Designed by John Fornoff
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about me


I believe graphic design is about communicating in an efficient and aesthetically-pleasing manner, so I always want the audience to immediately grasp the information being conveyed. Brand consistency and strategic purpose are hallmarks of my work, and I try to reflect the unique character of the subject in the visual elements I pull together to create each piece.

Currently, I live in the metro Detroit area with my husband and our precious rescue dachshund. My personal interests include travel, reading about European history and current events, playing tennis, and enjoying a good cooking show, quirky sitcom, or Wes Anderson film.

Photo of John on a sunny day with a lake and mountains in the background.

EDUCATION

University of Michigan  |  Ann Arbor, MI  |  Bachelor in General Studies, 2009
  • Interdisciplinary coursework in world history and cultures; member of the LGBT Commission of the Michigan Student Assembly
  • Prior to U-M, I studied architecture at Roger Williams University and journalism at the University of Rhode Island
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SKILLS + ATTRIBUTES 
  • Proficient in MS Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, Photoshop)
  • Event planning and social media experience
  • Exceptional attention to detail and efficiency
  • Unique ability to analyze complex issues, solve problems creatively, and learn new applications quickly
  • Honest, pragmatic, creative, and a firm believer that "anything worth doing is worth doing well"
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RECENT ROLES

University of Michigan  |  Ann Arbor, MI  |  01.2022 - present
Communications Coordinator (LSA)
Event Design & Communication Specialist (OUD)
  • Graphic designer and marketing professional serving Anthropology and the Department of Afroamerican & African Studies (2023-present) and University and Development Events (2022-2023)
  • Create a variety of print and digital materials, signage, and graphics that promote a wide range of events, including major U-M ceremonies, donor engagement activities, and departmental programs
  • Develop unique creative branding elements used throughout the event planning and execution process, ensuring a consistent visual experience for guests
  • Maintain departmental websites, social media platforms, and monthly newsletters

Bristol Community College  |  Fall River, MA  |  09.2017 - 06.2021
Publications Specialist
  • Sole graphic designer on the Marketing & Communications team for one of the largest community colleges in Massachusetts
  • Collaborate with faculty, student services, and administrative departments to create a variety of print and digital promotional materials, signage, and interior furnishings
  • Developed the college's visual identity following a rebrand in 2018; responsible for ensuring proper use and adherence to the brand guidelines
  • Co-advisor of the Bristol Art & Design student club; co-facilitator of LGBTQ+ Safe Zone employee trainings; member of the college-wide Equity & Inclusion Council and President's Innovation Team
PRIOR EXPERIENCE

Residential Mortgage Services  |  West Bridgewater, MA  |  08.2016 - 09.2017
Regional Marketing Coordinator: primarily a graphic design role serving over 100 loan officers and 30 branches across southern New England; also managed adherence to federal regulatory guidelines

Aquidneck Land Trust  |  Middletown, RI  |  04.2015 - 08.2016
Office Manager: administrative jack-of-all-trades, including graphic design, social media, and event responsibilities

Locke Lord LLP  |  Providence, RI  |  04.2010 - 01.2015
Paralegal: led legal discovery process and drafted pleadings for national retail pharmacy defense litigation without prior experience; designed client reports, in-house interpretive guides, and illustrative presentations used in litigation; also performed other administrative roles for the firm in records and billing

Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce  |  Ypsilanti, MI  |  06.2009 - 10.2009
Marketing & Events Intern

University of Michigan  |  Ann Arbor, MI  |  09.2007 - 05.2009
Program Assistant & Intern for University Unions Arts & Programs and the U-M Spectrum Center


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