Living in a small town taught me volumes about the importance of hard work and how to make something out of nothing. I would not be who I am if it weren't for that experience.

My parents worked for the department of defense; one as an engineer and the other as a computer specialist. Because of my parents' jobs I was fortunate enough to have a personal computer, complete with design software and Internet access, for a good portion of my life. I don’t think my knowledge of computers and software make me a designer, however, any more than the knowledge of paint and canvas makes someone an artist. There is no mistaking the importance of understanding the limitations of your media.