Jeff was raised in the midwest, but has lived in the Washington D.C. area for most of his career. He has extensive experience running print and digital creative teams in both the editorial and advertising worlds, while at the same time remaining active as a contract designer and illustrator.
Jeff recently separated from USA TODAY to focus on his contract illustration work full-time after over a decade of service as Vice President of Design. During his time at USA TODAY, he ran a large team of designers, developers, animators, researchers and illustrators. Jeff led several major brand redesigns and won two Pulitzer Prizes for visual storytelling. His contract work has focused on humorous illustration, design, and informational graphics for many national brands, including National Geographic and Starbucks.
Jeff enjoys thinking "outside the box" and translating complex ideas into simple and engaging visual experiences across all platforms. He believes the execution of an idea is key, but the real "gold" is in the concept. He strives to run departments (and contract work) based on great ideas, not just pretty pictures.
HONORS AND AWARDS:
Two Pulitzer Prizes - Explanatory Journalism and Visual Storytelling
ASANE Award - Explanatory Journalism
Society of News Design Award - Visual Storytelling
Knight-Risser Award - Visual Journalism
National Press Club Award – Investigative Reporting
Society of News Design Award - Informational Graphics
Inducted into the State News Hall of Fame by the Michigan State University Alumni Association