About Me
My interest in media and the arts began early, producing 60-100 videos and five edited films set in nature and my 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 a christian public school. My high school years were filled with diverse experiences where I actively participated in DECA, FFA, track, colorguard, chorus, 4-H, Mad House, 1st Priority, Unity Christian Music Festival, Forensics, rollerblading, snowboarding and softball. My passion for the arts extended to nature photography, event photography, videography, and art all complemented by my skills in digital editing.
My dedication and talent earned me numerous accolades, including state and local awards in Business and Services Marketing through DECA, 1st place in the Forensics Duo competition, and top placements in track and field events. I also received Best of Show and "A" awards for my artwork and 5th place showing a two- year old heifer. In school I achieved 5th place in state, for marching band with the colorguard. Outside of school, I excelled as Honor Carrier for the paper, contributed to the design and creation of haunted house props, participated in softball and volleyball tournaments, and even crafted racing cars for Awana competitions. I also catered a wedding and was trained as a sous chef in French culinary cuisine. In my free time, I played violin for almost twenty years and counting.
After graduating high school in 2001, I pursued my passion for film and media by enrolling at community college, where I studied Communications. While completing my studies, I gained hands-on experience working for a restaurant, camp, and delicatessen. I ran a 24-channel PA system and Power Point presentation system for a church for six years.
In 2003, I earned my Associate of Arts in Communications from college; further cementing my expertise in media and storytelling.
In 2004, I took on a new challenge and joined the U.S. Army, embarking on an adventurous and transformative journey. I underwent basic and AIT training before heading overseas to Europe. I spent three years stationed in Germany and one year in Iraq, where I served as a Signal Support System Specialist and retrained as an Automator in the specialized Video Communications and Graphic Design division.There, I designed banners, coins, cards, videos, and PowerPoint presentations. I played a crucial role in setting up and managing PA systems, light tap systems, tape decks, CD players, and overhead projectors for many prestigious events such as balls, retirement ceremonies, and the "Casing of the Colors" ceremonies.
After retiring from the Army in 2008, I moved and began working for a rubber stamp company as a Graphic Designer, System Administrator, and head of the Sublimation Department. There I also honed my skills in vinyl work for way-finding signage and product photography. Pursuing further education, I attended the University, studying Visual Communications, Photography, and Sustainability. As part of a school and military work study program I started working for the VA Health Care System, as a Visual Information Specialist in Medical Media, while also working as a photographer and writer for the Public Affairs Office by capturing images for their periodical and the email spotlight, writing articles. Additionally, I was responsible for setting up and taking down PA systems and projectors for conference rooms, as well as crafting vinyl lettering for way-finding, murals, door signs, and parking lot signage.
In 2009, I authored a 440-page book entitled "Imagination from the Heart of an Aspiring Artist" a biography about life experiences, art, music, poetry, and my travels. In school, my talent and dedication placed me among the top 44 designers at the university in 2010 in a pool of about 400 students applying for the Graphic Design program.
In 2012, I transitioned my education to the online university due to the cost of education to complete my training. It was during that time that I got elected as a precinct committeeman, where I helped start up a movement to help make positive changes in the community. I helped create a 44 ft billboard, some magazine pieces for "Defend your Independence" radio show and inspired a community to create over a 1,000 signs to get good representatives elected. I worked with the Graffiti Busters and neighborhood watch to help clean up the community and prevent crime, and helped design a float for the 4th of July parade. Due to the many needs for my design services, I started up my own company as owner and chief designer of White Flower Designs and co-founded Nava-Hopi Frybread Company.
In 2016, I graduated from the university with a Bachelor of Science Degree in "IT, Visual Communications, Multimedia, and Design". One of my senior projects was a video I created with a group about the pets we had and their talents and skills. my dog of 13 years, was shown going up ladders, down slides, catching a ball, and even playing basketball. She could swim out in the water and catch a frisbee as well. I published my second book, a 210-page tribute; a biography on the life and experiences of a client. Currently, I am working on my third book while continuing to innovate in the fields of art, photography, and design. I have also produced several black light artworks from 2016- Present.
My husband, brought his own artistic and practical skills to our collaboration. With a background in plumbing, construction, pointillism, jewelry making, engraving, wood burning, and Pow Wows, complemented my creative endeavors and shared my passion for creativity and craftsmanship by extending to setting up booths for Jackfest and other festivals where we showcased our art.
Portfolio : https://crystalcoochise.myportfolio.com/
Instagram @white_flower_designs_