project spanned a total of three months.

  • Ever grateful to showcase my artwork at the Hive Studios in Port Jefferson, NY, thanks to the generous invitation and hosting by Honor Thy.

  • In early 2023, I embarked on my journey as a UX designer and quickly developed an appreciation for how my coursework provided a fresh perspective and helped crystallize the visual services I’ve been offering for over a decade.

  • While taking Designlab’s UX Foundations course, I was invited to redesign the logo for Nassau Chromium Plating Co. This project evolved into a comprehensive rebranding journey for both the company and myself, aligning serendipitously with my coursework. It was rewarding to see the trade show kit on display at the NY Auto show.