Bio

 

In 1978, after graduating from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with an associate degree in fashion illustration, Diana moved into her parents basement. Jobless, she went to work as a bank teller until she was asked to leave because she was a little “too bold” for the banking industry. Her relentless search for work as a fashion illustrator eventually paid off and she was hired to illustrate fashion for the newspaper ads of a major Northeast Ohio retailer.

“I’d like to say that next I became rich and famous and was able to move out of the basement but that was not to be. The job paid five cents above what minimum wage was at the time. But at least I’d broken into the industry and could finally say I had experience.”

As fashion illustration began to be replaced by photography, Diana transitioned into graphic design, working for many well-known retailers including Jo-Ann Stores, Macy’s, Kay Jewelers and Ivey's/Dillard's.

Today, after over 30 years as a graphic designer, she has returned to her first love — fashion illustration, but with an added twist. She draws live at luxury events transforming guests into glamorous fashion illustrations!

And yes, she eventually moved out of her parent’s basement and now resides with her husband and several cats in Chippewa Lake, Ohio.