Design is the intermediary
between information
and understanding.
Abstract expressionist, Hans Hofmann
Design That Empowers
But, you're an instructional designer?
Yes, and I've created a lot of content across many channels.
Instructional designers work at the same intersection as our colleagues in marketing (attract, inform, convert, engage) or user experience design (journey maps), or web developers (landing, listing, product, purchase). We practice customer research, storytelling, content creation, and visual design.
Our expert angle is in education which can (should) be leveraged in pre-sales, during user evaluation, and post-sales. But on any given day, we're creating email templates, product promo videos, social media graphics, curriculum plans, and merch. Heck, some days we're filming our experts or creating custom animations to visually lighten the cognitive load of complex content.
By definition, as a designer, I consider myself a strategic partner and a maker. I want to help you create content to gain, train, and retain your customers.

Lindsay Davis, 2024
If customers want your tools, learners want your content, or clients want your expertise,
create content that empowers them to become self-taught experts, repeat clients, and super users (aka your evangelists).
Every touch point with your audience is an opportunity to inform, convert, or engage. As your designer, I can help you define or create those opportunities for your customers to learn, apply, and buy (more).
Portfolio
Peruse the tiles below to learn about some of the business problems that have driven content solutions.
NOTE: Some visuals are blurred out because they were internal projects (at the time) for previous employers. I'm happy to refer you to the websites where my work is still showcased. If you'd like to learn more, please reach out on LinkedIn.

PROBLEM: We're changing customer workflows with the introduction of a new tool. We think customers would love it - IF we can get them to adopt it. SOLUTION: Let's walk them through it the most common scenarios/use cases! Sprinkling in benefits over the current process.

PROBLEM: There's no explicit path from higher ed to our industry. Can we close the gap for new to industry users? We're thinking about a video lecture series for those looking to transition into the industry/those who've recently landed in the industry. We want to focus on how this industry works and connect theory to practice. SOLUTION: ABSOLUTELY. Let's do it. I'll source the film equipment and figure out filming logistics.

PROBLEM: Our customers don't know the extent of what we sell... or how it works (sometimes). SOLUTION: Can we showcase/explain our broader methods and solutions? We can create a video for online marketing and one pagers for events. (Happy to point you toward my work history for more information on this video)

PROBLEM: Prospective customers have no idea what we sell and most of our marketing collateral is branded to quirky product names... which can leave customers confused - especially as it relates to the bigger industry picture. SOLUTION: Capture what we offer as solutions to the problems or phases within the industry process - using industry terms, not product names. Then make this interactive in our documentation! Linking (prospective) customers to specific products wherever possible.

PROBLEM: We need cover art for a paper one of our scientists is submitting TODAY. The graph is really what we need to call attention to... how can we highlight that? Also, it needs to be very simple for print and use our branded colors. Did we mention that we need this today? SOLUTION: Branded colors, highlighting the structure of interest on a zoomed in graph. (Happy to share more on this project but respecting ethical guidelines on showcasing work)

PROBLEM: Our trainers are overwhelmed and I don't think internal or external users realize how much content we have... can we advertise that? SOLUTION: Absolutely. This will work internal or external users. It meets branding guidelines and breaks down the learning-focused resources we offer.

PROBLEM: We need to be taken seriously and tell our story. We need professional-grade marketing content! But we don't have the budget to hire a freelancer. SOLUTION: I would love to do this! Let's tell your story - beautifully.

PROBLEM: We don't have the budget to support an in-house training ahead of summer camp this year. SOLUTION: Does providing the information virtually satisfy state requirements? Can we ensure they've gone through the content? Yes and yes with an elearning!

PROBLEM: Our PetStore employees need to be able to help customers pick the right food for their pets... but there are dozens of brands, varieties, and flavors for every dog, cat, bird, reptile, etc. It took me years to learn this... SOLUTION: Leverage your tools! You're already using iPads in-store, so share these quick reference charts I made. Now, employees can quickly recommend foods based on the top, vet-approved brands for the most commonly asked questions for each type of pet.
SaaS Content Approach
Speaking of content as a solution, here's a framework that I've applied to SaaS content in my last role:
I partnered with marketers, the customer success team, and product designers to map out the potential adoption barriers/questions throughout the user journey. Then, I defined content solutions to meet the needs of each question and got to designing!

Art After Hours
Though I've had a lot of opportunity to create content in the corporate world, I enjoy designing and creating in all formats!
Sharing a few favorite outcomes -






Sometimes, I cold call; I see opportunities for improved design or communications and reach out with an unsolicited pitch (bold, I know).
Unsolicited Redesigns: Santa Fe Botanical Garden


Unsolicited Redesigns: Mariposa Marketing branding
Unsolicited Designs: Drafts for Giraffes

Experience & Focus
In my first career, I taught high school French and was repeatedly volunteered for instructional coaching and curriculum alignment committees. Working with other educators on classroom management and curriculum design soon turned into district-wide special projects and community partnerships.
After six spirited years in education, I threw (all) my hat(s) into the corporate ring. I landed government, construction, pharmaceutical, and medtech roles with projects spanning from release update content to end to end customer education programming. I've captured the more unique design projects in the Portfolio section (above), but I would love to talk through more recent projects over Linkedin.
If you're interested in working together, here's what you can expect from me as your designer:
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I will challenge existing solutions (is the problem clearly defined, are the success metrics clearly defined - and are they. measurable) and investigate solution constraints
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I will volunteer for new tools, product testing, and proof reading
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I will thoroughly scope and manage new content development and all communications
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I will bring in baked goods at least once a month (instant morale booster)













