About Us
Her interest in media and the arts began early, producing 60-100 videos and five edited films set in nature and her grandmother's basement. These projects spanned various purposes, including entertainment for friends and family, educational presentations for school and church, puppet shows, and even a video advertisement for New Era Christian Public Schools.
Crystal’s high school years were filled with diverse experiences. She actively participated in DECA, FFA, track, colorguard, chorus, 4-H, Mad House, 1st Priority, Unity Christian Music Festival, Forensics, and various sports, including rollerblading and snowboarding. Her passion for the arts extended to animation, nature photography, and event photography, all complemented by her skill in digital editing.
Her dedication and talent earned her numerous accolades, including state and local awards in Business and Services Marketing through DECA, 1st place in the White Lake Forensics Duo competition, and top placements in track and field events. She also received Best of Show and "A" awards for her artwork at the Oceana County Fairgrounds and achieved 5th place in state for marching band with colorguard at the Pontiac Silverdome. Additionally, Crystal demonstrated excellence in animal husbandry, placing 5th in showmanship with a two-year-old heifer.
Outside of school, Crystal excelled in various fields. She received the Honor Carrier award for her work with the Muskegon Chronicle, contributed to the design and creation of haunted house props, participated in softball and volleyball tournaments, and even crafted racing cars for Awana competitions. She also catered a wedding for Pioneer Trails Camp and was trained as a sous chef in French culinary cuisine. In her free time Crystal played violin for almost twenty years.
After graduating high school in 2001, Crystal pursued her passion for film and media by enrolling at Muskegon Community College, where she studied Communications. While completing her studies, she gained hands-on experience working for the Muskegon Chronicle, Michael’s Restaurant, Pioneer Trails Camp, and The Coastline Delicatessen. She also ran a 24-channel PA system and PowerPoint presentations for Ferry Memorial Reformed Church for six years.
In 2003, Crystal earned her Associate of Arts in Communications from Muskegon Community College, further cementing her expertise in media and storytelling. Today, her journey continues as she channels her creativity and diverse experiences into new projects, bringing passion and innovation to every endeavor.
During her military service, Crystal's creative and technical skills flourished as she designed banners, coins, cards, and video and PowerPoint presentations. She played a crucial role in setting up and managing PA systems, light tap systems, tape decks, CD players, and overhead projectors for prestigious events such as the St. Barbara's Day Balls. She also documented key military ceremonies, including retirement celebrations and the Casing of the Colors ceremonies. As a BOSS Representative, she encouraged single soldiers to participate in travel opportunities, fostering a sense of adventure and community. Her experiences and insights while in Iraq inspired her to create a blog titled "Imagination Grows Wild", where she shared her journey with the world. Crystal's love for travel expanded throughout her military service, taking her to 16 different countries and 32 U.S. states. These diverse experiences deeply influenced her artistic, photographic, and design perspectives. After retiring from the Army in 2008, she moved to Arizona, where she began working for Phoenix Rubber Stamp Company as a Graphic Designer, System Administrator, and head of the Sublimation Department. She also honed her skills in vinyl work for wayfinding signage and product photography.
Pursuing further education, Crystal attended Arizona State University, studying Visual Communications, Photography, and Sustainability.
Her talent and dedication placed her among the top 44 designers at Arizona State University in 2010. In 2009, she authored a 440-page book titled Imagination from the Heart of an Aspiring Artist. In 2012, she transitioned her education to the University of Phoenix to complete her training while relocating to Michigan for a year.
Today, Crystal continues to channel her creativity, expertise, and passion into new artistic and media endeavors, shaping visual narratives and inspiring others through her work.
Alongside Ben Joe, Crystal pursued her passion for art and design, working as a vendor and blacklight artist. Together, they created marbled bottles, lamps, logos, banners, 3D and glow-in-the-dark art, and she published books. Crystal also collaborated with Ben on various artistic projects. Their beloved dog, Daisy, became a frequent subject in their artwork.
Ben Joe, originally from Arizona and Utah, brought his own artistic and practical skills to their collaboration. With a background in plumbing, construction, pointillism, jewelry making, engraving, wood burning, and participating in Pow Wows, he complemented Crystal’s creative endeavors. Their shared passion for creativity and craftsmanship extended to setting up booths for Jackfest and other festivals where they showcased their art.
Crystal continued to explore multiple artistic mediums, including watercolor, inktense pencils, pastels, acrylics, blacklight drawings, and vector graphics. Her work encompassed videos, animations, 3D objects, murals, signage, vinyl installations, and more. In 2016, she published her second book, The Victor L. Nickson Legacy Book, a 210-page tribute. Currently, she is working on her third book while continuing to innovate in the fields of art, photography, and design.
In 2017, Crystal launched her own Graphic Design, Art, and Photography business, White Flower Designs, as well as co-founded Navahopi Frybread Company. Her artistic ventures included creating blacklight art and marbled designs. After briefly pausing operations, she successfully reopened White Flower Designs in 2023, specializing in art, blacklight art, digital design, and photography.
Alongside her professional work, Crystal has dedicated over thirteen years to training her Queensland Blue Heeler, Daisy, with Ben Joe joining her efforts in the last five years. Now married, Crystal and Ben share a passion for dog training, working with their Queensland Blue Heeler, Lulu, and their Husky, Sorin, focusing on obedience, tricks, and manners. Their commitment to animal care has grown significantly, and as of 2025, they proudly care for 17 dogs.
Currently, Crystal and Ben reside in a cozy cabin in Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, music, and artistic pursuits. They are also in the process of building a kitchen, complete with a wood stove, to further enhance their homestead lifestyle.