Experienced and Committed:
Andy has over thirteen years of experience creating award-winning interactive media. He started his career at a small agency in Rochester, New York, where his clients included Xerox and Steve Madden. He then joined the interactive firm Funny Garbage in New York City, and rose quickly through the company ranks. Initially hired as a designer, he’s been a creative director there for the past five years.
His job at FG affords him the opportunity to work with some of the largest brands in the world, including the Smithsonian Institution, Cartoon Network, Noggin, The-N, Wenner Media, Lego and Turner Broadcasting. His vision and strategy is showcased in apps, websites and on air content for these powerhouses, among many others.
Creative and Practical:
Andy’s experience leads him to understand the nuances required for high profile clients. He knows both how to set and exceed big expectations, and how to merge creativity with attention to budget. And he’s passionate about not only keeping up with industry trends, but dictating them.
With every job, Andy consistently strives for innovation and excellence, and this drive has paid off. Andy’s work has garnered several industry awards, including Webbys, 21st Annual Mark Award Golds, and an Emmy.
Team Player:
Andy’s friendly manner, coupled with his ability to see and shape the big picture, inspires confidence in both his clients and internal team. Colleagues describe him as “a great creative partner,” “extremely motivated” and “brilliant.” He’s both relaxed and engaged, and confident enough to embrace other points of view. His personality, combined with a tireless work ethic, make him an ideal leader.
Educator and Mentor:
Andy uses these same leadership skills to nurture the next generation of design professionals. He’s an Adjunct Professor at the School of Visual Arts in their MFA program
Designer as Entrepreneur, headed by Steve Heller and Lita Talarico. In addition, he works as a thesis advisor for graduating students, helping them shape and prepare their projects for public presentation.
Andy is also the co-author and co-designer of a book published by Rockport Press in September 2012. Titled Interactive Design: An Introduction to the Theory and Application of User-Centered Design, it’s aimed at college students and young professionals.
And he’s also in demand on the speaking circuit. Engagements include the 2012 Design Thinkers Conference, Pivotal Labs NYC, and the 2013 Artifact Conference.
Entrepreneur:
Andy has a true entrepreneurial spirit. Last year, sensing a gap in the market, he and some friends founded Pricetag, a custom quoting tool for interactive businesses. Acting as both creative director and UX designer, Andy and the team went from concept to launch in less than four months, working in the off hours from their day jobs. He’s proud to be a part of something that helps so many people spend less time on paperwork, and more time doing what they love.
This same entrepreneurial drive gave rise to another venture: his eponymous stationery line. Sold in stores nationwide–including San Francisco MOMA, the New York Public Library, and the Seattle Museum of Art–it features both Andy’s illustrations and his whimsical sense of humor. It’s garnered a good amount of attention from the media, including the New York Daily News, Time Out New York, New York magazine and NBC’s Today Show.
Well Rounded:
In addition to all of the above, Andy is a well rounded guy. He’s a father, a husband and a street hockey player. He once made a suit fashioned entirely of duct tape, and he’s got a sweet tooth that would make most dentists cringe.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife, designer Sarah Coombs, and their young son and daughter.
Partial Client List
- Bloomberg
- Star Trek
- Cartoon Network
- Teen Nick
- CBS
- PBS Kids
- Crayola
- Smithsonian Institution
- FedEx
- Turner
- Lego
- Veer
- National Geographic Kids
- Viacom
- Noggin
- Wenner Media
- School of Visual Arts
- Xerox
- University of Texas
Awards & Highlights
- Emmy Award Winner
- Global Media Award Nominee (x2)
- Webby Award Winner (x4)
- Webby Award People’s Voice Winner (x2)
- Webby Award Honoree
- Webby Award Nominee (x10)
- Times Magazine Top 50 Sites
- 21st Annual Mark Award Gold (x2)
- 21st Annual Mark Award Silver
- Creativity 34 Winner
- Interactive Media Award (x3)
- Print Regional Design Annual
- Communicator Award
- W3 Award (x3)
- HOW Interactive Design Award (x3)
