What encouraged you to work in this career field?
I have always been a creatively confident risk taker. My true talent is the ability to recognize marketplace trends, align those trends with emerging technologies, and create marketplace-relevant solutions. The first true execution of this for me was in my beginnings back in 1995/1996. At that time the web had only been commercially available for about 4 or 5 years. I recognized the rapid move from traditional print, to web, and started one of the very first web design studios in Indianapolis, Indiana - Studio Verso.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
There is always something new to learn. I really think that part of an innovator’s DNA is a deep sense of curiosity. I am always "poking the box" trying to understand the "why" behind stuff. I love to see people tap into their creativity and design the work they want to pursue.
What motivates you daily?
I am motivated by the idea that all things are possible and the only thing standing between "what could be" and "what is" is our capacity to believe that what we pursue is indeed possible. At Creators Camp, one of the movements I am a co-founder of, I get to see a glimpse of what’s in store for the future. Young people motivate me.
What education/training does a person need to get started in your field?
My field requires a ridiculous amount of curiosity and desire to learn new and interesting things. If someone truly wants to be a catalyst for innovation, they have to be willing to explore, touch, and become acquainted with all kinds of new stuff. Change is persistent and normal is the enemy to success in this field.
What advice do you have for those considering entering into a career in your career field?
Find a mentor (or mentors) that can help navigate the waters early on until your voice is found. A good mentor can get you past pitfalls that can set you back years and connect you with people that can open the doors to the funding and resources needed to move your ideas forward.