Iconography plays an essential role in all of our lives. Growing up, I spent many mornings sewing with my Grandmother. She was deft and had a great eye for beautiful material and exceptional designs. She also had a great love for all things Egyptian, especially hieroglyphics. These shapes and forms would find their way into our weekend projects and into my minds eye. As I progressed artistically, I used photography as a vehicle to isolate details in order to help me better understand the world around me. By focusing my attention on one subject at a time, I was able to make sense out of life and started appreciating the bombardment of signage and iconography that surrounds us. I was immediately drawn to the work of Walker Evans. I marveled at his usage of signage and commonplace subjects that can be easily overlooked.

In high school , I realized the driving force in my creative expression was the delicate designs found in nature and the way that logos and signage impact our daily lives. I immediately signed up for technical drafting classes so I was able to clearly convey my ideas. In my second year of drafting, we started using AutoCad. I was disheartened to put down the pencil and paper, but immediately discovered the versatility and benefits to designing in a digital medium. This experience would shape the next fifteen years of my life.

In 2008, I was enrolled at The University of Vermont. I was disheartened with the lack of art classes that were available for first year students and the schools obtuse class scheduling structure. In order to expand artistically, I started interning at Extant Photography without acquiring school credit. It was essential for me to get my foot in the door and see what was available to me in Burlington. The following year I transferred to Burlington College, which was a dedicated visual arts school. I finally felt at home.

I was immediately immersed in applied design classes and was asked through a work study program to run the visual arts lab. This gave me unlimited access to Illustrator, Photoshop and Final Cut Pro. I was incredibly fortunate to have this experience and to have a network of people around me that wanted me to succeed. My first real graphic design project was commissioned by Burlington College. I worked with a team of students to create promotional content for the college. I was in charge of the photography and layout design. This experience got me hooked!

When I graduated Burlington College I started working for RL Photo. RL Photo is a commercial product photography studio that handles the photography, layout, and graphic design needs for commercial clients. We handle national and international accounts that require a vertically integrated package for all their website and promotional needs. I have been fortunate to be able to create content and interface with some of my favorite brands; Burton Snowboards, Ben and Jerry’s, Darn Tough, Giro, Maverik Lacrosse and Champlain Chocolate, just to name a few. My favorite part of the job is interfacing with the creative teams and creating original content and layouts that are unique and true to their brands culture.

Graphic design has offered me the freedom to be able to work remotely and continue my artistic journey. I have been lucky to have an insight in to multiple creative disciplines that have shaped my world view. As an independent contractor, I have been able to travel and choose the clients that I want to work for. Outside of the work that I have done with RL Photo, I create logos and websites for bands and businesses and have consulted for various companies in Vermont.

My family has been making music for over three generations. My grandfather, Jim Chapin, was a pivotal figure in early jazz drumming. I have been performing my families music for over 18 years with my father, Steve Chapin. He has been instrumental in shaping my creative identity and has pushed me to to pursue my passions. We have been touring nationally, playing Steve’s music and the music of my late uncle, Harry Chapin, who wrote “Cat’s in the Cradle”. Sharing the stage with my family and friends has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. The influence of my Grandmother and immediate family has truly shaped my artistic vision.