I have always considered myself an entrepreneurial artist, whether it was selling drawings to my classmates as kid for a couple dollars or making garden art in my middle and high school years. Now for over the last two decades I've made it a true profession. Photography and videography take up most of my time in the warmer months for both individuals and businesses. In the winter I'm usually carving and painting folk art fish decoys, which I use, trade, and sell on my Etsy shop. Along with these art forms I utilize my graphic design degree by working with small business and associations to establish their brand both in print and online, offering them a full range of creative services. In 2021 I added screen printing to my business. With this I’m able to offer this valuable service to my clients and produce my own fishing and natural apparel line that continues to grow each year.

I worked for eleven years in publishing as the Art Director for Hoard’s Dairyman and Hay & Forage Grower magazines. This role pulled upon a wide range of my skill sets. Photography, design, print production, videography, and everything in between in order to output the combined 26 issues a year. Along with time spent in the office working on the magazine I traveled the U.S. capturing farms to share their stories with a global audience. I left my role with Hoard’s to focus on my business full-time in June of 2018, after bringing many modern changes to this historic brand, over a 100 cover photos, and numerous national accolades.

I’ve served as Ambassador for the Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for the National Fish Decoy Association. I currently head up the efforts of the Wisconsin Darkhouse Angling Association. I was also a member of American Agricultural Editors Association for over a decade. I served for many years on the Photography and Design committees. In 2015 I was elected to a three year term on the Board of Directors.

My wife and I are in the never ending process of restoring our 150+ year old home that we purchased in 2011. To me it's an art project on a massive scale. To see the beauty in a home that had long been neglected and bring it back life.

When time permits we love to travel, work in the garden, go camping, fishing, and just be outdoors as much as possible with our young daughter and two rescue dogs.

Education:
Associate of Applied Arts in Graphic Design
Photojournalism studies through NYIP

Honors:
2025 Honorable Mention in Mary Hoard Art Show — 3D Proffesional
2015 — 2025 Numerous top five placings in the National Fish Decoy Association contest
2020 Coolest Thing Made in Fort Atkinson (fish decoy carvings)
2019 AAEA Two First Place Photography Awards
2017 AAEA Honorable Mention Feature Photo
2016 AAEA Andy Markwart Horizon Award
2016 Honorable Mention Fran Achen Photography Show
Mary Hoard Art Show 2015 Third Place 3-D Art
AAEA 2014 Second Place Digital Design
AAEA 2013 Second Place Special Publication Design
AAEA 2013 Second Place Cover Design
AAEA 2012 First Place Photo Award
Two AAEA 2012 Honorable Mention Photo Award's
AAEA 2011 Honorable Mention Photo Award
AAEA 2011 Second Place Design Award
AAEA 2010 Third Place Design Award
AAEA 2009 Second Place Photo Award
AAEA 2009 Honorable Mention Photo Award
AAEA 2008 Second Place Photo Award
Yahara Journal Art Show 2007 First Place Illustration

Feel free to contact me using the form below.