5-up

co-owner, international greeting card company
 * 1993-1995 Umbrella Press**

This was a very successful two year venture with my business partner Ruth Ann Howden. I was the artistic director who collaborated with the artists, and handled design, layout, production, etc. She was the office manager who collaborated with our customers and handled payables, receivables, shipping, etc. We represented a dozen artists.

Part of our marketing strategy was attending national trade shows at major east and west coast locations including Seattle and NYC. We designed, shipped and staffed the booths while the artists volunteered their time. After two years we reached a junction; make a significant investment of time and resources to grow the business or responsibly close it at a point where we could pay off all accounts. At that point Ruth Ann wanted to liquidate the business and move to New England to pursue her art so we dissolved the partnership. We still keep in touch by email.

Samples of cards by Jan Eliot. Soon after our collaboration Jan's cartoon strip, //Stone Soup,// became nationally syndicated.

Samples of cards and calendar for Polly Helm of the Pendleton Cowgirl Company. After the closing of Umbrella Press I continued working with Polly and provided coaching while she began her own venture. It continues to this day with the mission to liberate the pioneer cowgirl from the dusty confines of museums and bring her stories to a new generation of American women.

The company has recently changed marketing strategies. Their portal can be found at [|Cowgirl Company].

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