Hi, I’m Alissa! I love being involved in the creative process, especially if I have the chance to use it to help or inspire others. At the same time, I have a strong desire to ensure things look just right, to give a professional and pleasing appearance, whether by word or image.

I’ve had a joy for art from the time I was young, expanding my knowledge as I grew older by taking watercolor classes for nearly a decade. In college, I enrolled in further art classes to learn new techniques; and because of an added interest in computers, I ended up obtaining a Graphic Design degree. I was able to use the technical side of things at my existing job (at the time) at an insurance agency to help design forms and signs and even the company’s logo and newsletter layouts.

Over the years, I grew into a passion for writing as well. At school, I always excelled in English class, as the rules of grammar and spelling and punctuation just clicked for me. It was no trouble to look over the work of fellow classmates and help them improve it, and I actually enjoyed doing so. Even as I moved into the working world, I would review letters before they were sent out to customers and edit articles for the company newsletters. I have also had the chance to help online friends from around the world by reading over their reports or stories before submission and offering suggestions and corrections. I am currently also part of Distributed Proofreaders, who help Project Gutenberg convert old texts to be made available for e-readers.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids, taking walks with our dog, going on drives in the country, and playing games. I grew up in the western part of the US and spent a couple years in England right after marriage. My favorite method of rejuvenating is to go out into nature and walk, which I could do for hours if left to it. I will also never say no to a good book or video and can easily be lost in the world of fiction—something I like to dip my toes into with creative writing as well. I frequently have music playing and will sit down to the piano myself from time to time.

I love learning, and I appreciate the wide range of options available today for gaining greater knowledge on whatever topic inspires curiosity. Often, I will have a video playing on my computer or my phone as I do chores around the home, keeping my mind active and engaged while my hands are busy. Such videos can be anything from science (particularly astronomy) to philosophy and theology to how-to videos on topics related to my work as a designer, artist, or proofreader. And so much of this is available for free, at our fingertips.

Along these lines, I am fully in support of the creative community online. The Internet has proven to be a valuable tool in growing these opportunities for creators to share their talents in any number of ways—and to encourage each other in the process. Many of these hands and voices would have gone unnoticed in prior decades, simply for lack of exposure. In my experience with this community, I continue to be amazed at the skills of those involved, many of which are offered for the enjoyment of others for free. I am honored to be a part of such a community and to offer my own skills and talents in the process.